March 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on bycatch risk assessment (ByRA) for South American sea lions in Chile
by Ellen M Hines 26 Mar '26

26 Mar '26

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of Dr. Maritza Sepulveda and our colleagues, we are excited to share the latest paper from our Lenfest Oceans project on using the bycatch risk assessment (ByRA) toolbox for Chilean fisheries (https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/research-projects/marine-mammal-bycatch-ris…) Bycatch risk assessment for South American sea lions using a GIS-based toolbox Abstract Bycatch of marine mammals in fisheries is a critical conservation issue worldwide, and Chile is no exception. Pinnipeds such as the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia, SASL) frequently encounter fishing gear along the Chilean coast. Despite widespread evidence of these interactions, few studies have spatially assessed SASL bycatch risk across multiple fisheries for this species. This study applies the Bycatch Risk Assessment (ByRA) toolbox, a GIS-based model, to evaluate and compare the risk of SASL bycatch across nine Chilean purse-seine and trawl gear fisheries based on data from on-board scientific observer logs from 2015 to 2019. Our findings identify trawl fisheries, particularly those targeting southern hake (Merluccius australis), as posing the highest bycatch risk, especially during the non- reproductive season when SASL exhibit broader spatial distribution. Purse-seine fisheries presented lower risk overall, with the industrial northern fleet showing the highest relative risk. Spatial patterns revealed that risk is concentrated in nearshore areas, where the overlap between the distribution of SASL and fishing activity is the greatest. These results provide a robust, spatially explicit foundation for prioritizing mitigation measures, including the mandatory use of exclusion devices and seasonal restrictions. Our approach underscores the potential mitigation provided by evidence-based management of marine mammal bycatch in Chile and contributes information toward the assessment of compliance with domestic and international regulations. Please use the following link to access the article in Biological Conservation: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320726001217?dgcid=c… Please let us know any questions about this project or the ByRA toolbox, Ellen Hines, PhD Estuary & Ocean Science Center Professor Emeritus, School of the Environment San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr Tiburon, CA. 94940 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/ellen-hines Adjunct Scientist: Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 26 Mar '26

26 Mar '26

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 17th May to end of November 2025. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2025 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 964464657 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to at least one month. We conduct our work year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. Longer-term applicants are encouraged to apply. We are looking for people to join as soon as possible, as we have current *openings from April 2026 onwards*. *What to expect?* Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted areas of conservation including social media management and ecological research. We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set, and length of stay. Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation. While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety of ways and become immersed in science and local life. Project activities: · Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour and anthropogenic impact monitoring: - Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities - Land surveys · Post fieldwork activities: - Photo-identification - Data entry and proofing · Community involvement and capacity building - Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events - Social media and content creation - Education and outreach in local schools - Beach clean-ups - Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting - Citizen science training for community members · Current Projects: - Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the opportunity to become involved with the following: - Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) - Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) - Ghost net removal - Acoustic deterrent device implementation - University collaboration - Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Internship training includes: · Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · Marine mammal identification and behaviour training · Marine vessel identification training · Field data collection and data entry training · Grant writing workshop · Weekly Khmer language lessons Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.co <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>m

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Registration is open for The Whale Museum's virtual Gear Up workshop for marine naturalists
by tracie merrill 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

The Whale Museum (TWM) is holding another exciting virtual Gear Up Workshop for Marine Naturalists this spring on Thursday, April 30. This workshop will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Pacific Time and registrants will join sessions through the videoconferencing platform, Zoom. This workshop is open to everyone! The theme of this “Gear Up” Workshop will be Caught Up: Fishery Interactions & Entanglement of Marine Mammals. In recent years, there has been a lot of stories in the news regarding entangled humpback whales, orcas being caught as bycatch in Alaska, and other entangled marine mammal rescues. With an increase in local humpback whale numbers, this issue may become even more prevalent. In this workshop, we will discuss entanglement statistics, whale and pinniped entanglement response and training, fishery interactions with killer whales, technological innovations to reduce whale entanglements, and how you can help with this issue. Invited presenters include: * Erin Casellas, Response Program Coordinator, The Whale Museum on Marine Mammal Entanglement Response in the Salish Sea. * Dr. Martin Haulena, Head Veterinarian & Director, Animal Health, Vancouver Aquarium on pinniped entanglement and rescue. * Cascadia Research Collective Staff on WA/OR/CA whale entanglement rates and the West Coast Large Scale Entanglement Response Program. * Emma Luck, Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow, Alaska Mariculture Alliance on global fisheries interactions and killer whales. * California Department of Fish and Wildlife Staff on the Whale Safe Fisheries Project. The registration fee is $40 for non-members; $30 for TWM or SSAMN members. You can register at: https://whalemuseum.org/products/gear-up-virtual-workshop-2026?_pos=1&_sid=… The Zoom link and workshop agenda will be sent to the email address provided at registration closer to the start of the workshop. Questions can be directed to Tracie Merrill at tracie(a)whalemuseum.org

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JNCC MMO course - remote delivery
by Carolyn Barton 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

JNCC-recognised MMO training, by an instructor with 30 years' experience, is available remotely (by Zoom) on 16th & 17th April, cost 150GBP (135GBP students/recent graduates). An online distance learning version of the course is also available at any time (same price) for those who prefer to work through the course at their own pace. The course includes comprehensive resources and equips trainees with all the knowledge needed to perform the role of marine mammal observer in the offshore industries: 1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals 2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation 3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing 4) Detailed examination of the suite of JNCC mitigation guidelines for different offshore activities 5) Data recording and reporting requirements 6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) 8) Working as an MMO/PAM operator and life at sea 9) Identification of marine mammals An online PSO course is also available, cost 180GBP (162GBP students/recent graduates). A multi-course discount is available if enrolling on both the JNCC MMO and PSO courses. For further information and for a registration form for any of the courses, see https://carolynbarton.co.uk or email info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk

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ECS 2026 workshop invitation - Wind Does Not Only Blow in the North
by Offshore Wind Energy Workshop ECS 2026 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the organizing team of the workshop *“Wind Does Not Only Blow in the North” at ECS 2026*, we warmly invite you to participate in our workshop, which will take place on *Monday, April 21, as a full-day event.* Please find below detailed information about the workshop, as well as the registration link. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. “The rapid expansion of offshore wind energy has been concentrated mainly in northern seas, where extensive research has addressed potential impacts on marine mammals. However, emerging regions such as Macaronesia present unique ecological, social, and regulatory contexts that differ significantly from those in northern Europe. This workshop aims to bridge experiences between regions by bringing together international experts on cetacean impacts and mitigation measures in offshore wind development to share lessons learned from the North. At the same time, stakeholders from other regions will share perspectives on local challenges, knowledge gaps, and conservation priorities. We warmly invite participants from other regions experiencing rapid offshore wind development to contribute insights on challenges arising in environmental and regulatory contexts that differ from more established offshore wind areas. The workshop will feature a series of expert talks addressing various types of impacts (e.g. floating turbine acoustics and noise impacts, entanglement, changes in oceanographic features, chemical contamination, and impact evaluation methods), followed by impact-specific working groups, where participants will be asked to select and contribute to one group based on their interest or expertise. The expected final output will be a synthesis report outlining research and data priorities, practical monitoring recommendations, and transferable best practices tailored to distinct case scenarios. Ultimately, the goal is to foster meaningful collaboration—drawing on northern expertise while empowering southern regions to build capacity and co-develop sustainable, regionally relevant solutions for cetacean conservation within offshore wind development.” *Registration link*: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 *The Organizing Team* Universidad de la Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain Wind Does Not Only Blow in the North – ECS 2026, Dundee

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New paper on the population consequences of multiple stressors in bottlenose dolphins exposed to an oil spill
by Enrico Pirotta 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Enrico Pirotta, Len Thomas, Peter L. Tyack, Catriona M. Harris, Cynthia R. Smith, Randall S. Wells, Jason B. Allen, Robyn F. Allen, Ashley Barratclough, Forrest Gomez, Gretchen Lovewell, Ross Martinson, Kyle Ross, Todd R. Speakman, Ryan Takeshita, Eric S. Zolman, Lori H. Schwacke. A synthesis of the effects of multiple stressors on a long-lived vertebrate population to inform effective conservation efforts. Royal Society Open Science. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.251531 Abstract: Ecological restoration focuses on the recovery of impacted wildlife populations, but the actions that caused the injury cannot always be reversed. Modelling the cumulative risk from multiple stressors helps predict the benefit of reducing other activities that can be managed. We synthesize diverse data from a bottlenose dolphin population that suffered long-lasting health effects following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We demonstrate how results from health assessments, analysis of scarring from traumatic injury as a function of health status, and epigenetic age analysis could be integrated to inform a model for the population consequences of multiple stressors. We use the model to simulate management scenarios involving the reduction of other stressors beyond oil exposure. Chronic health effects continue more than 10 years post spill, and scar prevalence indicates that oiled animals may also be more likely to get struck by vessels. Moreover, chronic effects of entanglements are evidenced in individuals’ epigenetic patterns. Simulated scenarios suggest that the reduction of lethal vessel strikes could have accelerated population recovery if implemented promptly after the spill, but could still be beneficial. The assessment of combined effects and the targeted reduction of stressors that can feasibly be managed can support effective conservation efforts. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins; cumulative risk; Deepwater Horizon; modelling management scenarios; oil spill; population consequences of multiple stressors; restoration. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding our work. All the best, Enrico Pirotta

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New publication: Ecological contexts of diving behavior in Hawaiian false killer whales
by Michaela Kratofil 23 Mar '26

23 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Movement Ecology: Kratofil, M.A., Shaff, J.F., Hoffbauer, H.K., Cantor, M., Hill, M.C., & Baird, R.W. (2026). Ecological contexts of diving behavior in Hawaiian false killer whales. Movement Ecology, 14, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-026-00630-4. The abstract is copied below, and the open-access PDF can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40462-026-00630-4 Background Predator movements vary across different ecological contexts, offering valuable insights into their foraging strategies. However, studying these contexts in marine predators is challenging due to the difficulty of observing them and their prey over sufficient spatiotemporal scales. Using bio-loggers and detailed life history information, we investigated abiotic and biotic factors shaping the diving behavior of a highly social apex predator-the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)-around the Hawaiian Archipelago where three partially sympatric, genetically differentiated populations coexist. Methods We deployed time-depth recorders (n=5) and depth-transmitting satellite tags (n=16) on false killer whales between 1999-2025 to describe diving at multiple spatiotemporal scales and ecological contexts. We fit generalized additive mixed-effects models to examine relationships between dive metrics and temporal and spatial proxies of prey distribution. Dive metrics were compared across demographic traits (sex, population, relative size) to assess potential drivers of behavioral variability. Results False killer whales spent most of their time in near-surface waters and frequently dove within the epipelagic zone. Individuals exhibited various dive types within and among different habitats, including near-seafloor and deep (> 1,000 m; record maximum of 1,424 m) diving behavior. Dive rates and depths were highest during daylight hours and full moons, although with significant inter-individual variation. Dive depth increased with current magnitude and mixed layer depth and decreased with lagged surface chlorophyll-a concentration. Larger individuals tended to dive deeper, although with high variation across demographic groups. These findings offer key insights into potential drivers of diving behavior, albeit with small effect sizes. Conclusions We present the first comprehensive description of diving behavior for this species, which was characterized by variable temporal patterns, in contrast to sympatric species that are known to exploit diel vertically migrating prey. The diversity of dive types across habitats, along with trends between dive metrics and oceanographic variables, suggests that false killer whales may adjust their vertical movements to target different prey and environmental conditions. Please feel free to reach out with questions or a PDF copy of the paper. Best, Michaela A. Kratofil Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective Olympia, WA Learn more<https://cascadiaresearch.org/> <https://cascadiaresearch.org/> | Support our work<https://cascadiaresearch.org/donations/> [cid:image001.png@01DCBAC5.EAEE1F30]

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Shannon Dolphin Project Internship: Applications open for Summer and Autumn 2026 Internship
by Mags Daly 22 Mar '26

22 Mar '26

*The Shannon Dolphin Project (SDP) is accepting applications for its 2026 Summer and Autumn Internship* *Background* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a registered charity and NGO in the West of Ireland. The group has been running the SDP photo ID catalogue since 1993, focused on monitoring Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins. This volunteer internship is based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. *To apply, email your CV (resume) and your letter of interest by **TTuesday 31st March 2026 to **mags.daly(a)iwdg.ie * <luisa.lopez(a)iwdg.ie> The SDP internship programme in 2026 will run from June to October and interns are requested to stay for a minimum of 12 weeks to gain enough experience. Please include your preferred start and end dates when submitting your application *Intern Duties* *Shannon Dolphins Surveys* Join surveys on board the IWDG’s RIB, Muc Mhara to record sightings, capture photo data, record behaviour, group size, and environmental conditions. Assist with coming in and out of port. Download and sort the data captured during the survey. Interns will also join a week-long survey on board the IWDG’s research vessel, Celtic Mist, where the whole Shannon Dolphin range will be surveyed, involving similar duties as RIB surveys, with the addition of assisting with running the boat with other crew members. Interns will also join local tour boat operators to collect data. Data will also be captured from land during monthly watches from several headlands. Two interns will conduct 6-hour surveys, on a 30-minute watch rotation. *Photo ID & Data Handling* Interns will process the photo id data they collect in the field, including matching photographed animals to the known catalogue of animals in the population. Other duties include validating processed trips for quality control, collating images into catalogues and databases. *Education & Outreach* The Shannon Dolphin Centre offers free tours to the public. Interns will be trained on the collection of artefacts in the centre and how to give a tour to the public. Other E&O duties include writing social media posts and a blog about a specific survey or task during the season. *Miscellaneous* Ad hoc tasks may come up during an intern’s time with the project. These may include assisting the SDP Officer with occasional post mortems, sampling of stranded cetaceans, responding to local strandings, deploying or recovering acoustic devices and bird surveys. *Requirements* *Applicants should be enrolled or have completed a BSc. / MSc. in **a** marine degree, particularly biology, ecology, or marine science program.* Applicants should also possess a strong work ethic and the ability to work effectively with others; this is especially important, as interns will be working in close quarters at sea. *Advantageous Experience or Skills* - Previous data collection or handling experience in any research setting - Experience at sea - Education and outreach experience - Knowledge of marine mammals - Small power boat handling - Photography - Driver’s License: Several of the headlands for watches are not within walking distance of the office; therefore, some intern positions require a full, clean driver’s license, valid in the Republic of Ireland, and applicants who are over 25 years of age, to be covered under our motor insurance policy *Expenses and housing* This is an unpaid internship. Successful applicants are responsible for their living expenses. However, the IWDG will help organise accommodation. There will be no fee for Celtic Mist surveys; your food onboard will be covered. Any food purchased while on land will be at the intern’s own expense. Regards Mags Daly Shannon Dolphin Project Officer Irish Whale & Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0) 838401102 Email: mags.daly(a)iwdg.ie Website:www.iwdg.ie [image: image.jpeg]

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Cross-species applicability of a bone-ageing method in delphinids
by Evi Hanninger 21 Mar '26

21 Mar '26

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are excited to announce our new open-access publication: Hanninger, E. F., Barratclough, A., Betty, E. L., Dittmer, K., Saltré, F., Perrott, M. R., Bowler, J., Peters, K. J., Stockin, K. A. (2026). Cross-species applicability of a bone-ageing method in delphinids. Royal Society Open Science, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.252005. Abstract: Radiographic evaluation of flipper ossification is a reliable technique for age estimation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), although its applicability to other odontocetes remains untested. Interspecific differences in flipper morphology and bone development may limit transferability or require adjustments for robust application. This study applies the bottlenose dolphin framework to common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) to characterise developmental patterns, describe morphological differences and evaluate the interspecies application of this method. Radiographs from 137 common dolphins aged 0-31 years were examined, with bone maturation scored at 16 anatomical sites on the pectoral flipper. Several differences were identified, including bilateral asymmetry between left and right flippers and the need to adjust long and delta bone scoring systems due to interspecific variation in bone maturation. Despite these differences, reproducibility between observers was high, and ossification scores correlated strongly with age, underscoring the reliability of the method. This study provides the groundwork for a species-specific bone ageing model for common dolphins by addressing interspecific variation in skeletal maturation. One caveat concerns the subtle expression of degenerative changes in this species compared with bottlenose dolphins, which may limit age estimation precision in older individuals but is unlikely to affect accuracy across most of the lifespan. Thus, our findings provide the first evidence that, despite morphological differences, the method can be successfully applied to common dolphins. [cid:image001.png@01DCB975.9DC33340] Best regards, Evi Hanninger Eva-Maria F. Hanninger PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural Sciences | Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand Physical Address: Level 3, Innovation Complex, 5 University Avenue, Massey University, Albany, North Shore Auckland, New Zealand [cid:image002.png@01DCB975.9DC33340] +64 (0)27 381 8166 * e.hanninger(a)massey.ac.nz * http://www.cetaceanecology.org<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/> [cid:image003.png@01DCB975.9DC33340]

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