March 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity: Scientific/Engineering Programmer at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
by Rood, Kari 20 Mar '26

20 Mar '26

Please see below for information regarding a Scientific/Engineering Programmer position in St. Petersburg, FL. https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-PETERSBURG-OPS-ScientificEngineering-Prog… Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Research-Marine Mammal Section OPS Scientific/Engineering Programmer Salary: $25/hour Posting closes 3/31/2026 100 8th Avenue Southeast St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Position Overview and Responsibilities: This position is for a database engineer with the Marine Mammal Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) to support Florida marine mammal population research and monitoring. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing timely data management support to FWRI’s Marine Mammal research staff. These services include assistance in the design and implementation of relational databases to ensure data access, quality, and viability. This assistance may be in the form of building backend functionality for frontend applications; writing and maintaining documentation and data manuals; recommending and implementing appropriate tools, methods, and software as necessary; or discussing database workflow issues, priority needs, and potential solutions. Ensure appropriate agency policies and procedures are followed for data storage, project workflow documentation, software selection, metadata generation, and security. Minimum Qualifications: Six years of experience in computer systems analysis and/or computer programming, two years of which must have been in database design; OR A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in computer sciences or management information systems and four years of experience in computer systems analysis and/or computer programming, one year of which must have been in database design; OR a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the computer sciences or management information systems and three years of experience in computer systems analysis and/or computer programming, one year of which must have been in database design; OR a doctorate from an accredited college or university in one of the computer sciences or management information systems and one year of experience in database design. Completion of a one-year program of study from a vocational/technical school in an area of data processing (excluding data entry) can substitute for one year of the required computer systems analysis and/or computer programming experience. To view this posting and apply: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-PETERSBURG-OPS-ScientificEngineering-Prog… Kari A. Rood Manatee Photo-identification Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue S.E. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 ______________________________________ Work cell: (727) 316-3875 Main line: (727) 896-8626 Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com> http://MyFWC.com<http://myfwc.com/> http://MyFWC.com/research/<http://myfwc.com/research/>

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Standard for Acoustics Metadata for PAM published
by Eric Snyder 20 Mar '26

20 Mar '26

Sharing on behalf of Dr. Holger Klinck: Hi all, Happy to report that the standard ASA/ANSI S3/SC1.7-2026 "Standard for Acoustics Metadata for PAM" has been published. This standard defines a unified framework for documenting metadata associated with passive acoustic recordings and associated analysis outputs, promoting consistency and precision. It encompasses key aspects of acoustic data collection, including instrument deployments, deployment locations, configurations, and calibration details, and supports both stationary and mobile platforms with single or multiple sensors. Additionally, the standard provides mechanisms for detailed documentation of detected sounds, offering structured representations of taxa and flexible annotation levels—from simple presence over specified time intervals to precise timing of individual calls. Spatial data, including sound source location and direction, is also supported, with provisions for multiple coordinate reference systems. By standardizing the capture and preservation of information related to data collection, analysis, and quality control, this framework enhances reproducibility and facilitates data integration across studies. It enables researchers to combine results from diverse analyses, improving the interoperability, utility, and long-term value of acoustic data for ecological research and conservation efforts. The ASA/ANSI standard can be purchased here: https://webstore.ansi.org/standards/asa/asaansis3sc12026. While the actual standard is unfortunately not freely accessible, we have prepared a Usage Scenarios document, which can be downloaded at no cost here: https://tethys.sdsu.edu/standards/ (scroll to the bottom of the page). Lastly, a special shout-out to Marie Roch for leading this effort. Best, Holger -- At the Yang Center, we work flexibly, and while it suits me to email now, I don’t anticipate a response outside your regular work hours. Thanks! -- Dr. Holger Klinck John W. Fitzpatrick Director K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University Faculty Fellow Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University Courtesy Professor Marine Mammal Institute Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University Mailing address: 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850, USA Tel: +1.607.254.6250 Fax: +1.607.254.2460 Email: *Holger.Klinck(a)cornell.edu <Holger.Klinck(a)cornell.edu> *Web: *https://bioacoustics.cornell.edu <https://bioacoustics.cornell.edu> How I say my name <https://www.name-coach.com/holger-klinck> *Pronouns in use: He/Him/His

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Request for 2 older sperm whale Dissertations: Bond 1999 & Gordon 1987
by J Val 19 Mar '26

19 Mar '26

Greetings All, I am attempting to obtain copies of two older dissertations. I have attempted ILL but the two library sources I tried were unable to obtain copies.The titles are: - The behavior and ecology of sperm whales off Sri Lanka. 1987. Jonathan Gordon - Genetic analysis of the sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) using microsatellites. 1999. Joanna Bond If anyone is able to send me PDFs of the above dissertations, I would greatly appreciate it! Jennifer Valvo, Ph.D. jennvalvo(a)gmail.com

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Underwater Acoustics: 2026 DOSITS Webinar Series
by Ellen Bellagamba Fucile 18 Mar '26

18 Mar '26

The Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS)<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.dosits.org_&d=DwMFa…> program hosts a resource rich website aimed at introducing users to the science and uses of Sound in the Sea by people and animals, with specific sections on how marine animals use underwater sound and the potential effects of underwater sound on marine animals. The DOSITS Team is pleased to announce that it will again facilitate a free, four-part webinar series on underwater sound. Topics covered will include Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Observing the Changing Arctic Ocean with Acoustics, Distributed Ocean Sensing, and Acoustic Sensing on Autonomous Underwater Platforms. Each webinar will run approximately 60 minutes in length and will consist of a presentation by one or more experts followed by a period of facilitated discussion. The webinar series is open to all interested individuals; however, registration is required for each webinar. For more information about the DOSITS 2026 webinars, please visit the DOSITS website: https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2026-webinar-series/ Using Acoustic Tags and Uncrewed Aerial Systems to Study Cetaceans The first 2026 webinar, Using Acoustic Tags and Uncrewed Aerial Systems to Study Cetaceans, will be held on April 15, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Dr. Marc Lammers, a Research Ecologist at NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS), and Dr. Susan Parks, Professor of Biology at Syracuse University, will present. Register here<https://uri-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3q7tuGDJQ9ueeiS1uGGKwg#/registr…> Observing the Changing Arctic Ocean with Acoustics The second 2026 webinar, Observing the Changing Arctic Ocean with Acoustics, will be held on April 29, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Hanne Sagen, Research Director at the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, and Dr. Peter Worcester, Professor Emeritus, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will present. Register here<https://uri-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aOcuVOMBQ-uhS9Ci9ynl0A#/registr…>.<https://uri-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aOcuVOMBQ-uhS9Ci9ynl0A#/registr…> Distributed Ocean Sensing The third 2026 webinar, Distributed Ocean Sensing, will be held on September 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Dr. Shima Abadi, Professor at the University of Washington, will present. Register here<https://uri-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CThEJe4tT2KB3vojEqFJ6A#/registr…>. Acoustic Sensing on Autonomous Underwater Platforms The fourth 2026 webinar, Acoustic Sensing on Autonomous Underwater Platforms, will be held on October 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Dr. Lora Van Uffelen, Associate Professor at University of Rhode Island, and Dr. Selene Fregosi, Assistant Professor at the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, will present. Register here<https://uri-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F3AhLxpKQB-HtduSWONl8w#/registr…>. Professional development certificates are available to people who attend in real time or watch the archived video of all four DOSITS webinars in a calendar year. To qualify for a Professional Development certificate, you must complete the questionnaire associated with each webinar (which will be provided after the webinar takes place). For any questions or concerns about the DOSITS webinars, please contact the DOSITS Team (askDOSITS(a)gmail.com<mailto:askDOSITS@gmail.com>) Ellen Bellagamba Fucile Reporting Manager Environmental +1 401 239 6667 +1 401 862 1714 (Work) 513 Broadway STE 314, Newport, RI, 02840, United States “This transaction is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed and may be confidential. If the message has been addressed to you in error, you must not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, or use this transaction. Delivery of this message to any person other than the individual or entity to whom they are addressed is not intended in any way to waive confidentiality. If you have received this transaction in error, please contact Venterra Group Limited through info(a)venterra-group.com or delete the message. The above email pertains to information relating to Venterra Group Limited (the “Company”), and all its subsidiaries including member companies listed on its website: Partrac, Osbit, Naver, Balltec, Cape Holland, Ordtek, GDG, Inspire Environmental, Oceanscan Group and FoundOcean . The Company is registered in England with registration number 13344064 and operates under English law. The views and opinions expressed in this email message are those of the author and must not be assumed to be those of the Company. This email has been checked by anti-virus software. Venterra Group Limited accepts no liability for any damages related to receipt of this e-mail, howsoever caused. Our privacy notice, which outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information, can be accessed via the following link: https://www.venterra-group.com/privacy-policy/. By continuing to communicate with us via email, you acknowledge and consent to the terms of our privacy notice”

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Niue – Acoustic Workshops
by Sari Mangia 18 Mar '26

18 Mar '26

Niue – Acoustic Workshops With Oma Tafua (To Treasure Whales), we are running two acoustic workshops in Niue in August 2026. The primary target species will be humpback whales, which will be vocalising in the area at this time, but we will try to establish whether there are many sperm whales and hopefully beaked whales in the immediate vicinity of the island (small boats will go a maximum of two miles offshore). It is aimed to use a towed acoustic array to find and obtain good quality recordings of singing animals and also where calves are present it will be attempted to record cow calf vocalisations. Secondary target species will be sperm whales, beaked whales and of course spinner dolphins and their presence in waters around Niue will be investigated. While the towed array is thought to offer the best opportunity of obtaining quality recordings, an FPOD and a broadband recorder will be examined with how these can contribute data on spinner dolphin presence and other high-frequency species. We would also hope to examine the use of a GoPro to record uncompressed raw acoustic files. The use of an FPOD will be compared against broadband data, and the advantages and disadvantages of different data acquisition methods will be compared. The workshop will run with a mixture of boat and classroom days, utilising the classroom when the weather is not suitable for the boat surveys, and run over 8 days for beginners in acoustics, August 1 to 7, and August 11 to 16 for those with previous knowledge of acoustics. Cost is at $2,200 NZD or roughly €1,100 but with a discount to Pacific island representatives at $1,500 NZD. See Oma Tafua’s post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/oma.tafua/posts/pfbid0uzERkfgDQGWacBCq4rfPHBLbpjX1… and contact omatafua(a)gmail.com for the Application form- Patrick Lyne Manada Environmental Ltd – patricklyne1(a)gmail.com for information on workshop content.

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Marine Biology Internship Program 2026
by Marine Life Research Foundation 17 Mar '26

17 Mar '26

*The Marine Life Research Foundation (MLRF) is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2026 internship program.* *Internship period: From 1st of June to 1st of October.* The MLRF Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in marine biology, cetacean research, and conservation efforts to gain hands-on experience in the South Adriatic Sea, an area of significant importance for cetacean populations. This program is for students, graduates from a university program in marine biology, environmental science or a related field, individuals who wants to gain knowledge and experience in cetacean research, as well as for ocean lovers with keen interest in marine biology and conservation. No prior cetacean research experience is required, the training is provided, though a strong interest in marine life and conservation is essential! By the end of the internship, participants will: 1. Gain a deep understanding of cetacean ecology, species identification, and behavior. 2. Learn the latest research methodologies used in cetacean studies. 3. Participate in practical fieldwork, including data collection and equipment use for cetacean research. 4. Understand the importance of stranding response and how to deal with cetacean strandings effectively. 5. Become proficient in data analysis using different software tools employed in marine biology research. 6. Develop skills in organizing and leading public awareness programs, essential for promoting cetacean conservation. 7. Contribute to ongoing conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience in a field setting. Location: Bar, Montenegro, South Adriatic Sea Program duration: minimum 4 consecutive weeks Due to the limited funding available for conservation projects, this program is fee-based to support the ongoing research and conservation efforts. The fee for 4 consecutive weeks is 900€ and it covers: - Accommodation during the internship period. - Training materials, equipment, and software access. - On-site transportation for fieldwork and research. - Mentorship and educational guidance from M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic. Please see the following link for the full posting and to apply: https://mlrf.me/intership-program/ *M.Sc. Natasa Nikpaljevic* *Founder and Director of Marine Life Research Foundation* *https://mlrf.me/ <https://mlrf.me/>* *Instagram: @marinelife_rf* *Facebook: @marineliferesearchfoundation *

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Gut microbiome of two baleen whales with different feeding and migratory strategies
by Aashi 17 Mar '26

17 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the co-authors, we are pleased to share our publication I am n Animal Microbiome (currently in press) on the gut microbiomes of Bryde's and southern right whales. What we found most interesting was that the gut microbiome of the Bryde's whale bears closer resemblance to odontocete gut microbiomes than to the SRW and most other baleen whales. The publication can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-026-00538-9 We hope you enjoy reading it! *Abstract* *Background* Mammalian gut microbiomes are essential for supporting digestion, nutrient absorption and overall host health. While diet and phylogeny are the two main influences on gut microbial composition, other factors, including life history and environment also contribute. Here, we characterised and compared the gut (faecal) bacterial microbiomes of two baleen whale species with contrasting life histories: the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni brydei), a non-migratory, year-round generalist forager; and the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis; SRW), a seasonal migrating species with a specialised diet of krill and copepods. *Results* We found that each species harboured distinct gut microbiomes with potential links to their different feeding and migratory strategies. The Bryde’s whale gut microbiome bore a strong resemblance to that of toothed whales, with relatively lower bacterial richness and diversity and a high proportion of Proteobacteria after Firmicutes. The core microbiome of these whales included taxa supporting a protein-rich diet and year-round foraging lifestyle, e.g. Carnobacterium and Faecalitalea. In contrast, the SRW had a gut microbiome similar to other baleen whale species, with a higher richness and diversity, and dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The SRW core microbiome featured taxa associated with lipid metabolism, e.g. Erysipelotrichaceae and Coriobacteriia, reflecting a lipid-rich diet and reliance on blubber reserves during migration. We also found that SRWs sampled at different stages in the migratory cycle had significantly different gut microbial compositions. Functional analyses further supported these results, with Bryde’s whales being broadly enriched in enzymatic functions including protein digestion and SRWs showing more selective enrichment. *Conclusions* Along with species-specific microbiomes, our findings also suggest that migratory behaviour and foraging patterns – key aspects of cetacean life history – may substantially influence gut microbiome composition. The characterisation of the gut microbiomes of the two whales provides a valuable baseline for the future monitoring of cetaceans and their environments.

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Marine Mammals Dietary Studies Workshop 37th ECS Conference
by Klemens Lisa 17 Mar '26

17 Mar '26

Dear colleagues, There are still a few places left for our workshop on “Advances in Dietary Studies” for marine Mammals at the European Cetacean Societies conference in Dundee, Scotland. The workshop is scheduled full day for April 20th 2026. You can find more information on the workshop (and other workshops) here: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 You register for the workshop using the ECS website. The workshop aims to bring together researchers working on the feeding ecology of marine mammals to exchange ideas, methods, and results related to dietary studies. Abstract Dietary ecology research in marine mammals provides important opportunities to improve our understanding of trophic relationships, habitat use, and ecosystem status in a rapidly changing world. Dietary shifts directly indicate changes in large-scale ecosystem changes. This workshop aims to explore updated approaches for advancing the study of feeding ecology across all marine mammal species, by summarizing recent developments. We will discuss how classical methods such as stomach content analysis and scat examination may be complemented by biochemical and molecular tools including stable isotope analysis, fatty acid composition, and DNA metabarcoding. In addition, other technologies such as tagging, photogrammetry using drones and passive acoustic monitoring may offer new possibilities for assessing foraging behaviour and prey encounter rates. A central aim of the workshop is to consider strategies for integrating multiple data types in order to better detect spatial and temporal dietary patterns and to investigate how climate-driven changes, fisheries interactions and habitat modification may influence prey resources and the effects on marine mammals. By bringing together researchers covering different disciplines and species, the workshop seeks to identify knowledge gaps, addresses methodological challenges and outline future directions for robust and comparable dietary studies in marine mammals. We would like to share the preliminary program for the workshop: * Introduction and Aims of the workshop * Short introduction to specific dietary analysis as a baseline for discussions * Case studies presented by workshop participants (the more the merrier) * Discussion in break out groups (Advantages/Disadvantages of current methods with the discussion aiming at finding solutions and future directions) * Future developments We would like to invite additional short contributions from workshop participants, presenting recent results. Of particular interest would be presentations that focus on methodological approaches, challenges, or experiences with dietary analysis techniques (for example traditional methods, biochemical tools, molecular approaches, or emerging technologies). If you are interested in presenting, please feel free to contact us with a potential title. We hope this workshop will provide a platform for exchanging experiences across different dietary research approaches and for discussing future directions in marine mammal feeding ecology. We would be very happy if you would like to contribute a short presentation. Best wishes, Micha & Lisa Lisa Klemens Deutsches Meeresmuseum Michael Dähne University of Rostock Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus dem Deutschen Meeresmuseum i. A. Lisa Klemens Doktorandin & Projekt Wissenschaftlerin Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Tel.: +49 3831 2650-380 lisa.klemens(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:lisa.klemens@meeresmuseum.de> www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de<http://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/> Direktorium Prof. Dr. Burkard Baschek Andreas Tanschus Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/126/00068 Hinweis zum Datenschutz: www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/datenschutz<http://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/datenschutz> Postanschrift: Katharinenberg 14 - 20 18439 Stralsund [cid:1637b1d9-1ed2-4913-bd7d-5782e4a565c7]

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Survey on science communication interests and capabilities of marine mammal scientists
by Andrew Wright 17 Mar '26

17 Mar '26

Dear Marmam, You are invited to complete a voluntary, 10-minute survey designed to provide insight on the current interests in science communications of researchers, students, and other professionals who study wild marine mammals and other species, and elements of the reach and capabilities in this area. Data from the responses will be used to develop resources to help marine mammal researchers better communicate their work. Take the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/260396592566167. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me at Andrew(a)VocalEarth.com. Regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. Director Vocal Earth Conservation Marketing VocalEarth.com

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ECS Conference - Second March Conference Newsletter
by Mariel tendoeschate 17 Mar '26

17 Mar '26

Dear all, This is a final call for those of you wanting to attend the ECS conference in Scotland this year! We are thrilled to announce we'll see at least 750 of you in Dundee in April. Early registration closes on the 30th of March, OR when we reach 800 registrations - which ever comes first! Please find the latest ECS conference news here: Second March Newsletter<https://sway.cloud.microsoft/nH1iqkHrWgicOH8j?ref=Link> This, and all previous newsletters are also available on the ECS Conference website --> https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-2026 In this edition you will find important information for delegates about: * ECS Merchandise - available for a limited time only * Local poster printing options * Final Keynote Announcement * Social events - book them now! * Dinner and...that's right, a ceilidh! * Icebreaker event (additional tickets available for plusones, and workshop attendees who aren't coming to the conference) * Student party We recommend following the ECS social media channels for the most recent updates, including when registration opens: https://www.instagram.com/europeancetaceansociety/ https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCetaceanSociety We look forward to seeing you in Dundee, Scotland, in April 2026! Cheers, on behalf of the entire LOC for ECS 2026, Ailsa Hall, Jo Kershaw, Carol Sparling & Mariel ten Doeschate ECS chairs of the LOC. [cid:51eb8e79-d618-4254-9d84-3ed3944c1938]

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