March 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication - Image-based data repository of killer whale interactions with elasmobranchs
by Emma Luck 16 Mar '26

16 Mar '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new article in Scientific Data titled "A global image-based data repository of killer whale interactions with elasmobranchs." ABSTRACT: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are cosmopolitan apex predators that interact with numerous species, including sharks, skates, and rays (subclass Elasmobranchii). Interactions between killer whales and elasmobranchs have garnered attention from the scientific community, but the dynamics of these events are poorly understood, as interactions are often challenging to observe. In this study, we collated imagery of interactions between killer whales and elasmobranchs to create the first image-based repository of interspecific interactions between marine predators. A total of 320 photos and videos from 82 unique interactions were collected from 12 countries. A minimum of 18 elasmobranch species across 16 genera were identified from the imagery. Furthermore, 10 different interaction types were documented, encompassing both predatory and non-predatory behavior. This dataset can provide insight into various research topics, including killer whale predation techniques, elasmobranch behavior, and the identification of individual killer whales that specialize in elasmobranch prey. As a new and openly accessible resource, this dataset provides the foundation to support future ecological and behavioral research on killer whale and elasmobranch interactions. Luck, E., Reeves, I.M., Terrapon, M. *et al.* A global image-based data repository of killer whale interactions with elasmobranchs. *Sci Data* 13, 353 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-06740-3 The full article is open-access and can be read at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-026-06740-3 Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Emma Luck -------------- Emma Luck, MMP (she/her) *Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow* *Alaska Mariculture Alliance* Email: ekluck(a)alaska.edu

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Job Opportunity: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Stranding Biologist
by Heidi Whitehead 16 Mar '26

16 Mar '26

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is currently accepting applications for a full-time Stranding Biologist position based in Galveston, TX. TMMSN is a non-profit organization established in 1980 and the only organization currently holding a federal marine mammal stranding agreement serving the Texas coast, dedicated to marine mammal conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Our program investigates an average of 135 cetacean strandings along the Texas coast each year. TMMSN is seeking an experienced Stranding Biologist to join our small, dedicated team responding to marine mammal strandings along the Texas coast. This position covers the full scope of stranding work including field response, necropsy, sample collection, data management, rescue & rehabilitation support, and program assistance including volunteer and intern coordination. Ideal candidates will have several years of hands-on cetacean stranding experience as a paid employee, a working knowledge of NOAA/MMHSRP data protocols, and the physical and logistical ability to respond on short notice in demanding field conditions. This position will remain open until filled and full posting and application instructions are available on our website at the following link: https://www.dolphinrescue.org/join-the-team

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Aquatic Mammals issue 52.2 now available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 15 Mar '26

15 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The second issue of volume 52 (52.2) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and will be published Sunday, March 15th. You will see the new issue on the home page of the journal web site (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>). Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Issue 52.2 contents (** denotes open access): Mingli Lin, Mingming Liu, Agathe Serres, Lijun Dong, Yuanyuan Li, Yifei Cai, and Songhai Li. (2026). Recent Dugong Records in East Asia: Implications for the Current Population Status Assessment. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 101-107. Aviva Charles, Yann Hénaut, Michel Saint Jalme, Baptiste Mulot, and Fabienne Delfour. (2026). Preliminary Results of Call Playbacks in Wild Antillean Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus). Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 108-118. **Edward Hernández-Lara and Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni. (2026). Hurricane-Induced Displacement of a Greater Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Puerto Rico. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 119-127. **Lise Pernel, Anna Selbmann, Eve Jourdain, and Charlotte Curé. (2026). Last Calls of an Out-of-Habitat Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Seine River. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 128-135. Yoko Watanabe, Kazunobu Kogi, and Mai Sakai. (2026). Observations on the Long-Term Survival of an Injured Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Without an Upper Rostrum in Toshima Island, Japan. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 136-142. Shuichi Taguchi, Tamami Hashimoto, Yoko Watanabe, Itsuki Ogasawara, Takuya Aoki, and Rikiya Takahashi. (2026). Observation of Parturition by a Wild Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) off Mikura Island, Japan. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 143-146. M. Fabiola Corona-Figueroa, Jenniffer S. Ortíz-Wolford, Eric A. Ramos, Lizbeth E. Lara-Sánchez,Janneth A. Padilla-Saldívar, and Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez. (2026). Expanding Habitat Use? Occurrence of Common Bottlenose Dolphins in Oligohaline and Freshwater Environments of the Northern Mesoamerican Caribbean. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 147-157. Drew T. Suffoletta, Heidi Lyn, Lindsey E. Johnson, Jessica N. Lewis, Kailey M. Pamperin, Rachel M. Giordano, and Moby Solangi. (2026). Sounding out Reproduction: Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Calving Patterns in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 158-174. OPEN ACCESS **Jens J. Currie, Brian Stirling, and Shannon Barber-Meyer. (2026). Validation of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro for Field-Based Whale Photogrammetry. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 175-182. **Ahmed Saeed Sulaiman, Ehab Eid, and Fouad Khamees. (2026). Mass Stranding of Short-Finned Pilot Whales in Socotra, Yemen: Observations and Implications for Regional Response Capacity. Aquatic Mammals, 52(2), 183-187. Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org

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REMINDER: Workshop on SUNDAY 19th April, "Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public"
by Andrew Wright 13 Mar '26

13 Mar '26

Dear Marmam, A reminder to all that the workshop “*Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology*” will be held in Dundee, Scotland, on *SUNDAY 19th April 2026*, AHEAD of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) workshops and conference. This workshop might be for you if you have you ever: - wondered why some people seem so opposed to marine mammal conservation measures that are necessary to save a species; - been frustrated when all the science points at a real problem unless certain changes are made, but nothing is done; or - looked for new ways to be more efficient in your efforts to achieve lasting marine mammal conservation success. *Overview of the Workshop:* Achieving marine mammal conservation goals often hinges on the adoption of new behaviours by one or more groups of people. This can be hard to secure through regulatory changes for marine mammals as data on their distributions and the full extent of the threats and associated risks are lacking, enforcement can be tricky, especially when regulated activities are offshore, and public awareness is low because many problems are hidden far away under the waves. To overcome this, it is not uncommon that more data is sought. However, such efforts rarely secure immediate marine mammal conservation successes. Conservation projects often focus on evidence about the protected species and its environment, and evidence about human psychology is often underrepresented in the conservation efforts. Instead, securing behavioural changes in the species under management, humans, requires the application of tailored tools and techniques that have been designed based on an understanding of their social structures and motivations, as well as the psychological factors driving both. This is the purview of the conservation social sciences. Many marine mammal conservation biologists are thus being forced to venture into the relatively new and rapidly developing field of conservation social science, developing interventions and campaigns based on experience, intuition, and human understanding. While some of these interventions work out perfectly, some interventions may fail to have the desired impact due to a lack of understanding of human psychology and how this may influence the effectiveness of the tools being used. Importantly, some social science tools are counterintuitive, but incredibly effective when implemented correctly. Similarly, others can feel more intuitive but can be counterproductive in many situations. This workshop is meant to highlight a variety of social science tools and their proper use for encouraging pro-conservation behaviour. This full-day workshop will combine lectures, discussions and brainstorming sessions to: 1) introduce marine mammal scientists and managers to the human psychological factors that may hinder or strengthen their conservation efforts; 2) provide an overview of tools that can be applied to overcome some of these various challenges to incite pro-conservation behavioural changes necessary for achieving greater success in the conservation of marine mammals; and 3) explore the potential application of those tools to some of the conservation problems brought forward by participants. *Details and Registration Process:* Location: Malmaison, 44 Whitehall Cres, Dundee DD1 4AY (www.malmaison.com) TIme: 11:00 - 17:30 19th April, 20206, to cater to anyone arriving for the ECS conference that begins the following day. Registration will be open at 10:30 (with tea/coffee) Cost: *EUR 40* (coffee breaks, but not lunch, included) for 40 onsite participants - although discounted rates may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Virtual participation *IS NOW FULL*. How to register: Email Andrew Wright at Andrew (at) VocalEarth.com by 31st March - but do remember that *spaces are limited*, so allocation will be on a first-come-basis. Regards, Andrew & Sandra Andrew Wright is a marine mammal biologist by training with experience in the conservation social sciences, as well as domestic and international environmental management and policy. He co-founded the Conservation Marketing and Engagement Working Group of the Society for Conservation Biology in 2015 and remains active within that community after leaving the Board in 2019. Sandra Ploeg is social psychologist and conservationist. She is currently working as a project leader for conservation of several species, focussing on citizen science, community led conservation and behaviour change.

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JNCC Senior Marine Mammal Specialist Vacancy
by Roma Banga 13 Mar '26

13 Mar '26

JNCC is presently advertising for a Senior Marine Mammal Specialist. Our marine mammal work is highly varied and involves the delivery of species monitoring initiatives; conservation status assessment and reporting; interpretation of evidence to provide advice on protected areas management and marine mammal conservation more widely. This involves active engagement/collaboration with a variety of stakeholder groups including government(s), NGOs and academia nationally and internationally. The team plays a significant role in identifying and reducing evidence gaps, as well as in helping to shape marine mammal conservation policy. The post will sit in JNCC’s Marine Species Team but the postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation. They will also routinely work with partners in the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, regulatory agencies, Defra and the Devolved Administrations. There is an expectation that the postholder will work with national and international marine species experts as well as relevant research and policy groups to develop scientific advice to inform policy. A full job description detailing the post duties, the required technical skills, experience and details of how to apply are found here: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1989913 The closing date for this post is 23:55 on Sunday, 22 March 2026. The anticipated interview date is week commencing Monday 13 April 2026 Kind regards _____________________________________________________________________ For information on how we handle personal data please see our Privacy Notice at https://jncc.gov.uk/privacy This email and any attachments is intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you are not the named recipient then any copying, distribution, storage or other use of the information contained in them is strictly prohibited. In this case, please inform the sender straight away then destroy the email and any linked files. JNCC may have to make this message, and any reply to it, public if asked to under the Freedom of Information Act, data protection legislation or for litigation. If you have a Freedom of Information/Environmental Information request, please refer to our website page. This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com. However we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. The recipient should check any attachment before opening it. JNCC Support Co. registered in England and Wales, Company No. 05380206. Registered Office: Quay House, 2 East Station Road, Fletton Quays, Peterborough, PE2 8YY https://jncc.gov.uk/

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BioMonWeek Conference: open for abstract submission on Marine Monitoring
by Mafalda Correia - CIIMAR 12 Mar '26

12 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, The first edition of BioMonWeek, led by Biodiversa+ and co-organized with GBIF, BioAgora, MARCO-BOLO and the Alliance for Nature, is taking place in Montpellier, 4-8 May 2026. Biodiversity Monitoring Week (BioMonWeek) is a new European conference aiming to mirror the GEOBON conference in alternate years. This inaugural edition marks a launch guided by a vision to deliver an impactful biannual format. The event will bring together science, policy, and business communities to exchange monitoring knowledge, build networks, and drive tangible societal impact to help reverse the global biodiversity crisis. The programme will feature plenary keynotes and panels, contributed sessions and workshops, focusing on 9 different themes, one of them related to Marine Monitoring: Observing Ocean ecosystems. Within this theme, there is a specific session on "Marine mammal monitoring programmes to support management", currently accepting contributions. Other sessions may be of interest, so please take a look at the programme and further details on the event, here: https://2026.biomonweek.eu/page/home/ Note that, at this stage, your pre-registration and abstract submission will not be considered 100% commitment. So if you are considering, please go ahead and submit. Abstract submission and registration deadline: 18 March 2026 (first come first serve) Please circulate this invitation to your network to help spread the word throughout the marine community. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Many thanks, Ana Mafalda Correia Postdoc Researcher, Coastal Biodiversity Lab CIIMAR | Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto -- *Ana Mafalda Correia, PhD* *Postdoc Researcher, Coastal Biodiversity Lab* *CIIMAR | Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto* Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n 4450-208 Matosinhos | Portugal

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Sardinia Ecology Summer School - Dolphin Ecology and Marine Conservation
by Fabio Ronchetti 12 Mar '26

12 Mar '26

If you're looking for a hands-on field experience that brings together ecology, the sea, and scientific technologies, the "Sardinia Ecology Summer School" might be exactly what you're looking for ( https://fb.watch/FOty9J-ocZ/) Organized by the Institute for Field Research (IFR) in collaboration with MareTerra (https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en) the program offers an intensive training experience along the northwestern coast of Sardinia, where you will: - go out at sea to monitor dolphins and collect behavioral data, - analyze marine soundscapes and work with bioacoustic tools, - study how tourism, fisheries, and other human activities influence coastal ecosystems, - collaborate with researchers and fellow students from different countries. Beyond the scientific activities, the experience allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Porto Conte Regional Park and the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, discover local culture, and build skills that are valuable for both academic and professional paths. - Program period: online in May; field activities from June 1 to 13, 2026. - Credits: 4 semester credits (6 quarter credits). - Location: Alghero, Sardinia. You can explore the full program description on the IFR website. Please visit: Italy: Sardinia Ecology - Institute for Field Research <https://ifrglobal.org/program/italy-sardinia-ecology/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> Sardinia Ecology Summer School - IFR & MareTerra ODV <https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/component/k2/item/68-sardinia-ecology-summ…> Gabriella La Manna, PhD President and Science Director at MareTerra ODV --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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ECS Workshop: Contaminants in Marine Mammals: Significance, Challenges, and Future Perspectives – A Path Toward a Collaborative Network (21PM2)
by Annalisa Sambolino 12 Mar '26

12 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are thrilled to announce our workshop: Contaminants in Marine Mammals: Significance, Challenges, and Future Perspectives – A Path Toward a Collaborative Network (21PM2) which will be held on Tuesday, 21 April, from 14:00 to 18:00 in the Victoria Suite at the Queens Hotel in Dundee, Scotland, during the 37th European Cetacean Society Conference. Contaminants in the marine environment represent a pervasive and persistent problem arising from increasing human activities worldwide. Marine mammals are key sentinels of human and marine ecosystem health, integrating contaminant exposure across trophic levels and over long time scales. Despite decades of research and monitoring, substantial gaps remain in our understanding of the sources, pathways, and biological effects of legacy and emerging pollutants (including plastics) in these species. This half-day workshop will combine lectures from invited speakers with roundtable discussions to facilitate exchanges on current challenges, limitations, recent advances in analytical methods, data interpretation, and ecological implications. The ultimate goal is to identify key research priorities and foster a collaborative network of researchers working in the underrepresented yet crucial field of marine mammal ecotoxicology. A total of 50 places are available for the workshop, with about half still open. Registration must be completed through the ECS official website and has a fee of €20 (charged by the conference organisation): https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 Workshop participants are not required to register for the conference, and the workshop registration fee remains the same after the early-bird deadline for conference registration. We hope to see many of you there! Kind regards, Annalisa Sambolino On behalf of the workshop organising committee

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Free ECS Workshops on Well-being in academia (for students) and on Performance techniques for greater confidence in marine mammal science journeys (for all)
by michael.daehne＠gmx.com 12 Mar '26

12 Mar '26

Dear Marmam community, At the upcoming conference we will expand our work in the field of wellbeing and mental health in Marine Mammal Science through two workshops. Both workshops are free for ECS members, as part of the societys ongoing commitment to addressing mental health in academia. The afternoon workshop is intended for students only, while the morning workshop is intended for all interested participants. Both workshops will take place on Tuesday, April 21st: _____ 1. 21AM1 Morning workshop Improv(e) wellbeing Performance techniques for greater confidence in the academic journey Do you often feel stressed or overwhelmed? Does imposter syndrome sound familiar? Do you struggle with participation in workshops? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this workshop is for you. Improvisation and acting require participants to be present, focused, adaptable, and accepting of failure. In this workshop, well introduce tools from both disciplines that can help you improve focus, handle unexpected challenges, and feel more comfortable with your own capabilities in day-to-day academic life. Through simple exercises, participants will learn techniques to relax the body and mind, allowing greater focus on upcoming taskswhether acting or scientific. We will also guide participants through activities designed to reduce discomfort with themselves and others and use improvisation games based on the principle of Yes, and to build skills in quick thinking and adaptability in a supportive environment where failure is embraced rather than penalized. Say Yes, and join us for the first steps toward becoming a more confident and self-compassionate researcher. _____ 2. 21PM1 Afternoon workshop (students only) Student workshop Stress, wellbeing, and performance in academic journeys Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, academic pressure, and the constant drive to succeed? Youre not alone. This half-day workshop is designed for students who want to better understand and manage the stressors of academic life. We will explore challenges such as short-term contracts, competitive funding, studentsupervisor dynamics, and performance expectations, all of which can contribute to burnout, self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter feelings. The workshop includes a presentation on mental health and a personal story from a fellow researcher, highlighting the shared human experiences behind the statistics. Through a mix of talks and interactive group exercises, participants will learn to recognize stress triggers, reflect on academic challenges, and practice evidence-informed strategies to manage pressure, improve focus and work-life balance, and protect wellbeing. Practical tips and resources will also be provided, including guidance on when and how to seek support. Delivered in a supportive, non-judgmental environment, this workshop aims to normalize conversations about mental health in academia and equip participants with tools for a healthier and more sustainable scientific career. Students are also encouraged to attend the morning workshop, which complements and builds on the themes covered here. _____ Interested? Register now: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! Yaly Mevorach Andrew Wright Maddalena Fumagalli Michael Dähne

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Updated Open-Rank Faculty Position in Marine Mammal Science Master's Program at New College of Florida
by Peter Cook 11 Mar '26

11 Mar '26

UPDATED: Open-Rank Faculty Position in Marine Mammal Science New College of Florida – Marine Mammal Science Graduate Program We invite applications for an open-rank, tenure-track position in Marine Mammal Science beginning in August 2026. We seek a collaborative colleague whose expertise falls in one of two areas: 1. Research methods, data science, or statistics; and/or 2. Marine mammal science, broadly defined. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting and expanding our interdisciplinary, research-intensive two-year Master’s program. Our current faculty are leaders in dolphin cognition and echolocation, manatee acoustics and conservation, and pinniped cognition and marine mammal neurobiology. We are seeking a fourth faculty member whose expertise complements and broadens these strengths, particularly in spatial ecology, GIS, genetics, or other areas that expand our research portfolio. Experience or strong interest in cross-disciplinary data analysis or advanced quantitative methods is especially welcome, though not required. The new faculty member will mentor 4–6 graduate students annually, teach core courses and electives aligned with their expertise, and contribute to our strong culture of individualized mentorship and hands-on research training. There are no undergraduate teaching requirements; however, faculty may engage with undergraduates through collaborative research and occasional cross-listed courses. Research productivity is central to this position. We welcome applicants at any career stage who bring either an emerging or well-established research agenda that complements or enhances our existing strengths. The Marine Mammal Science program is housed in a restored historic mansion estate on Sarasota Bay, separate from the main campus, with two dedicated buildings and direct dock access. These facilities foster focused scholarship and close faculty-student collaboration. Florida offers exceptional opportunities for marine mammal research across springs, estuaries, and Gulf ecosystems, with access to diverse species including manatees (in both wild and rehabilitation contexts), the long-studied Sarasota Bay bottlenose dolphin community, Gulf cetaceans, and pinnipeds through regional partnerships. The program maintains strong regional collaborations and long-term data resources, including the Sarasota Bay Listening Network, creating rich opportunities for integrative and applied research. We welcome applicants who are excited to help build and shape a dynamic graduate program within a collegial, energetic academic community committed to scientific excellence and student success. Application review begins March 31, 2026, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Link: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ncfl/jobs/4846218/professor-marine-mamma… Questions? Reach out to Heidi Harley at harley(a)ncf.edu Sincerely the Marine Mammal Science Team, Heidi Harley, Peter Cook, and Athena Rycyk

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