April 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SURVEY: Using Drones for Marine Mammal Monitoring and Research
by Emily Hague 05 Aug '26

05 Aug '26

Dear MARMAM!, 📢 SURVEY: Using Drones for Marine Mammal Monitoring and Research Do you use - or have you ever used - drones in marine mammal research? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Please take ~20 minutes to complete our short survey and help us map the growing range of ways Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; drones) are being used around the world for marine mammal monitoring and research: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/drones-for-marine-mammal-researc… By pooling knowledge from projects globally, we aim to capture the diversity of applications, species, project goals, and researcher experiences associated with drone use in marine mammal science. Our goal is to highlight emerging approaches, share lessons learned, and help inform future projects and best practice. The anonymised results will be presented at a one-day workshop at the European Cetacean Society Conference in Dundee (April 2026): Flying Forward: Innovations, Ethics, and Best Practices for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Marine Mammal Research<https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37>. We also plan to share the outcomes more widely through a publication later this year. We would greatly appreciate responses by 31st March, although the survey will remain open after this date. The more responses we receive, the better we can represent how drones are being used globally - so please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues and networks who may also have relevant experience. Many thanks for your support! Sarah Dolman, Emily Hague and Claire Stainfield Workshop Organisers Dr Emily Hague Marine Mammal Scientist [cid:840cf762-1d2a-45f7-a052-54214efb3c41] BLUE CONNECT Project<https://www.shetlandmarinemammals.com/home> emily.hague(a)uhi.ac.uk<mailto:emily.hague@uhi.ac.uk> shetland.uhi.ac.uk<https://www.shetland.uhi.ac.uk/> Scottish charity no. SC050701 [cid:630f51d8-38ca-4e70-a58e-72e3067ac43b] This message is intended for the use of only the person(s) (“intended recipient”) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Accordingly any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this message or any of its content by any person other than the intended recipient may constitute a breach of civil law or criminal law and is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender as soon as possible.

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UF Fall 2025 online aquatics course - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Hi All, Registration is open for Fall 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues course, fully online. Classes start Thursday August 22th and runs through Wednesday, December 4th. * Registration will remain open through Monday Aug 25th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. *This class is also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DBFCAF.2CF14F90] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environmental training course Devon 13- 16 April
by Zoe Wright 22 Jun '26

22 Jun '26

Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment Training Course (Classroom) Date: 13–16 April 2026 Location: Okehampton, Devon, UK Cost: £1950 + VAT Understanding how underwater sound propagates — and how anthropogenic noise influences marine mammals and other acoustically sensitive species — is essential for researchers, conservation practitioners, regulators, and consultants working in the marine environment. This four‑day classroom‑based course provides a targeted introduction to underwater acoustics, acoustic modelling, and marine noise assessment, with direct application to marine mammal impact assessment, behavioural response studies, and mitigation planning. Designed specifically for professionals involved in marine mammal research, conservation, offshore environmental assessments, and regulatory review, the course delivers the foundational knowledge needed to: * interpret and quantify underwater sound fields * assess and predict potential impacts of industrial noise on marine mammals * understand auditory sensitivities and species‑specific vulnerabilities * evaluate noise exposure in relation to regulatory thresholds and guidance * support the development of effective mitigation and monitoring strategies Course Modules * Introduction to Acoustics & Underwater Acoustics * Key Quantities, Units and Dimensions * Decibels and Acoustic Calculations * Boundary Reflection and Transmission * Ocean Acoustic Environments * Sound Sources and Spectra * Noise, Reverberation & Measurements * Hydrophones and Instrumentation * Anthropogenic Noise in the Ocean * Biological Sound Sources * Marine Wildlife Hearing & Noise Impacts (incl. marine mammals) * Sound Field Modelling for Impact Assessment * Methods for Environmental Impact Assessment * Environmental Regulation & EIA * Soundscapes * Vessel Radiated Noise * Marine Seismic Noise * Mitigation Techniques * Emerging Research Delivered by Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey, internationally recognised researchers in underwater acoustics and marine environmental noise. Discount 5% student discount with valid ID. Booking & Enquiries 📧 training(a)seiche.com Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E:z.wright@seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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Alaska Whale Foundation’s 2025 Research Report
by Andy Szabo 30 Apr '26

30 Apr '26

Alaska Whale Foundation is pleased to share its 2025 Southeast Alaska Research Report: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/_files/ugd/b74f83_e91201b8b7f94a3c9c9… The report presents preliminary findings from AWF’s 2025 field season as part of its long-term Whale and Ocean Health Monitoring Program in the inside and coastal waters of Southeast Alaska. The report focuses primarily on humpback whales. Findings from AWF’s 2025 Sitka Sound Gray Whale Program are available here: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/_files/ugd/b74f83_be5db00344dc40a8b8d… Sincerely, Andy Szabo, PhD Director, Alaska Whale Foundation szabo(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org alaskawhalefoundation.com

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New publication: First QFASA application in bottlenose dolphins
by Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new article in Frontiers in Marine Science: Tatom-Naecker, T.M., Budge, S.M., Parry, C.B., Trumble, S.J., Wells, R.S., & Costa, D.P. (2026). First application of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and its implications for diet estimation in free-ranging cetaceans. Front. Mar. Sci. 13:1804181. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1804181 Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) provides species-level diet estimates integrated over longer time periods, making it a valuable tool for assessing health, ecological roles, and disturbance vulnerability. However, its use in cetaceans has been limited. In this study, we derive the first blubber layer-specific calibration coefficients for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and evaluate QFASA performance across a range of model parameter combinations. We show that species- and layer-specific coefficients improve diet estimates and that blubber fatty acids reflect prey consumption integrated over weeks to months. At the same time, model parameter choices influence performance and estimate accuracy, highlighting important considerations for future applications. We hope this work will be useful for researchers seeking to better understand cetacean foraging ecology, as well as for those applying QFASA and navigating key methodological choices. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Best, Theresa -- Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker (she/her) Ph.D. Candidate Costa Lab | University of California Santa Cruz Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

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New publication: genomics of harbor seal susceptibility to PDV
by Christina McCosker 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors and I, I am excited to share our recently published paper on genomics of harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus: McCosker CM, Doughty L, Hunter N, Stokes A, Puryear WB, Runstadler JA, Cammen KC. (2026). Whole genome sequencing reveals variation in immune and nervous systems associated with harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus. Link: Journal of Heredity <https://academic.oup.com/jhered/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jhered/esag017/…> Abstract: Anthropogenic pressures have increased the emergence and spread of infectious disease in wildlife in recent decades, with cascading impacts on ecosystem dynamics and elevated risk to public health. Understanding factors that contribute to disease severity, and population- and community-level impacts, is critical to predict and mitigate infectious disease outbreaks. We aimed to investigate how host genetic factors contribute to harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus (PDV), a virus that has caused variable levels of mortality among pinniped populations across the North Atlantic. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of harbor seals that were stranded during and following a PDV outbreak that occurred in the Northeast United States in 2018 and used genome-wide association and FST-based approaches to identify genetic variants putatively associated with survival. A subset of harbor seals (10 cases, 10 controls) was sequenced at high coverage (~58x) to generate a reference haplotype panel and impute genotypes in remaining samples (37 cases, 45 controls) that were sequenced at a lower coverage (~4x). Upon investigation of 148,644 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified 33 candidate genes related to innate and adaptive immunity and 37 genes related to the nervous system that were associated with harbor seal survival. These results provide further evidence for the importance of immunogenetic variation and highlight additional key pathways and biological processes that may confer resistance to PDV. Genome-wide approaches, which can reveal the complexity of genetic variation underpinning disease-associated traits, are critical tools to help us understand and potentially predict the impact of future disease outbreaks. Warm regards, Christina McCosker

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PhD opportunity update - Structure/Function Perspectives on Mammal Encephalons (Deadline: May 20th)
by Jean-marie Graic 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAMers I am currently recruiting a PhD candidate for a new position within the Veterinary Sciences program at the University of Padua, Italy The research project focuses on structure/function perspectives of the encephalon in terrestrial and marine mammals. The student will be trained primarily in histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the role involves opportunistic brain extraction, MRI brain scan analysis, and opportunities to engage in broader anatomical research. The profile of the ideal candidate is of an independent, motivated person with pre-existing experience in laboratory histology, neuroscience, data processing, and medical imaging. Although the PhD is in Veterinary Sciences, a veterinary degree is not strictly necessary. Application Details: - Topic: Evolutionary perspectives on the encephalon (terrestrial and marine mammals). - Key Activities: Histology, IHC, Immunofluorescence, MRI analysis, Brain extraction. - Deadline: May 19th. - Full Call: https://www.dottorato.veterinaria.unipd.it/evolutionary-perspectives-terres… - Application: https://www.unipd.it/en/dottorato/dottorati-42-ciclo Please review the link above for specific requirements and the application procedure. If you know any motivated students or researchers interested in this field, please forward this information to them. Best regards, *Prof. Jean-Marie Graïc, DVM, PhD* Associate Professor ORCID 0000-0002-1974-8356 <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1974-8356> Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA) Università di Padova (Italy) Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro (PD) jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it <ksenia.orekhova(a)phd.unipd.it> [image: https://wwwassets.unipd.it/sites/default/files/UNIPDLogotipoRED400.png] ___________________________________ *RISPETTA L'AMBIENTE, STAMPA SOLO SE NECESSARIO*

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New publication: Optimised DNA extraction protocols for whale faeces
by Aashi 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new publication which compares DNA extraction protocols for the purpose of maximizing prey DNA recovery from whale faecal samples. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12686-026-01429-6 Abstract Faecal metabarcoding is widely used for mammalian diet analysis. However, most extraction protocols are designed to target high molecular weight genomic DNA and not the short DNA sequences associated with digested prey items. To examine the prey composition in southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) faecal samples we used a phosphate buffer DNA extraction method along with two commercial extraction kits (QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini and QIAGEN DNEasy PowerSoil) with the following variations: (1) incubation time in a phosphate buffer (1 and 24 h); (2) processing both pellet and supernatant from the phosphate buffer incubations; and (3) two different concentrations of DNA binding buffer. We found that the choice of extraction protocol influenced the richness, diversity and composition of eukaryotes (18S rDNA) and crustaceans (Crust16S mtDNA) in the faecal samples. The PowerSoil protocol performed well for both markers, delivering the highest target richness for 18S rDNA and highest diversity for Crust16S mtDNA, with the pellet of the phosphate buffer also performing comparably. Taxonomic composition in the phosphate buffer supernatant was influenced by the incubation period and concentration of binding buffer and differed from its corresponding pellet. To maximise taxonomic coverage, we recommend combining the extracts from both the supernatant and pellet. In faecal studies, our findings reinforce the importance of defining the community attributes (richness versus diversity versus composition) of key interest prior to performing DNA extraction, as the inference of these variables is likely to be altered by the choice of extraction protocol.

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Call for abstracts: 8th International Marine Conservation Congress
by IMCC Team 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Dear Colleagues, I am delighted to announce that the call for abstracts for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8) <https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8> is now officially open. We welcome submissions about marine mammal projects around the world that demonstrate conservation impact. IMCC8 will take place in the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from November 13- 17, 2026. As the premier global gathering for marine conservation professionals, IMCCs bring together the global community to share research, tools, and lessons learned that advance marine science, policy, and practice. We invite you to contribute to this global dialogue and help shape the future of ocean conservation. We particularly welcome global, interdisciplinary, and student-led contributions that address the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. This is a unique opportunity to share your work with a diverse, international audience of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. Key Details: *Abstract Submission Deadline:* 15 May, 2026 *How to Submit:* Please visit our program page at https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8/program for detailed instructions and to submit your abstract. *Help Spread the Word: *We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this call within your networks. You can use the IMCC8 social media toolkit <https://docs.google.com/document/d/15fIqlIsRV_2VwUsRTWSzfCGDn4SlZsaIZYI54ZN…> and hashtags #IMCC8, #OceanConservation, #MarineScience, and #SCBMarine to help amplify the call. *Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities:* There are also a range of opportunities to get involved through sponsorship or exhibiting at IMCC8, including support for students and early-career researchers, community events, and educational programming. More information is available on our sponsor/exhibitor page here <https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8/sponsors-exhibitors/>, and we would be grateful if you could share these opportunities within your organization. We hope to see you in Edinburgh and look forward to receiving your contributions. Warm Regards, Shaili Johri on behalf of The Society for Conservation Biology Global Marine Program -- International Marine Conservation Congress 13-17 November 2026 | Edinburgh, Scotland SCB Marine Global Program 1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC

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