April 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: On the dynamics of the aerosol plume in common bottlenose dolphin respiratory events
by Daniel Levine - NOAA Affiliate 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Good Morning! We would like to have this publication distributed. Thanks! Dear MARMAM Community, My colleagues and I are proud to share our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Abstract: This study examines the trajectories, size, and spatial distribution of aerosols during breathing events of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus)* in the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. Accounting for the aerodynamic drag and inertia of the small droplets, the trajectories are used for estimating the volumes and flow rates of the exhaled and inhaled air. Data are acquired by training two male and four female dolphins to breathe at the side of the pool within the field-of-view of a high-speed holography system. Droplet-tracking and size measurements are performed for twenty-six datasets involving normal, chuff, and post-exercise breaths, some repeated to assess repeatability. The exhaled liquid originates either from the respiratory system or from the water trapped above the blowhole. The 150–400 ms exhalations have multiple velocity peaks, with the maximum air speed occurring during the first peak for post-exercise breaths. The droplet concentrations and sizes peak at the time of maximum velocity and then gradually decrease. The exhaled liquid volumes vary between 0.1–16 mL, peaking for post-exercise breaths. About 0.5% of the exhaled aerosol travels 2–5 times faster than the surrounding air and droplets, presumably due to ejection from deep within the respiratory tract. A fraction of the airborne liquid (0.02-1.0 mL) is subsequently inhaled during the more than 550 ms long inhalation phase, characterized by low speeds and small droplets. The exhaled and inhaled tidal volumes estimated from the trajectories are consistent with prior measurements of dolphins in the wild and other facilities. To the best of our knowledge, the droplet concentrations, size distributions, and total liquid volumes ejected and aspirated have never been reported for common bottlenose dolphins. Such data are vital for assessing the aerosols generated and inhaled by surface breathing mammals, a critical first step in characterizing health risks to cetaceans in adverse environments. This study is part of the project, Reducing Impacts to Cetaceans During Disasters by Improving Response Activities, which was selected for implementation by the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group Restoration Plan #2 to restore natural resources injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of America. Our paper is open access and can be found here : https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1748534 -- *Dan Levine *(he/him) *Gulf of America Disaster Response Coordinator* Contractor, ERT, Inc. NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office | Protected Resources Division W: (813) 906-6054 www.fisheries.noaa.gov www.ERT.space <https://ertcorp.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d69163192674a1df5b423b5a…> Connect on LinkedIn <https://ertcorp.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d69163192674a1df5b423b5a…>

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New paper: Comparative review of entanglement risk assessments for cetacean conservation and management
by LJ Feyrer 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new article in Conservation Biology: Feyrer, L. J., Evers, C., & Moors-Murphy, H. (2026). Comparative review of entanglement risk assessments for cetacean conservation and management. Conservation Biology, e70296. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70296 In this paper, we review how cetacean entanglement risk has been assessed across conservation and management contexts. We compare approaches, data inputs, spatial and temporal scales, treatment of uncertainty, and the extent to which assessments connect risk estimates to management decisions. We also highlight gaps and opportunities for improving future risk assessments, including clearer problem formulation, stronger links between exposure and consequence, more transparent uncertainty treatment, and broader consideration of population-level, welfare, and management-relevant outcomes. We hope the review will be useful to researchers, managers, and practitioners working on cetacean bycatch, entanglement mitigation, and risk-based conservation planning. The article is available here: https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70296 Best regards, Laura Feyrer C. Evers Hilary Moors-Murphy

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New Publication: Risso's Dolphin Deep Learning Click Classifier
by Thomas Webber 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear Marmam Colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to announce our new open-access publication "Monitoring Risso's Dolphins in the Northeast Atlantic: A Deep Learning Approach to Classify Echolocation Click Detections". https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70180 The classifier is open-source (available on the github link below), and can be integrated into existing PAMGuard workflows, or run externally. While some testing has been conducted in new regions and new data collection platforms such as gliders, if you have any issues with the classifier or installation do get in contact. https://github.com/tomwebber96/binaryEcholocationClassification The classifier was developed primarily for use in Scottish waters with the hope of wider deployment and further testing around the wider North Atlantic and Mediterranean. There has been limited testing outside the North Atlantic but additional training data are likely required for new regions given the new species compositions and noise profiles. If you would like to test the classifier on a new region do get in contact as we would be interested to know it performs and if we can be of any assistance with further training. Best, Thomas Webber thomas.webber(a)sams.ac.uk The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC009292) and is a registered charity (9206). SAMS has two actively trading wholly owned subsidiary companies: SAMS Enterprise Ltd (SC224404) and SAMS Ltd (SC306912). All Companies in the group are registered in Scotland and share a registered office at SAMS, Dunbeg, Oban, Scotland, PA37 1QA. The content of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of SAMS unless specifically stated. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for purposes of security and spam filtering. As such individual emails may be examined in more detail.

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New position at the Swedish Museum of Natural History
by Anja Carlsson 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear Marmam, The Swedish Museum of Natural History ( In English | Naturhistoriska riksmuseet <https://www.nrm.se/engelska/in-english> ) has an open position for a senior curator working on marine mammals (monitoring and research) in Sweden. See link below for job posting and to apply. A description of the position can also be found below. *Last application date: 11/05/2026* About the job and to apply: Visma Recruit <https://recruit.visma.com/spa/public/apply?guidAssignment=413f27fd-219e-404…> About the workplace The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency with a mandate to promote knowledge, research and interest in our world. It is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For more than 200 years, the museum has been collecting specimens and data and conducting research on life on earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in the exhibitions, Cosmonova and in activities at the museum and digitally. The Swedish Museum of Natural History is seeking a dedicated and motivated senior curator to the department of Population analysis and monitoring.In this role, you will be part of a working group responsible for Sweden’s long‑term national environmental monitoring of seals and harbour porpoises, and conducts research, provides expert support, and performs analytical work of importance for both national and international management. Job description As senior curator, you will play an important role in leading and implementing monitoring programmes for seals and harbour porpoises as well as contributing expert knowledge in both national and international contexts. You will join a highly skilled team working at the intersection of research, environmental monitoring, and management. The position includes a research component (approximately 20%), where participation in ongoing research projects is expected. There is also an opportunity to apply for external research funding. The position includes both office-based work at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and fieldwork. Weatherdependent fieldwork is carried out along the entire Swedish coastline during specific time periods, typically for 2-14 days at a time, around five times per year. The work may take place outside regular working hours, including weekends and public holidays. As the work is conducted from both aircraft and boats, you must be able to manage potential motion sickness. Additional tasks related to the departments overarching goals and development may occur to a lesser extent. Duties - Together with the working group, lead projects related to the monitoring of grey seals, harbour seals, ringed seals, and harbour porpoises. - Plan and conduct field surveys of seals and harbour porpoises, and compile, analyse, and report the results to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. - Conduct fieldwork from boats, helicopters, and aircraft. - Provide support to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and County Administrative Boards on matters related to the management of marine mammals in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. - Participate in the work of international conventions and expert groups, such as HELCOM, ICES, OSPAR, and ASCOBANS. - Collaborate with other departments and working groups within the Swedish Museum of Natural History as well as external partners. - Handle and respond to official consultations and referrals submitted to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. - Contribute to the overall goals and development of the working group and the department. - Conduct research related to marine mammals. Qualifications We are looking for a candidate who holds a PhD in ecology, marine biology, zoology, or another field relevant to the position, completed prior to the start of employment. For the position, documented experience in producing and analysing highquality, reproducible datasets is required, as well as strong proficiency in MS Office or equivalent software. Extensive field experience working with wildlife, for example within monitoring, survey, or research projects, is also required. Furthermore, experience in publishing scientific articles and the ability to communicate scientific information effectively, both orally and in writing, are required. Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required. Skills in Swedish, both spoken and written, is also required; alternatively, applicants are expected to learn Swedish within three years. It is meriting if you have experience working with marine mammals or marine ecosystems, for example within monitoring or research projects. Meriting qualifications also include experience working on boats and/or in aircraft or helicopters, experience with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data, experience working with R or equivalent software, and experience working with geospatial data. Additional meriting qualifications include documented experience in project management, financial planning and reporting, work within expert groups under international conventions and/or marine management within the EU, as well as experience with official consultation and/or referral processes. Furthermore, experience applying for research funding is meriting, as is experience publishing popular science articles and active research, after completing a PhD, in ecology, marine biology, or another field relevant to the position. A category B driving licence and strong communication skills in Swedish, both spoken and written, are also considered meriting. We are looking for someone who is qualityconscious, structured, flexible, and who has strong collaborative skills. You are thorough and well aware of goals and quality standards, and you place great importance on meeting them. You plan, organise, and prioritise your work effectively, and you set and keep to timelines. You adapt easily to changing circumstances, can quickly adjust your perspective and approach, and you see opportunities in change. You work well with others and relate to people, listen and communicate in a responsive and smooth manner. Scope of employment Form of employment : Permanent employment Scope : Full-time Duration : Permanent Application Last application date: 11/05/2026 23:59

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New method to map dolphin bycatch risk in gillnet fisheries using fine-scale AIS data
by Camille Deslias 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We would like to share our recent paper published in Fisheries Research: Deslias, C., Dubroca, L., Ridoux, V., Bidenbach, E., Peltier, H. 2026. The Hop-o'-My-Thumb white pebbles: How AIS data allow gillnet and trammel net fishing effort to be tracked in the forest of fisheries data. Fisheries Research, 297, 107714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107714 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107714] Common dolphin bycatch in gillnets and trammel nets remains a major conservation concern, but estimating fishing effort for these static gears has long been a challenge. Conventional methods based on vessel speed or days at sea fail to capture the key parameters that could drive bycatch risk: how much gear is deployed, for how long, and how high the nets are. By combining fine-scale AIS trajectories with onboard observer data, we reconstruct net length, soak time and net height for the French netter fleet in the Bay of Biscay (2016–2023), mapping the resulting hotspots of bycatch risk for common dolphins, mainly on the continental shelf during winter. The approach is reproducible and applicable to other regions. Best, Camille Deslias Postdoctoral Researcher Observatoire PELAGIS (UAR 3462) Centre d'Etude Biologique de Chizé (UMR 7372) 06.78.45.62.84 Observatoire PELAGIS La Rochelle Université Centre commun d'analyse 5 allée de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/] univ-larochelle.fr [http://www.univ-larochelle.fr/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleUniversite/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/UnivLaRochelle] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/univlarochelle/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-la-rochelle/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Cf7Z00cbodH9qC8i7SHXA]

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 25 Apr '26

25 Apr '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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New deep-learning publications
by Jared Towers 24 Apr '26

24 Apr '26

Hi Marmam colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to share a couple recent papers on the development of deep-learning in cetacean photo-identification studies. Barnhill, A., Towers, J.R., Sutton, G.J., Shaw, T.J.H., Doniol-Valcroze, T., Maier, A., Nöth, Bergler, C. 2026. Leveraging co-occurrence to improve deep learning photo-identification in social mammals. Ecology and Evolution, 16, e73552. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.73552 Barnhill, A., Towers, J.R., Shaw, T.J.H., Arias, M., Bécares, A., Doniol-Valcroze, T., von Fersen, L., Genoves, R., Rörup, T., Sutton, G.J., Thornton, S., Weiss, M., Maier, A., Nöth, E, Bergler, C. 2025. Advances in deep learning-driven photo identification and meta analysis of cetaceans in large data repositories. Ecological Informatics, 91, 103396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103396 The algorithms reported in these papers are now housed and available for population photo-ID data managers on www.finwave.io. Regards, Jared Towers Executive Director, Bay Cetology, BC, Canada.

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Save the date - The 9th International Biologging Science Symposium
by Andreas Fahlman 22 Apr '26

22 Apr '26

Dear MarMamers, We would like to share an early save-the-date announcement for the 9th International Bio-Logging Science Symposium (BLS9), which will take place October 18-22, 2027 in Sevilla, Spain. Bio- and Physio-logging approaches are widely used in marine mammal research to study behavior, movement ecology, foraging strategies, physiology, energetics, and responses to anthropogenic stressors (e.g., noise, fisheries interactions, and climate change). BLS9 will bring together an international and interdisciplinary community working on the development and application of animal-borne sensors, including many studies focused on marine mammals across diverse environments. The symposium will include sessions relevant to marine mammal science and conservation, such as: * Diving physiology, energetics, and gas dynamics * Behavioral ecology and movement patterns * Responses to disturbance (e.g., sonar, shipping, and other anthropogenic noise) * Climate change impacts and habitat use * Advances in biologging technology and analytical methods While the symposium has strong relevance for marine mammal research, it is intentionally cross-taxonomic and will also include studies on terrestrial and avian species, providing opportunities for methodological exchange and cross-system comparisons that are increasingly valuable for marine mammal science. We anticipate that BLS9 will provide a valuable forum for researchers working on marine mammal behavior, physiology, and conservation to exchange ideas, present new findings, and foster collaborations. We will share additional details (including abstract submissions and registration) as the meeting approaches. We hope this will be of interest to the marine mammal research community and look forward to welcoming many of you to Sevilla. Sincerely, Andreas [image.png]

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MARMAM New publication: Evidence of a dietary shift in Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina waters during a cold‐water anomaly
by Wayne McFee 22 Apr '26

22 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-author and I are pleased to share our new publication in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Evidence of a dietary shift in Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina waters during a cold‐water anomaly ( https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/1107 ) Abstract: Diet analysis can reveal how predators respond when prey distributions are altered. Cold‐water temperatures in the winter of December 2010 to March 2011 were concurrent with a Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops erebennus) Unusual Mortality Event (UME) in 2011 in South Carolina. During this time, prey die‐offs occurred that were documented in fishery surveys, and bottlenose dolphins consumed unusual prey items based on gross observation. We analysed the stomach contents of bottlenose dolphins that stranded from 2009 to 2014 and summarised frequency of occurrence (%F) and numerical abundance (%N) of prey species overall, annually and seasonally. Prey species with numerical abundance ≥ 5% overall were tested for significant differences annually and seasonally. From the stomach contents of 114 dolphins, the most frequently occurring (%F) and numerically abundant (%N) species were Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus; %F = 54%; %N = 16%) and star drum (Stellifer lanceolatus; %F = 45%; %N = 16%). Star drum, hake (Urophycis sp.) and squid (family Loliginidae) numerical abundances differed annually, while spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), hake and squid numerical abundances differed seasonally. Bottlenose dolphins consumed significantly more hake during the 2011 UME compared with 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. This dietary shift to hake likely occurred due to increased hake availability relative to other prey items typically available during this period. Numerical abundances peaked in the following seasons: summer for spot, winter for silver perch and bay anchovy, spring for hake, and the fall for squid. Our findings demonstrate that bottlenose dolphins can shift their diet when prey distributions are altered to maintain their caloric needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the work. Kind regards Megan Krzewinski and Wayne McFee megkrzewinski(a)gmail.com wayne.mcfee(a)noaa.gov National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NOAA National Ocean Service -- Wayne McFee PI -Coastal Marine Mammal Assessments Key Species and Bioinformatics Branch National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NOAA National Ocean Service 331 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 (843) 612-0061 Follow us on Twitter! @NOAACoastalSci <https://twitter.com/noaacoastalsci> Follow us on Facebook! @NOAACoastalSci <https://www.facebook.com/NOAACoastalSci>

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Launch of the 2026 BioDCASE challenge
by Dorian CAZAU 22 Apr '26

22 Apr '26

Dear colleague, We are glad to announce the launch of the 2nd edition of the BioDCASE challenge<https://biodcase.github.io/challenge2026/>, where our task 2<https://biodcase.github.io/challenge2026/task2>, focused on the detection of large baleen whales from Antarctica based on Passive Acoustic Monitoring, is back! For this second edition, we have deliberately kept it very close to the first one - so former participants can easily resubmit improved versions of their models, those who ran out of time get a real second chance, and newcomers jump in with a solid, ready-made benchmark from day one! Please note that the challenge has already commenced; submissions will be accepted until June 15. More globally, if you are interested in this kind of collaborative research initiative but you don’t have time to participate this time, please don’t hesitate to contact us to see how you could be involved in this project in the near future! All the best, Dorian Cazau on behalf of the Organization team of BioDCASE 2026 - Task 2 Dorian CAZAU Associate professor in Ocean data science * ENSTA<https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr/fr> * OSmOSE<https://osmose.ifremer.fr/> * Lab-STICC, UMR CNRS 6285<https://labsticc.fr/en/departments/ia-ocean> * Institut Polytechnique de Paris<https://www.ip-paris.fr/>

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