April 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New releases: Updated iPCoD models
by Cormac Booth 21 Apr '26

21 Apr '26

We’re delighted to announce the release of two enhanced versions of the iPCoD (Interim Population Consequences of Disturbance) model: "iPCoD EE" and "iPCoD DEB”. These are updates/variations build on the established iPCoD framework to better quantify disturbance effects on marine mammal populations. * iPCoD EE (Expert Elicitation) models the direct impacts of disturbance and auditory injury demographic rates such as fecundity and survival - with new additional functionality. It’s available for harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, grey and harbour seal and minke whales (N.B.: EE transfer functions have been updated for some species over time). * iPCoD DEB (Dynamic Energy Budget) incorporates state-of-the-art DEB theory to track how animals allocate energy between maintenance, growth, and reproduction under varying disturbance regimes. It’s available for harbour porpoises only. Learn more on our dedicated PCoD page: https://www.smruconsulting.com/population-consequences-of-disturbance-pcod and follow the links to the full technical description, model code, and supporting documentation. Sincerely, SMRU Consulting

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NEW 2025 humpback whale monitoring report from Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
by Neilson, Janet L 20 Apr '26

20 Apr '26

The following report summarizing humpback whale monitoring results from 2025 is now available: Neilson, J.L., C.M. Gabriele, and P.D. Bishop. 2026. Glacier Bay & Icy Strait Humpback Whale Population Monitoring: 2025 Update. National Park Service Resource Brief, Gustavus, Alaska. Glacier Bay & Icy Strait Humpback Whale Population Monitoring: 2025 Update<https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/upload/Neilson_etal_2026_Humpback_Wha…> [3.6 MB, 11 pages] The 2026 field season (our 42nd year of monitoring) will be underway soon! KEY FINDINGS FROM 2025: * Whale abundance in Glacier Bay-Icy Strait decreased compared to 2024 and overall numbers remain ~30% lower than before the 2014-2016 NE Pacific marine heatwave (PMH). The most profound long-term effects appear to be in Icy Strait where effort-corrected abundance is 42.5% lower than before the PMH. * After a “baby boom” in 2024 we documented only six calves, yielding a below average crude birth rate (3.8%), though calf and juvenile survival appear to be rebounding following the PMH. * Lingering impacts from the PMH suggest there will be reduced humpback whale population growth in the coming years, even if feeding conditions are favorable. * Whales appeared to move around the study area more than normal in search of food, with more emaciated whales and forage fish monitoring confirming that prey were more dispersed and there were fewer large concentrated schools than in 2024. * In late June, we documented two whales with new injuries that appeared to be incisions from vessel propellers. Despite the severity of whale #2583’s injuries, it was resighted up to 53 days later and appeared to behave normally. * We confirmed the survival of #5490 (entangled in October 2023) and #2800 (struck by a vessel in Glacier Bay in August 2011) through sightings of both whales in 2025. -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826 907-697-2658 Xunaa Káawu Aaní áwé yéi xat yatee ka ax’ yéi jixané I live and work in Huna Lingít Homeland.

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New publication: Quiet Signals of Burmeister's Porpoises ( Phocoena spinipinnis ) Recorded in Chile and Peru
by Ruth Ortes 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Ortés‐Villauriz, R., Wahlberg, M., Gómez‐Lobo, D. A., Alfaro‐Shigueto, J., Heinrich, S., Mangel, J. C., Ortiz-Alvarez, C., & Martin, M. J. (2026). Quiet Signals of Burmeister's Porpoises (Phocoena spinipinnis) Recorded in Chile and Peru. Marine Mammal Science, 42(2), e70173. <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70173> https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70173 *Abstract* Burmeister's porpoises are cryptic and challenging to detect visually. More information on their acoustic signals could facilitate the use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and help to better understand their ecology. Here, clicks were recorded from two different Burmeister's porpoise populations, one in Chile and the other in Peru, using a 4-channel hydrophone array and a single-channel hydrophone recorder. Burmeister's porpoises produced narrowband high-frequency (NBHF) echolocation clicks, typical of all species of porpoises and a few other odontocete species. Feeding buzzes and burst-pulse sounds, likely used for communication, were also recorded. Echolocation click frequency parameters resembled those of harbor porpoises, with a peak frequency of 137 ± 2 kHz and a rms bandwidth of 7 ± 3 kHz, but duration was longer (132 ± 39 μs) than clicks from other NBHF odontocetes. Echolocation click source levels (137 ± 13 dB re 1 μPa rms) and energy levels (100 ± 13 dB re 1 μPa2s at 1 m) were considerably lower than clicks from other NBHF species. The quiet signals used by Burmeister's porpoises affect maximum detection range of prey as well as conspecific communication. Low source levels may prevent porpoises from being detected by predators and aid echolocation in cluttered environments. When designing PAM efforts for this species, low source levels should be considered as the longer durations only partly compensate for the detectability of these signals. Best regards, Ruth Ortés-Villauriz, MSc in Biology. Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies (CEAB-CSIC)

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Request for help with Russian references
by Thomas Jefferson 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM, I am searching for the following references: Savinetskii, A. B. (1992). Secular dynamics of the population of the sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas, Zimm., 1780) in the Late Holocene. Doklady Akademii Nauk Sssr 326(3):570-572. Savinetsky, A. B. (1993). Ancient population dynamics of the sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas Zimm., 1780) in the late Holocene. Doklady Biological Sciences (English Translation of Doklady Akademii Nauk Sssr) 326(1-6):403-405. If anyone has access, I would very much appreciate if you would send me PDFs of the papers.Thanks in advance,Tom JeffersonClymene Enterprisessclymene(a)aol.com

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Range-Wide Gray Whale Science Symposium - Sept. 9-10, 2026
by Lauri Leach 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, A Range-Wide Gray Whale Science Symposium will take place on September 9-10, 2026, coordinated by the Marine Mammal Commission and hosted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University in Newport, Oregon. This two-day scientific meeting will focus on gray whale ecology and health across the Eastern North Pacific and Arctic and will synthesize current research and observations to improve understanding of recent trends in health, feeding behavior, distribution, and population dynamics, and to identify priorities for future research, monitoring, and coordination. Visit the event page for details (https://www.mmc.gov/events-meetings-and-workshops/other-events/gray-whale-s…)

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Announcement of Louis M Herman Research Scholarship winners
by Kimberley Bennett 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

Dear Marmam members. Please see below the announcement of the winners of the Louis M Herman scholarship for 2026. Dear Marine Mammal Community, We are delighted to share the recipients of the 2026 Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fprotect.c…> . The scholarship honors the legacy of Louis M. Herman, a pioneer in dolphin sensory perception and cognition and humpback whale behavioral ecology. Dr. Herman founded the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory in 1969 and co-founded The Dolphin Institute, shaping decades of groundbreaking research and mentoring generations of marine mammal scientists. Established in 2017 by his family, colleagues, and friends, the scholarship is awarded biennially to support research that reflects his innovative and rigorous scientific approach. This year, we received an exceptional 45 proposals from researchers across the globe, representing Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The quality and breadth of submissions were the highest on record, making the review process both inspiring and highly competitive. We appreciate the efforts of all the applicants and would like to thank everyone who submitted an application for this award. After careful consideration, the Herman Family generously elected to support two outstanding applicants this year: Lewis EvansUniversity of Hawai'i, Marine Mammal Research Program Energetic Expenditure and Physical Traits Shaping Male Reproductive Strategies in Humpback Whales on the Hawaiian Breeding Grounds Melanie Smith Syracuse University, Bioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology Lab (BABEL) Examining the Effect of Female Acoustic Signaling on Dyad Stability on a Humpback Whale Breeding Ground Please join us in congratulating Lewis and Melanie on this well-deserved recognition. Their work reflects the innovation and excellence that the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship aims to support. We extend our sincere thanks to the Herman Family and the review panel for their continued commitment to advancing marine mammal science. Warm regards, Kimberley Bennett Chair of the Awards Committee Society for Marine Mammalogy awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org <awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org?subject=&body=> -- The Society for Marine Mammalogy Awards and Scholarships Committee AwardsChair(a)marinemammalscience.org

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OSC MMO/PSO/PAMO Course advertisement
by OSC Admin 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

Hello MARMAM Community, Our renowned OSC JNCC MMO, PSO, and PAM courses are underway with a course running at this moment! We have a group of enthusiastic and engaged candidates from around the world here at our offices in Dunbar, Scotland and so far the feedback is very positive! We’re delighted to let you know that we still have spaces in our courses this year for the following sessions: * Session 3 – MMO – Jun 30 (1 day); PSO – Jul 1 (0.5 day); PAM – Jul 1-3 (2.5 days) * Session 4 – MMO – Sept 8 (1 day); PSO – Sept 9 (0.5 day); PAM – Sept 9-11 (2.5 days) * Session 5 – MMO – Nov 17 (1 day); PSO – Nov 18 (0.5 day); PAM – Nov 18-20 (2.5 days) It’s the perfect time to enhance your expertise, advance your professional development, or connect with others who share your passion. These courses are carefully crafted to keep you at the forefront of the industry. With a strong focus on interactivity and practical application, each course will equip you with valuable skills and knowledge you can put to use straight away. Our experienced instructors are committed to guiding you throughout your learning journey, ensuring you get the most from every session. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment and elevate your capabilities. Courses are delivered by the authors of the highly regarded ‘How To guide’, Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook. If you’re interested in enrolling or have any queries, please reach out to us regarding MMO & PAM Training Courses on admin(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:admin@osc.co.uk>. Spaces are limited and filling up quickly, so secure your place soon. We look forward to welcoming you to the programme and supporting your ongoing success in the marine field. For booking please follow this link: MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/>. Course attendees also receive a discount code for Opticron binoculars and tripods. OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. [cid:image837939.png@8F1FFA52.15CB37E9] Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. T: +44 (0)1368 865 722<tel:T:%20+44%20(0)1368%20865%20722%E2%80%8B> W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/> W: www.ocean-science-consulting.gr<http://www.ocean-science-consulting.gr/> W: www.osc-nz.co.nz<http://www.osc-nz.co.nz/> Spott Road , Dunbar , East Lothian , EH42 1RR . Scotland, UK [cid:image450289.png@64404783.0863421E] [cid:image011699.png@BB0A451D.33BCBCEF] MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com<http://www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com/>

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New publication: From traits to threats : A Global Assessment of Marine Mammal Vulnerability
by Isabel C. Avila 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

New publication: “From Traits to Threats: A Global Assessment of Marine Mammal Vulnerability”. In this study, we assess the vulnerability of 125 marine mammal species to nine major threats using ecological traits and global data. We find that traits such as range size, age at maturity, body size, and dive depth strongly shape risk exposure. This trait-based approach helps identify overlooked species and provides a framework to guide more targeted and effective conservation efforts worldwide. Reference: Avila, I.C., Kaschner, K., & Dormann, C. (2026). From traits to threats: a global assessment of marine mammal vulnerability. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 783, meps15117. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps15117 The paper can be accessed here: https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/articles/meps15117 or you can contact me: isabelc.avila(a)gmail.com

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 16 Apr '26

16 Apr '26

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

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New publication: A Machine Learning Approach to Assess the Relevance of Interspecific Acoustic Cetacean Co-Occurrence When Modeling Species Presence
by Braulio Leon Lopez 15 Apr '26

15 Apr '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publiction in Marine Mammal Science: Cruz‐Villagran, H., Gutiérrez‐Jagüey, J., Von Borstel, F. D., Leon‐Lopez, B., Paniagua‐Mendoza, A., & Romero‐Vivas, E. (2026). A Machine Learning Approach to Assess the Relevance of Interspecific Acoustic Cetacean Co‐Occurrence When Modeling Species Presence. *Marine Mammal Science*, 42(2), e70165. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70165 *Abstract* Ecological models are essential for understanding cetacean distribution, particularly in marine ecosystems where direct observation is challenging. The present study applied passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) to model the presence of dolphins (Family Delphinidae) in the Cerralvo Channel, Gulf of California, Mexico, incorporating 10 environmental descriptors and introducing the variable of interspecific acoustic co-occurrence of cetaceans (IACC). The latter implies acoustic co-detection regardless of proximity, interaction or mutual awareness among species. Data were collected from November 2022 to December 2023 using PAM, yielding 452 h of acoustic recordings. The best-performing ANN achieved 81.7% accuracy, identifying IACC, wind speed, Chlorophyll-a concentration, hydrophone distance-to-coast ratio, and diel pattern as the most influential descriptors. Variable contribution analyses revealed that IACC exerted the strongest positive influence on dolphin detection, with blue and sperm whale vocalizations being the most frequently detected with dolphins. These findings highlight PAM and ANNs as effective tools for capturing complex ecological relationships and emphasize IACC as a key driver shaping dolphin habitat use through the shared acoustic space. Best regards, *Braulio León-López, Ph.D.* *Postdoctoral Researcher, SECIHTI Fellowship* Acoustics and Signal Processing Research Group / Natural History Museum Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR) <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Este correo puede contener datos personales, por lo que su distribución es responsabilidad de la persona servidora pública que lo emite.*

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