April 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts
by Dara Orbach 05 Apr '26

05 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, we are pleased to announce the publication of our new article entitled "Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts" The article is open access using the following link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1771116 McGhee E, Sidorovskaia N, and Orbach DN (2026) Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts. Frontiers in Marine Science 13:1771116. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2026.1771116 Abstract: Common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) rely on whistles for group cohesion and coordination and on echolocation for prey detection and capture. In Texas bays, dolphins recurrently feed near shrimp trawlers and along seawalls, where they encounter different anthropogenic noises and prey availabilities. We used passive acoustic monitoring to compare whistles and click trains produced by dolphins foraging in these two human-modified habitats in the Texas Coastal Bend. Whistle sequences near trawlers exhibited greater contour diversity and complexity than those near seawalls, likely reflecting developmental and social influences within large mixed-age aggregations that included calves and young-of-year. Elevated group-level click and buzz activity near trawlers primarily reflected large group sizes rather than increased clicking by individuals, indicating collective echolocation effort. Higher proportions of buzz clicks and buzz-containing trains near trawlers indicate increased foraging effort and repeated prey-capture attempts when exploiting trawler-aggregated prey. Short, sparse, and more variable click trains near seawalls are consistent with exploratory echolocation in a less predictable foraging environment where the benefits of eavesdropping are reduced. The data show that social structure, prey resources, and habitat-specific noise shape communication and echolocation across the two foraging contexts. Best wishes, Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

1 0

Exclusive Marine Mammal Science Program for Adults 55+
by SMMILE 03 Apr '26

03 Apr '26

Aloha! My name is Jessie Hoffman, and I’m reaching out on behalf of SMMILE (Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experiences), a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization focused on immersive marine science education. SMMILE for Seniors is a unique, three-week program designed for adults 55+ who are eager to deepen their understanding of marine mammals through hands-on, field-based learning. Blending academic insight with real-world experience, this program offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from PhD marine mammal scientists and graduate researchers in an intimate setting. Participants will attend three in-depth seminars (June 10, 17, & 24, 5:30-7:30pm) covering key topics in marine mammal science, conservation, and research methods. Beyond the classroom, the experience extends into the field with premium excursions, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (June 12 morning), a chartered marine mammal survey (June 20 morning), and access to the NOAA Inouye Regional Center facility (June 26 afternoon) — opportunities that are rarely available to the public. Participants will also have the option to join a bonus excursion to Kaʻena Point, where they can observe Hawaiian monk seals and learn how to safely view, identify, and report sightings alongside expert instructors. Designed as a mini field course rather than a casual workshop, SMMILE for Seniors emphasizes active participation, direct engagement with researchers, and meaningful exploration of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. Whether you are a lifelong learner, ocean enthusiast, or simply curious about marine science, this program offers an unforgettable and enriching experience. Register here by April 18, with discounted early bird and pair admission options available: https://smmile.betterworld.org/events/smmile-seniors More information about the course here: https://smmiles.org/upcoming-programs#page-2 -- Jessie Hoffman SMMILE Team smmilehawaii(a)gmail.com smmiles.org

1 0

Survey on science communication interests and capabilities of marine mammal scientists
by Andrew Wright 02 Apr '26

02 Apr '26

Dear Marmam, A reminder that the Survey on science communication interests and capabilities of marine mammal scientists closes at 11:59pm, Eastern time 10th April. This is a voluntary, 10-minute survey designed to provide insight on the current interests in science communications of researchers, students, and other professionals who study wild marine mammals and other species, and elements of the reach and capabilities in this area. Data from the responses will be used to develop resources to help marine mammal researchers better communicate their work. Take the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/260396592566167. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me at Andrew(a)VocalEarth.com. Regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. Director Vocal Earth Conservation Marketing VocalEarth.com

1 0

LAMLA V – 10th Anniversary Edition · Mar del Plata, Argentina (Nov 2026)
by Gisela Giardino 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the *5th edition of the workshop Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America (LAMLA V)* will take place *18–20 November 2026* in *Mar del Plata, Argentina*, as part of the *XX Argentine Congress of Acoustics (AdAA2026)*. This edition is particularly meaningful: *LAMLA celebrates its 10th anniversary* since the first workshop organized in Natal, Brazil, in 2016. Over the past decade, LAMLA has grown into the main regional forum dedicated to the study of *passive acoustic monitoring and bioacoustics of aquatic mammals* in Latin America. *LAMLA V will continue this mission*, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers working on the acoustic ecology, communication, monitoring, and conservation of cetaceans, pinnipeds, manatees, and other aquatic mammals across the region. Because this year’s event is hosted in *Mar del Plata*, a major marine research hub, LAMLA V will also benefit from stronger participation of groups working on *animal bioacoustics, hydroacoustics, and interdisciplinary sound-related projects*. All information regarding abstract submission, important dates, venue, and registration is available on the official AdAA2026 website: 🔗 *https://congresoadaa2026.web.app/ <https://congresoadaa2026.web.app/>* We warmly invite the MARMAN community to participate, share ongoing work, and celebrate a decade of building this collaborative network in Latin American marine bioacoustics. Please feel free to circulate this announcement within your teams and networks. Warm regards, *Gisela Giardino* On behalf of the LAMLA V and AdAA Coordination Team -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

1 0

ECS 2026 workshop invitation - Mobilizing citizen science for marine education and conservation (Eleonora Barbaccia & Wiebke Homes))
by Eleonora Barbaccia 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the organizing team of the workshop Mobilizing citizen science for marine education and conservation(ID#19/20PM4) at European Cetacean Society (ECS) 2026, we warmly invite you to participate in our workshop, which will take place on Monday, April 20th from 14-17:30 in Dundee, Scotland. This workshop is designed as an interactive space for researchers and practitioners interested in exploring how citizen science can contribute to marine mammal research, public education, and conservation. The session will combine short presentations, participatory discussion, and breakout activities to reflect on current experiences, shared challenges, and future directions in the field of citizen science. We also hope this session will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify best practices and foster new collaborations among participants working in related areas. Provisional AGENDA: 14:00–14:45 – Welcome, participant introductions, and workshop overview (What even is citizen science?) 14:45–15:30 – Short presentations and case studies Speakers: Sofia Bonicalza, Lorenzo Gordigiani, and Emily Cunningham 15:30–15:45 – Plenary discussion 'Benefits and challenges in citizen science projects for marine mammal conservation' 15:45–16:00 – Coffee break 16:00–16:30 – Breakout group discussions on (1) data quality, (2) participant engagement, (3) ethics and (4) from data to conservation impact. 16:30–17:15 – Plenary synthesis and identification of best practices for effective citizen science 17:15–17:30 – Closing discussion and networking If you are interested in attending, we would be delighted to welcome you. You can find more information about the workshop and how to register on the website of the ECS Conference: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37. The deadline to register is April 10. We particularly encourage participation from colleagues working across different taxa, regions, and methodological approaches, as we believe that a broad exchange of perspectives will greatly enrich the discussion. Thank you very much for your attention. We hope to see many of you there. With best wishes, Eleonora Barbaccia (Politecnico di Milano, Italy) & Wiebke Homes (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany) Eleonora Barbaccia PhD Candidate Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) Politecnico di Milano Campus Leonardo, Ed/Bd 4 Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy eleonora.barbaccia(a)polimi.it | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleonora-barbaccia-0b294a230/> [https://www.areacre.polimi.it/logos/logo_polimi_135.png]<https://www.polimi.it/> [cid:7f891a99-a827-4da0-acfd-d5ba6fcf2694]

1 0

Harbor Seal Ecology Graduate Study Opportunity
by Dawn Goley 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Please share this opportunity to obtain a Master's Degree at Cal Poly Humboldt conducting research on the abundance, distribution, and diet of Harbor Seals in northern California. The student will join collaborators at Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt) in the Departments of Biology and Wildlife with Drs Goley and Gunther, supported by a grant from the California State University (CSU) Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology (COAST). Thank you. *Dawn Goley, Ph.D.* (she, her)| *Professor of Zoology* | Department of Biological Sciences I Cal Poly - Humboldt I Arcata, California I 95521 I 707-826-4168 | Director of the HSU Marine Mammal Education and Research Program <http://gsp.humboldt.edu/Projects/MMSP/Site1/MMERP.html> and Director of the *HSU Marine Mammal Stranding Program* I HSU Marine Mammal Stranding *Hotline 707-826-3650 and email **marinemammals(a)humboldt.edu* <marinemammals(a)humboldt.edu> I HSU is a Latinx and Chicanx Serving Institution located on the traditional lands of the Wiyot people. ----- To Book an appointment - please use this link: *https://calendar.app.google/xwryhKoYamRVYTDo8 <https://calendar.app.google/xwryhKoYamRVYTDo8>* -----

1 0

New publication: Living Near the Surface: Dive Behavior of Sei Whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
by Clarencio Baracho 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

On behalf of my co-authors, I’m pleased to share our recently published paper in *Marine Mammal Science*, which investigates the dive behavior of the endangered sei whale (*Balaenoptera borealis*) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. ABSTRACT Understanding the diving behavior of baleen whales in tropical breeding areas is essential for evaluating both ecological functions and anthropogenic threats. In this study, we combined satellite transmitters and generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to investigate the dive behavior of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in Santos Basin (SB), off southeastern Brazil. A total of 9963 dives were analyzed, revealing a dominance of shallow dives, with 93% of dives occurring at depths ≤ 20 m. Environmental variables such as sea surface temperature, local bathymetry, and chlorophyll concentration significantly influenced dive depth and duration. Cooler waters and deeper offshore areas were associated with longer and deeper dives, while higher surface productivity (indicated by increased chlorophyll a levels) shortened dive times. Behavioral and temporal covariates, including diel period, lunar phase, and dive shape, further modulated diving patterns. The prevalence of shallow diving behavior within the depth range of vessel drafts (≤ 20 m) raises significant conservation concerns, particularly regarding the risk of ship strikes in high-traffic areas like the Santos Basin. Our findings highlight the behavioral plasticity of sei whales in tropical low-latitude habitats and emphasize the importance of integrating dive behavior data into marine spatial planning and mitigation strategies. Reducing vessel speed and rerouting traffic in high-density whale habitats should be considered in the future with further studies to reduce the risk of anthropogenic impacts on this threatened species. The paper can be found at link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.70167 All the best! Clarêncio Baracho-Neto, Dr

1 0

Please post this advert for MMO PSO and PAM courses - last minute spaces now available in April. Thank you!
by OSC Admin 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Hello MARMAM Community, We're delighted to let you know that enrolment is open for this year's course programme, featuring our renowned OSC JNCC MMO, PSO, and PAM courses. We have a few last-minute spaces that have become available on our April course, so 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. 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. OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk W: www.ocean-science-consulting.gr W: www.osc-nz.co.nz Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR. Scotland, UK MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

1 0

ECS Workshop: Building Bridges: Sign Language and Inclusive Practices for Marine Mammal Science Education – An Interactive Workshop
by Patrizia Patti 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear all, What does inclusion in science mean to you? And how can we ensure that marine research is truly accessible to everyone? We are pleased to invite you to a hybrid workshop on inclusion in marine science, organised by EcoMarine Malta in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, Dr Audrey Cameron, Camille Ollier, and the Deaf People Association Malta. Building Bridges: Sign Language and Inclusive Practices for Marine Mammal Science Education – An Interactive Workshop (20AM2) The workshop highlights how initiatives such as Marine Underwater Fish For INclusion (MUFFIN)—an Erasmus+ project coordinated by EUPA and co-funded by the European Union—can create more inclusive opportunities in marine research and conservation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs). The MUFFIN project brings together partners from Italy, Malta, Croatia, Spain, and the United Kingdom to develop inclusive educational tools, shared knowledge, and accessible pathways into marine science and the blue economy. During the workshop, participants will: Discover scientific research presented by both Deaf and hearing researchers Explore practical approaches to making marine science more inclusive Take part in interactive exercises reflecting on accessibility and inclusive practices in research and conservation environments It would be a pleasure to hear your perspectives, exchange ideas, and potentially explore new collaborations and projects together. By working across disciplines and communities, this workshop aims to demonstrate how inclusive research environments can strengthen ocean science and empower a more diverse generation of ocean professionals. Register here by the 10th of April https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 For more information Patrizia(a)ecomarinemalta.com.mt -- Patrizia Patti, M.Sc in Marine Biology Eco Marine Malta Mobile : +356-77039356 <//+35677039356> mail: Patrizia(a)ecomarinemalta.com.mt Website:www.ecomarinemalta.com.mt *P **"Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail"*

1 0

New Marine Mammal Response Course at Hawaiʻi Pacific University
by Mckinley Walter 31 Mar '26

31 Mar '26

Aloha MARMAM colleagues, I wanted to share a new course I will be offering at Hawaiʻi Pacific University focused on marine mammal response and conservation in Hawaiʻi. The class will cover topics including marine mammal stranding response, protected species management, field response coordination, and the regulatory framework surrounding marine mammal conservation. The course will run May 11th - July 3rd. If you or any students you work with are interested in gaining experience in marine mammal response and conservation, please feel free to share this opportunity with them. For more information and course details, please visit: https://www.hpu.edu/cncs/special-programs/mars-3950.html If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at *mckinley.walter(a)h-mar.org* <mckinley.walter(a)h-mar.org>. Mahalo, McKinley Walter Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response / Hawaiʻi Pacific University

1 0