May 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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MMO / PSO Remote Training July
by Zoe Wright 22 Jun '26

22 Jun '26

JNCC MMO / PSO Training Course 30-31st July 2026 Delivered Remotely via Microsoft Teams Enhance your offshore career prospects with our accredited JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) / Protected Species Observer (PSO) training. This comprehensive course provides a clear insight into offshore life and the practical responsibilities of an MMO, ensuring you are fully prepared for future offshore assignments. Whether you are entering the industry or working alongside MMOs, this training offers a detailed exploration of mitigation requirements and operational expectations. A scientific background is beneficial, and a strong interest in marine mammals is essential. What You’ll Gain * A thorough understanding of MMO duties and offshore working environments * Practical knowledge of mitigation protocols and regulatory requirements * Preparation for real‑world offshore scenarios * Certificate for offshore work upon successful completion Discounts Available 5% student discount for one course (with valid student ID) 10% student discount when booking this course together with the PAM Level 1 course Discounts exclude the PSO additional modules course offered to delegates completing or having completed JNCC MMO training. Booking & Enquiries Spaces are still available. To reserve your place or request further information, contact Zoe at: 📧 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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Survey to to identify and prioritize fish and bycatch species associated with the swim bladder (maw) trade
by Gianna Minton 29 May '26

29 May '26

Some of you may be familiar with the links between international trade demand for croaker fish swim bladders (also known as maws) and fisheries that bycatch cetaceans and other threatened marine wildlife (see here <https://iucn-csg.org/escalating-threat-to-marine-wildlife-from-trade-demand…>). To better understand the scope and scale of this issue, and to identify potential geographical regions and/or target or bycatch species that are not yet on our 'radar' the IUCN Cetacean specialist Group is partnering with other organisations to circulate a questionnaire survey to (1) obtain information that could support the development and promotion of a CITES proposal to list one or more croaker species highly valued for their maws in CITES Appendix I or II, and (2) identify and prioritize marine wildlife populations that need urgent conservation attention to avoid extinction from the intensification of fisheries driven by trade demand for croaker fish maws. We would be grateful if you could click here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTUvs40ROu6HcNX70a9wEmBlzjKdT5DXm…> and complete the questionnaire survey on fisheries and international trade in high-value croaker swim bladders or maws and associated bycatch of marine wildlife. If you do not have any knowledge about fisheries catching croakers, trade in croaker maws, or bycatches of cetaceans or other marine wildlife in fisheries catching croakers, you may stop the survey at question #5. Assuming that information from this survey proves useful for developing and promoting a CITES proposal and prioritizing marine wildlife populations affected by trade demand for croaker maws, the questionnaire will also be circulated to other relevant IUCN SSC specialist groups with species that are buycaught in the maw trade. Please complete the survey *by June 10th*. *Link to survey: * https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTUvs40ROu6HcNX70a9wEmBlzjKdT5DXm… Thank you in advance! Gianna -- Gianna Minton, PhD Consultant, Megaptera Marine Conservation https://www.sousateuszii.org/ https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/ https://iucn-csg.org/ Mobile +31 (0) 638325055

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Assessing Interest in a Photogrammetry UAV Hire Service for Marine Mammal Research
by julian.dale＠o3st.com 29 May '26

29 May '26

Dear Colleagues, O3ST Ltd is exploring the possibility of offering a UAV hire service specifically tailored to marine mammal research and photogrammetry projects, and we would be interested in gauging the level of interest within the community. The initial proposed hire package would be based around the DJI Mavic 3 Pro platform and would be supplied as a complete, ready-to-fly system in a waterproof transport case. Each kit would include: • DJI Mavic 3 Pro aircraft and controller • Six flight batteries • Charging hub and charging accessories • O3ST SF30 Laser Altimeter Data Logger • Aircraft catch handles for vessel-based operations • Pre-configured SD cards • Protective waterproof transport case (houses aircraft un-folded with altimeter and handles attached plus all the accessories) The aim is to provide researchers with rapid access to a proven photogrammetry platform without the capital investment, maintenance requirements, or logistical challenges of purchasing and setting their own system. Hire periods would be available on both weekly and monthly terms, with worldwide shipping available. We anticipate that users would be required to provide evidence of appropriate pilot certification/training and liability insurance for the duration of the hire period, although we may be able to assist in obtaining suitable insurance cover where required. Potential applications could include: • Launching new photogrammetry projects without the upfront equipment costs • Providing additional aircraft capacity during intensive field seasons • Maintaining a backup system for critical fieldwork operations • Supporting short-term or pilot studies where equipment purchase is difficult to justify Should there be sufficient demand, we would also consider expanding the fleet and adding additional aircraft models and sensor configurations to support a wider range of research applications. At this stage, we are simply interested in understanding whether such a service would be useful to the marine mammal research community. If this is something you or your organisation might consider using, I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts, including any specific requirements or features that would make the service more valuable. Feedback would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to julian.dale(a)o3st.com Many thanks! Kind regards, Julian Dale Director O3ST Ltd Web: www.o3st.com PH: +44 (0)7379306378

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New publication - Recent increased presence of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and fin whales B. physalus in the southeastern Atlantic: evidence of recovery?
by Bridget James 28 May '26

28 May '26

Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our latest publication in the African Journal of Marine Science on the "Recent increased presence of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* and fin whales *B. physalus* in the southeastern Atlantic: evidence of recovery?" The open access publication is available here https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2026.2626591 ABSTRACT: Populations of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* and fin whales *B. physalus* were severely depleted by 20th-century commercial whaling. Historic whaling data suggest that the southeastern Atlantic Ocean was an important nursery and feeding area for both species. Here, we collate published and opportunistic sightings and strandings of two subspecies, the Antarctic blue whale *B. musculus intermedia* and southern fin whale *B. physalus quoyi*, in the southeastern Atlantic off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, between May 1964 and March 2025. Blue whales were sparse, with 12 sightings, 1 stranding and 5 published records, whereas fin whales were seen more frequently, with 76 sightings and 6 strandings. Blue whale sightings in the Benguela ecosystem peaked between late spring and autumn, whereas fin whales appeared to be present throughout the year. The majority of offshore sightings were obtained from marine mammal observer data, which covered all months of the year but had the greatest effort between November and April. Although the total number of sightings of each subspecies was relatively low, sightings appear to be steadily increasing as these whale populations recover, with 95% of the observations recorded since 2012. Given the vulnerability of these populations and the anthropogenic risks the subspecies face across their ranges, their distribution and species-specific risks should be investigated, such as by using passive acoustic monitoring and increased presence of shipboard observers across commercial sectors, and as far as possible included in marine spatial development plans. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Best -- *Dr Bridget James* Postdoctoral Researcher MAPRU, Nelson Mandela University MRI Whale Unit, University of Pretoria

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New paper: Balancing aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in Steller sea lions
by Rosen, David 26 May '26

26 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-author, I am excited to share our new open access publication in Marine Mammal Science: Purdy, Aaron S., and David AS Rosen. "Balancing Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism, and Its Effect on Recovery Time in Freely‐Diving Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus)." Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 3 (2026): e70193. Abstract: As breath‐hold divers, marine mammals must coordinate their use of both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism to maximize their time at depth. One indication of the relative reliance between these two energy‐producing systems is the aerobic dive limit (ADL), defined as the dive duration where post‐dive blood lactate concentrations surpass resting levels. Both the timing of the ADL and ensuing rate of lactate accumulation can affect subsequent diving behavior. Despite its importance as a physiological benchmark in diving physiology, the ADL is rarely measured directly. This study investigated the relative reliance on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in freely diving Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) by measuring post‐dive lactate concentrations and oxygen and carbon dioxide recovery times in relation to dive duration. The rapid onset of elevated post‐dive lactate concentrations suggests that Steller sea lions rely on anaerobic metabolism even for dives with relatively short durations. Further, relative decreases in oxygen recovery times with increasing dive durations are consistent with a downregulation of aerobic metabolism during longer periods of submergence. These findings offer new insights into the metabolic strategies employed by Steller sea lions and could inform the development of physiologically‐based optimal foraging models. The paper is freely available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70193 Best, Dave David Rosen, Ph.D. (He, Him, His) Assistant Professor, Marine Mammal Research Unit Director, Marine Mammal Energetics and Nutrition Lab Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries University of British Columbia

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New publication: Rising competition among seals and harbour porpoises revealed through a multi-method approach (Eileen Hesse)
by Eileen Hesse 26 May '26

26 May '26

New publication: Rising competition among seals and harbour porpoises revealed through a multi-method approach Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our latest publication in Scientific Reports on the competition among seals and harbour porpoises in the southern North Sea, revealed through a multi-method approach. The open-access publication is available here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-53094-2 ABSTRACT: Top predators are crucial in shaping ecosystem dynamics by regulating key processes such as prey populations, energy transfer, and community structure, particularly in systems where multiple species compete for the same resources. Understanding their trophic niches and interactions is essential for effective conservation. In the southern North Sea, harbor seals, gray seals, and harbor porpoises are top predators with overlapping prey. This multi-method study examined resource partitioning using complementary stomach content analysis, metabarcoding, and carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotope analysis to refine habitat use, incorporating sulfur isotopes, for the first time in marine mammals of the southern North Sea. Gastrointestinal data from stranded harbor seals (n = 223), gray seals (n = 87), and harbor porpoises (n = 218), alongside 283 scat samples from wild seals, collected between 2014 and 2021, were analyzed. Harbor seal and gray seal showed high prey similarity (Jaccard index 0.71), while porpoises exhibited lower similarity with both seal species (Jaccard index 0.46 and 0.45). Interactions with prey guilds were strongest for demersal roundfish, flatfish, gobies, and sandeels. Bayesian isotope mixing models revealed consistent trophic differences among the three top predators, with seals occupying higher trophic positions than porpoises and showing minimal dietary change over time. Isotopic niche metrics indicated increasing overlap between porpoises and gray seals, particularly in δ34S/δ15N space, suggesting growing trophic similarity, while harbor seals showed a contraction in niche area. Also, stomach content data revealed that high-energy prey in porpoises declined as gray seal abundance increased. These results highlight trophic niche overlap and substantial interspecific interactions, potentially leading to competition under limited resources. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Best, Eileen Dr. Eileen Heße (she/her) Researcher Marine Ecology WMR | Wageningen Marine Research email eileen.hesse(a)wur.nl<mailto:eileen.hesse@wur.nl> phone +31(0)625485736<tel:+31625485736> website www.wur.nl/marine-research<http://www.wur.nl/marine-research> address Ankerpark 27 | 1781 AG Den Helder | The Netherlands

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