May 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Tenure Track position Marine Mammals - Eckerd College St. Petersburg Florida
by Shannon Gowans 19 May '26

19 May '26

Eckerd College has a long history of marine mammal research, especially through the Eckerd College Dolphin Project, which was started by the late John Reynolds III and more recently operated by myself and Peter Simard. As Peter and I will be retiring in summer 2027, collaboration with the Eckerd College Dolphin Project through this position is a possibility, but it is not a requirement for the position. The Marine Science Program at Eckerd College invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level with expertise in marine mammals, beginning September 2027. A Ph.D. in Marine Science, Oceanography, or Biology is required. We seek broadly trained scientist-educators who are strongly committed to both teaching and student/faculty research at the undergraduate level. Research expertise of interest includes Marine Mammals: dolphins, manatees, and whales. The teaching component consists of seven courses per year in a 3-1-3 format. Teaching responsibilities will include contribution to delivery of our regular introductory-level course in Biological Oceanography, and an upper-level course in Marine Mammalogy. The successful applicant will also participate in other required Marine Science classes in the biology track. Additionally, participation in an interdisciplinary, values-oriented general education program is required, including regular rotation in two common Core courses and a first-year seminar program. The Galbraith Marine Science Laboratory provides excellent teaching and research facilities, including an assortment of vessels ideal for direct, year-round access to a variety of coastal and shallow marine environments. Eckerd College, the only independent national liberal arts college in Florida, has a tradition of innovative education and teaching/mentoring excellence. The successful applicant will demonstrate a well-developed research plan that is accessible to undergraduate students and will be expected to secure external funding to establish an active research program that complements existing departmental strengths. Employment will require a successful background check. Submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references via https://eckerd.exacthire.com. Letters of recommendation will be requested prior to an on-campus interview. Review will begin on 15 September 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be sent to Dr. Philip Gravinese (gravinesepm(a)eckerd.edu) To apply: https://eckerd.exacthire.com/job/198479 Eckerd is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Eckerd College is especially interested in attracting Candidates from historically underrepresented groups. Best, Shannon -- *Shannon Gowans* Professor Marine Science and Biology 727.864.8388 <+1-727-864-8388> Pronouns: she/her/hers Book an appointment: https://shannon-gowans.youcanbook.me Eckerd College Dolphin Project <https://www.eckerd.edu/dolphin-project/> microplastic.eckerd.edu tbsen.eckerd.edu reduce.eckerd.edu getremora.org <http://getremora.org/> My publications <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3Q5BsmkAAAAJ&hl=en> Eckerd College <https://www.eckerd.edu> 4200 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 [image: Eckerd College logo]

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Two Job Postings - Marine Mammals at WCS - Wildlife Conservation Society
by Marine Program 19 May '26

19 May '26

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Ocean Giants team have two positions open. Please see the links below. It would be appreciated if you could include these opportunities in the next listserv email. Thank you. The Research Assistants (both full-time and part-time positions) will work independently under the supervision of the Executive Director, NY Bight Program and Marine Conservation Scientist and will assist with organizing and processing Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) data focused on detection of marine mammals, fish and ocean noise, as well as conducting analyses to support project goals. The RA positions require individuals with experience analyzing large datasets (particularly acoustic data), quantitative analysis skills, and fieldwork experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to write scientific papers, possess excellent communication skills, and work effectively under challenging field conditions. The RAs will also contribute to report writing and publications. In addition, the RAs will be expected to undertake an independent research project aligned with one of the Ocean Giants Program's objectives, with the expectation that the work will result in publication. Qualification Requirements: Master's degree or equivalent experience in a field related to Marine Bioacoustics, Marine Mammal Science, or a related discipline (candidates with both Biological Sciences and/or Engineering backgrounds are encouraged to apply). 1. Research Assistant, Ocean Giants (Full-Time): https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=2… 2. Research Assistant, Ocean Giants (Part-Time): https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=2… [A picture containing text Description automatically generated] Marine Conservation Wildlife Conservation Society web: https://www.wcs.org/our-work/marine-program

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New publication
by Evi Hanninger 18 May '26

18 May '26

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are excited to announce our new open-access publication: Hanninger, E. F., Barratclough, A., Betty, E. L., Anderson, M. J., Perrott, M. R., Bowler, J., Palmer, E. I., Peters, K. J., Stockin, K. A. (2026). Radiographic assessment of bone maturation: A tool to estimate sexual maturity in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis)? Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70175<https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70175?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExeEtBc1Bp…> Abstract: Accurate inference of sexual maturity is fundamental to interpreting marine mammal life histories and population structure. Using Bayesian logistic regression models with a hierarchical ordinal (HOF-style) parameterisation and canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP), we evaluate skeletal metrics in the pectoral flippers of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) as indicators of attainment of sexual maturity. HOF models were used to relate sexual maturity to skeletal ossification, generating probabilistic response curves based on (i) a total bone score defined as the sum of discrete morphological maturation stages (scored from −1 to 8) across 16 flipper bones, and (ii) the minimum maturation stage (−1 to 8) reached by either the distal radius or ulna. For total bone scores, the predicted midpoint of sexual maturity (probability = 0.5) occurred at an ossification score of 74.85 points in females (95% credible interval: 72.50–77.13) and 68.35 points in males (95% credible interval: 63.47–73.12), with a steeper transition in females. For the minimum radius–ulna score, midpoints were similar between sexes, at 4.90 in females (95% CI: 4.51–5.27) and 4.75 in males (95% CI: 4.32–5.16). CAP was applied as a complementary multivariate constrained ordination method to distinguish immature and mature individuals based on combined ossification patterns and to quantify leave-one-out classification performance. For the whole dataset, CAP demonstrated strong discrimination between maturity states (squared canonical correlation = 0.84), with 95.8% of females and 98.4% of males correctly classified and misclassification restricted to individuals near the maturity boundary. Together, these results demonstrate that radiographic skeletal ossification provides a robust proxy for sexual maturity in common dolphins in New Zealand. [cid:80449ab3-6ee7-4e00-929d-e7d4c0fc8146] Kind regards, Evi Hanninger Eva-Maria F. Hanninger PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural Sciences | Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand Physical Address: Level 3, Innovation Complex, 5 University Avenue, Massey University, Albany, North Shore Auckland, New Zealand [cid:cd005769-cb45-4966-a136-7968c43fff78] +64 (0)27 381 8166 • e.hanninger(a)massey.ac.nz • http://www.cetaceanecology.org<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/> [cid:6cc590a0-dd3c-4f36-ba1c-40a173dab6fc]

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4th Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop at SMM 2026
by Amy Van Cise 18 May '26

18 May '26

Dear MARMAM, We are excited to announce the 4th Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1647455659326-59b2adc5-38db> at the 2026 SMM Biennial conference, titled "From detections to deliverables: Using eDNA data to inform and guide management and conservation actions." The workshop will cover a full day on Sunday, October 9. If you are interested in attending, please register for the workshop at https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/. As we build our agenda, we are gathering information on participant interests and seeking abstract submissions for research presentations during the workshop. If you are planning to participate and/or are interested in presenting your recent analyses and applications of eDNA data, please complete our Participation and Abstract Submission Survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTWy5UxpV8YMHUu21vMMwwoV0MQ97-XkW…>. Abstracts will be accepted until 30 June 2026. *Workshop Description:* *The 4th Marine Mammal eDNA workshop will bring together early-career and established scientists interested in applying emerging techniques in environmental DNA (eDNA) research to marine mammal species. In this workshop, we will focus specifically on developments in the analysis and interpretation of eDNA detection data for marine mammals, and the application of these results to management and conservation plans.* * Researchers will share methods developments and lessons learned from recent eDNA work and explore priority areas for further development in the next two years. Participants will then engage in small-group discussion via breakout groups on topics such as using eDNA detections in spatiotemporal distribution modeling; developing methods to move toward quantitative metabarcoding and data analysis (i.e. eDNA for abundance estimation); developing methods for the use of eDNA for stock identification or population genetic analyses. Throughout the workshop, we aim to broadly discuss both the challenges and opportunities faced by marine mammal eDNA researchers aiming to use eDNA data in statistical or modeling frameworks.* We look forward to seeing you there! Warm Regards, Amy Van Cise, Kim Parsons, Kristina Cammen, and Maggie Hunter <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: FSH 216B 206-221-6118

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New publication: Estimating energy expenditure of sperm whales living in social units
by Mariana Silva 17 May '26

17 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Conservation Physiology entitled "Estimating energy expenditure of sperm whales living in social units". Mariana P Silva, Cláudia Oliveira, Rui Prieto, Austin S Allen, Matthew Bowers, Aimee-Kate Darias-O’Hara, Andreas Fahlman, Katarína Klementisová, Madalina Matei, Samantha E Simmons, Mónica A Silva, Leslie New, Sergi Pérez-Jorge, Estimating energy expenditure of sperm whales living in social units, Conservation Physiology, Volume 14, Issue 1, 2026, coag024, https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coag024 ABSTRACT Assessing species’ vulnerability to stressors (e.g. changes in prey availability, noise) can be done with bioenergetics models, often within frameworks such as the Population Consequences of Disturbance. However, to successfully quantify the cumulative effects of stressors on individuals it is crucial to understand the link between behavioural change and metabolic costs. Measurements of energy expenditure (e.g. field metabolic rates, FMR) are difficult to obtain for large cetaceans because traditional methods are impractical due to whales’ size. Consequently, energy expenditure must be estimated indirectly, using proxies such as respiration rates and overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA). Here, we estimated daily FMR of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) from social units by combining in situ data with these two methods. The estimated mean daily FMR, including estimated basal metabolic rates (BMR), was 412 MJ/day (95% CI: 262.20–616) using the respiration-based method and 620.5 MJ/day (95% CI: 402–839.3) using ODBA. This study provides the first estimates of daily FMR for sperm whales and revealed that averaged-sized individuals from social units have FMRs between 1.59 and 2.39 times the predicted BMR of similar-sized terrestrial mammals, based on respiration rates and ODBA estimates, respectively. Our findings, combined with data on energy acquisition, can contribute to improving predictions of how environmental stressors impact energy balance, health and the long-term population viability of deep-diving marine mammals. The article is available here: https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/14/1/coag024/8665197 All the best, Mariana Silva -------------------------------------------------------------------- Mariana Silva, PhD University of the Azores, Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9900-140 Horta, Portugal Email: marianafpsilva(a)outlook.com

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New paper: Preserving an Imperiled Porpoise Through Pixels: Digitization of a Vaquita (Phocoena sinus) Skeleton, the World's Most Endangered Marine Mammal
by Jamie Knaub 15 May '26

15 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our new open access note in Marine Mammal Science. Knaub, J. L., B. A.Dolan, P.Unitt, R. L.BrownellJr., T. L.Meredith, and M. E.Porter. 2026. “Preserving an Imperiled Porpoise Through Pixels: Digitization of a Vaquita (*Phocoena sinus*) Skeleton, the World's Most Endangered Marine Mammal.” Marine Mammal Science42, no. 3: e70162. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70162. In this note, we describe the status of the vaquita population, details of a museum specimen that was collected in the 1960's, and the process to digitize the entire skeleton via 2D photographs, low-resolution CT scans, high-resolution micro-CT scans, and 3D meshes. The entire dataset is open access and available for viewing and download through MorphoSource - https://www.morphosource.org/projects/000681222?locale=en. We also offer recommendations for and highly encourage use of the dataset in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, research, conservation, education and outreach, and art. To our knowledge, the number of vaquita skeletal specimens in Mexican and U.S. collections outnumbers the remaining wild population by approximately 12:1. Considering the critically endangered status of the vaquita, it is crucial to digitally preserve this species. We hope that our open access dataset will support ongoing marine mammal science while also promoting awareness of biodiversity loss and inspiring further conservation efforts for the vaquita and other species facing extinction as the result of human impact. Kind regards, Jamie Knaub Ph.D. Candidate | Florida Atlantic Biomechanics Lab Department of Biology | Florida Atlantic University

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New publication: Wind-dependent and traffic-generated noise in marine mammal habitat: Assessment across three frequency bands in the St. Lawrence Estuary.
by Jeanne Merindol 15 May '26

15 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Mérindol, J., Gervaise, C., Mercure-Boissonnault, P., St-Onge, G., and Cauchy, P. (2026). Wind-dependent and traffic-generated noise in marine mammal habitat: Assessment across three frequency bands in the St. Lawrence Estuary, J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 159, 4097–4112. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0043175 Abstract Underwater sound plays a critical role in cetacean life, supporting behaviors such as foraging, communication, navigation, and reproduction. The St. Lawrence Estuary (eastern Canada) is an important habitat for several cetacean species, but also a major shipping corridor linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, exposing marine mammals to elevated anthropogenic noise levels. Given the threatened status of species such as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), quantifying underwater noise and identifying its sources is essential for effective conservation. As part of the MARS (Marine Acoustic Research Station) project, this study analyzes acoustic data collected from August to October 2021 in the Laurentian Channel. We developed a model to classify and quantify wind- and vessel-generated noise across three biologically relevant frequency bands: 50, 300, and 6300 Hz. Our results show that at 50 Hz—used by blue whales—shipping noise dominates nearly 100% of the time. At 6300 Hz—used by belugas—traffic contributes 24.4% of measured noise levels. These findings highlight the importance of frequency- and species-specific approaches to better inform mitigation strategies and support sustainable marine traffic management. The article is available here: https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article/159/5/4097/3391290/Wind-dependent-and… Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Jeanne _______________ Jeanne Mérindol PhD Student Pronouns: she/her jm586(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:emb30@st-andrews.ac.uk> Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Scottish Oceans Institute School of Biology University of St Andrews Fife, KY16 8LB, UK https://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532 [https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4yBz-eEZxh4gsjRf1h600plm2Hc…] [University of St Andrews]

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 14 May '26

14 May '26

*Currently looking for interns to join in June 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 June 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: American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth
by Camila Carvalho de Carvalho 14 May '26

14 May '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform our new publication in Limnology and Oceanography Letters. American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth across different coastal regions Carvalho, C.C., E. Deeks, L.L. Ciotti, S. Botta, M. Marmontel, M. Copertino, F.O. Luna, F.N.L. Attademo, V.L. Carvalho, J.C.G. Borges, A.F. Costa, R. Emin-Lima, P. Kratina, and E.R. Secchi. 2026. “American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth across different coastal regions.” Limnology and Oceanography Letters. https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.70127 Abstract Marine mammals can exhibit high plasticity in foraging strategies, but how such plasticity is driven by environmental conditions is poorly understood. The American manatee (Trichechus manatus), a large, endangered herbivore, inhabits marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. To better understand their resource use, we analyzed dietary differences across three large Brazilian regions—the Northern Coast (NC), Dry-Northeastern Coast (Dry-NEC), and Humid-Northeastern Coast (Humid-NEC). The δ13C and δ15N values of manatee tissues increased from the NC to the Northeastern Coast. Stable isotope mixing models revealed that manatees from the Dry-NEC feed almost exclusively on seagrasses, while those from the NC rely predominantly on saltmarsh vegetation. In the Humid-NEC, manatees had a notable contribution from macroalgae, and exhibited the greatest dietary and habitat use diversity among the regions. These spatial patterns advance our understanding of large-scale habitat use, guiding the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard manatees and their habitats. Full paper in: https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.70127 Thank you, Camila Carvalho de Carvalho -- Camila Carvalho de Carvalho Mestre em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB/FURG Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos Amazônicos - IDSM skype: camila.carvalho.de.carvalho cel: +55 15 98151-9531

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Call for Abstracts: SMM Biennial Workshop for Naturalists
by jen＠blueoceansociety.org 14 May '26

14 May '26

One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite SMM Biennial Workshop Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:30-5:30 PM San Juan, Puerto Rico https://sites.google.com/view/nawwna/events/smm Whale watch naturalists and educators: share best practices, teaching tools, and storytelling strategies while building meaningful connections that extend beyond the conference. We are now accepting abstracts for presentations at the workshop. Click here to submit an abstract: https://sites.google.com/view/nawwna/events/smm WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: The workshop will feature an invited keynote, lightning talks, and facilitated discussions focused on engaging the public around complex and sometimes controversial topics, including entanglement, climate change, vessel strikes, and offshore wind. A central goal is to explore approaches that move audiences from awareness to positive behavior change that benefits marine mammals. Participants will exchange resources and favorite teaching tools, collaborate on effective communication strategies, and identify shared challenges and solutions. Time will also be dedicated to developing a plan for sustaining this network as a long-term professional resource-supporting continued collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing throughout the conference and into the coming years. By forming this international community at the start of the conference, naturalists can collectively process new scientific information as it is presented and translate it into clear, compelling public outreach. Together, participants will refine best practices for presenting emerging research, navigating sensitive topics, and inspiring conservation-minded actions among diverse audiences. Establishing these connections early creates a foundation for collaborative learning throughout the event, ensuring attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but also with practical tools, shared language, and an ongoing support network to strengthen whale watch education worldwide. We plan to have a virtual option available for attendance. Jen Kennedy, Workshop Co-Chair Steering Committee, North Atlantic Whale Watch Naturalist Association Executive Director Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation 603-431-0260 office / 603-834-0253 cell 400 Little Harbor Road #1103 Portsmouth, NH 03801 www.blueoceansociety.org <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/>

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