May 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Paper: Indicator to monitor cetacean distributional change
by Gilles, Anita 08 May '26

08 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open-access publication in Ecological Indicators. Benoit, V., Authier, M., Gilles, A. (2026). Developing a quantitative indicator to monitor cetacean distributional change. Ecological Indicators 187, 114897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.114897 We used a workflow that combined simulations and modelling in a “virtual ecology” approach to understand the impact of error or uncertainty on candidate metrics for a quantitative indicator for cetacean distribution. The workflow will be tested during the upcoming OSPAR Intermediate Assessment 2029. ABSTRACT Monitoring the distribution of cetaceans is a priority in marine conservation. However, current ecosystem-wide assessments lack indicators on distribution: cetacean distribution maps fall short of quantitative reporting purposes. The need for a quantitative distribution indicator has been emphasised in the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive and by different expert groups. We tested candidate metrics, including Measures of Centre and of centralisation, to summarise distribution maps into numbers whose interpretation is straightforward for policy-makers. We emulated Distance Sampling and Density Surface Modelling methodologies to estimate cetacean distributions from dedicated surveys to assess the impact of observation noise and estimation uncertainty on these candidate metrics. To understand the impact of error or uncertainty, we used a workflow that combined simulations and modelling in a “virtual ecology” approach. The Geometric Median, a Measure of Centre, and a metric of centralisation, retained the most important pieces of information from distribution maps, while also having limited sensitivity to estimation error. Our results reflect how a trade-off between the informativeness of a metric and its robustness against estimation error is unavoidable for an indicator to be policy relevant, and that appropriate thresholds need to be calibrated for its interpretation. In the context of large scale surveys, the “virtual ecologist” approach provided a practical workflow to test the accuracy of our proposed indicators, to estimate type-I error rates and calibrate threshold values. Our results, including the workflow, are a step towards having a fully operational indicator on cetacean distribution in the Northeast Atlantic. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Best, Anita -- Dr. Anita Gilles University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 | 25761 Büsum Germany Phone: +49 (0)511-8568177 Fax: +49 (0)511-8568181 anita.gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/ani…

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New publication: Climate change is likely to negatively affect a marine apex predator (Steno bredanensis, Cetacea) and its prey on the coast of Brazil
by Rodrigo Tardin 08 May '26

08 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform our new publication in Aquatic Conservation. Climate change is likely to negatively affect a marine apex predator (Steno bredanensis, Cetacea) and its prey on the coast of Brazil Juliane do Nascimento Ferreira, Mariana M. Vale, Guilherme Maricato, Israel Maciel, Liliane Lodi, Fabio G. Daura-Jorge, Lucas Milmann, Milton C.C. Marcondes, Rodrigo H. Tardin. Abstract Climate change alters marine environments, affecting temperature, oxygen levels, and acidity, prompting species to relocate to suitable areas. Understanding these shifts is vital for top predators like cetaceans, crucial for marine ecosystem regulation. We mapped the highly suitable environments for the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis)—considering its limited study in Brazil—and three of its prey: the largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus), the lebranche mullet (Mugil liza), and the white mullet (Mugil curema). We used five modeling algorithms and 4-7 environmental variables to create ecological niche models, transformed into binary maps for interpretation. We also classified and overlaid Brazilian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with the rough-toothed dolphin's highly suitable environments using the MPA Guide. Under future climate change, we predicted an 8.7 to 13.6% reduction in highly suitable areas for the rough-toothed dolphins in Brazil, mainly in the country's Northern and Northeastern coast. We predicted a small loss of highly suitable areas for mullet species (3 to 7%) and a moderate loss for the largehead hairtail (31 to 35%). To date, only 3.7% of rough-toothed dolphin's highly suitable areas overlap with Brazilian MPAs, mainly in low-protection protected areas. Most highly suitable areas remain unprotected, and this situation is projected to persist under future climate scenarios. Our study reveals a significant range loss for rough-toothed dolphins and their prey in Northern and Northeastern Brazil because of climate change. Existing MPAs are inadequate, showing an urgent need for expansion. The full paper can be found here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141113626002345 Thank you, Rodrigo Rodrigo Tardin, PhD Professor Adjunto Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brasil Editor associado - Ecology and Evolution <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758> ----- Professor Department of Ecology, Biology Institute Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Associate editor - Ecology and Evolution <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20457758> Lattes <http://lattes.cnpq.br/3231576901208672> ORCID <http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0807-6937> Research Gate ID <http://www.researcherid.com/rid/J-6566-2013> ECoMAR-UFRJ <https://ecomarufrj.com.br/>

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New publication: Mitogenome Insights into Evolutionary History and Cryptic Diversity of Bryde's Whales
by Els Vermeulen 08 May '26

08 May '26

Dear colleagues, My colleagues and I are pleased to share the following publication: Paynee, D., Bloomer, P., Penry, G., Elwen, S., Natoli, A., Dhanalakshmy, V., Cardoso, T., Vermeulen, E. 2026. Unravelling taxonomic complexity in elusive cetaceans: Mitogenome insights into evolutionary history and cryptic diversity of Bryde’s whales. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73614 ABSTRACT Cetaceans, despite their ability to cross wide distances, enabling mostly high levels of gene flow, can develop unique genetic lineages driven by variations in life-history traits, diverse migratory routes and local adaptation, complicating taxonomy and delineation of conservation units. Comprehensive genetic data are essential to overcome the challenges of obtaining suitable sample sizes from wild cetaceans while untangling cryptic species diversity. The Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) has a complicated discovery and taxonomic history that hinders accurate conservation assessments. In southern Africa, two populations are recognised: the inshore (SAi) and the offshore southeast Atlantic population (SEA). This study examines their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history relative to global populations and other balaenopterids. Complete mitochondrial genomes from SAi and SEA individuals were analysed alongside mitogenomes from the Arabian/Persian Gulf (United Arab Emirates, UAE, this study), North Pacific offshore ecotypes (GenBank), coastal Japan's inshore ecotype (GenBank) and five additional balaenopterid species (GenBank). Phylogenomic analyses revealed that each population forms a distinct lineage. SAi and SEA individuals grouped with the subspecies B. edeni brydei (offshore ecotype), despite the SAi occurring inshore, whereas the UAE individual was more closely related to B. edeni edeni and B. ricei. Divergence dating estimates suggest that the southern African, UAE and North Pacific populations shared a most recent common ancestor approximately 4–5 million years ago. These findings emphasise the need to reassess conservation units, population estimates and potentially reclassify new subspecies or species among Bryde's whales. This study demonstrates how mitogenome data can detect cryptic diversity in elusive cetaceans, directing more effective conservation of unique genetic lineages. The paper is open access and can be downloaded from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.73614 With kind regards, Els Associate Professor Els Vermeulen Chief Scientist & Manager - Whale Unit Mammal Research Institute Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences University of Pretoria, South Africa +27 (0)60 9714301 / els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za https://www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit “For the love of whales, for the future of our oceans” -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.

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New publication: Localized and temporary vessel traffic changes from offshore wind development on the US East Coast pose limited risk to large whales
by Christiana Bishop 07 May '26

07 May '26

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication in Endangered Species Research titled "Localized and temporary vessel traffic changes from offshore wind development on the US East Coast pose limited risk to large whales". The full text and pdf are open-access and can be downloaded here: https://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/articles/esr01489 Abstract The rapid expansion of offshore wind development along the east coast of the USA has raised concern over its potential effects on large whales, especially the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale. This study examines changes in vessel traffic associated with offshore wind development to assess the potential for increased risk of vessel strikes and corresponding noise exposure. Monthly Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel data were obtained from before, during, and after the construction of 3 wind energy projects: the Block Island Wind Farm, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Pilot Project, and Vineyard Wind I. We then conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of vessel density on monthly rasters of vessel occupancy time. Vessel density increased in very localized regions surrounding wind turbine generator (WTG) sites (i.e. within 2 km) during the active construction period by up to 36.41 additional monthly (h km-2) on average, although notable increases in vessel density only occurred during a subset of months within the broader construction window. Increases in post-construction vessel traffic at WTG sites were minimal (up to 4.98 monthly h km-2 on average compared to pre-construction vessel traffic) and on par with the general increase in vessel traffic that has occurred along the eastern seaboard in the past decade. Our results indicate that the threat of increased vessel traffic associated with offshore wind development is temporally limited to the construction period and spatially limited to the areas directly adjacent to the WTGs. This constrained risk can be mitigated by employing restrictions on vessel speed and by restricting active construction to seasons when North Atlantic right whales are not present. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Best regards, Ana Bishop ana.bishop(a)alumni.duke.edu

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New publication: The Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) in the northern limit of FMAII
by Rafael Ramos de Carvalho 07 May '26

07 May '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased toshare our new article published in Marine Mammal Science. The Franciscana (Pontoporiablainvillei) in the Northern Limit of the FMA II: Strandings and HabitatUse in Ilha Grande Bay. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70184 Alexandre F. Azevedo; Rafael R. Carvalho; Karina S. Pereira;Lis Bittencourt; Elitieri B. Santos-Neto; Lara V. Pereira; Beatriz A. Santos; GianBerardinelli; Haydée A. Cunha; Tatiana L. Bisi; José Lailson-Brito Jr. Abstract The presence of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei)at the northern limit of the FMA II was investigated using a range of methods,including monitoring of strandings, boat surveys, and passive acousticmonitoring (PAM). Franciscana strandings were recorded within thedistributional gap between Macaé (22°55′ S) and Ilha Grande (23°09′ S),suggesting that the northern boundary of the FMA II may extend as far as Jaconé(22°56′ S; 42°38′ W). Furthermore,habitat use in Ilha Grande Bay was investigated through a combination of boatsurveys and PAM efforts. Our findings support the idea that the species useIlha Grande Bay year-round, both day and night, and this bay might be theprimary habitat of P. blainvillei in the FMA II section of the Rio deJaneiro coast. In Ilha Grande Bay, the franciscana is widely distributed overan area of more than 300 km2, along isobaths between 8 and 30 m. There weremultiple detection events at the same PAM station during the day, indicatingthat the species was present at different times of day at the same location.Average group size was 7.7 (±6.7). While P. blainvillei occupies a largearea of the bay, further investigation is needed into its use of shallowerwaters and the deeper, central portion of the bay, as well as the presence ofareas with higher individual densities. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out at:azevedo.alex@uerj.br or alexandre.maqua(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Rafael Carvalho -- BiólogoDoutor em Ecologia e Evolução-PPGEE/UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Izabel Gurgel" - MAQUA Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ tel.: (21) 2334-0065 / 2334-0795 cel.: (21) 99802-3536http://lattes.cnpq.br/6546679825444246

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New publication: Marine mammal mortality during a harmful algal bloom in the Southwestern Atlantic reveals trophic phycotoxin transfer and fetal exposure in sea lions
by Valeria D'Agostino 07 May '26

07 May '26

I am pleased to share our open-access paper: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03493-0 Abstract: In spring 2022, a harmful algal bloom in Golfo Nuevo, Argentina, coincided with widespread exposure to phycotoxins. Here we examined trophic transfer of toxins spanning from phytoplankton to higher trophic levels to quantify toxin transfer and bioaccumulation. High toxin levels were detected in phytoplankton, and elevated levels in mesozooplankton, mussels, and fish confirmed trophic transfer. The highest toxin levels in mesozooplankton occurred in southern right whale feeding areas, and fecal samples confirmed toxin uptake by whales. We also documented a mass mortality event in sea lions associated with algal-derived toxins, including evidence for maternal toxin transfer. During this period, ~10% of the local population was treated for gastrointestinal symptoms potentially linked to the bloom. These findings provide field-based evidence of harmful algal bloom-derived toxin dynamics in the Southwestern Atlantic, highlighting the need for sustained interdisciplinary monitoring and environmental risk assessment. Regards, Valeria C. D’Agostino Investigadora - Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina www.lamama.com.ar -- Dra. Valeria C. D'Agostino Investigadora - Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Blvd. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. Tel: (54-280) 4883184 - int. 1247 www.lamama.com.ar *CONICET* <https://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=46111&keywords=Valeria%2B…> // *Google* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> *Scholar* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> "Lo que sabemos es una gota de agua; lo que ignoramos es el océano" - *Isaac Newton*

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New publication: Cook Inlet beluga whale vocal behavior
by Arial Brewer 07 May '26

07 May '26

Dear Marmam community, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our new open access paper in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology entitled 'Cook Inlet beluga whale calling varies by group characteristics, behavior, and tidal state'. The link can be found here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-026-03740-6?utm_source=rct… Best, Arial Brewer *Arial Brewer *(she/her) PhD Candidate Complex Ecological Systems Lab <https://complexecolab.github.io/> & Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <https://www.amyvancise.com/> School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington

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Opportunistic cetacean survey of the Ross and Amundsen Seas
by Conor Ryan 07 May '26

07 May '26

Dear Marmam Subscribers, I am pleased to notify you that colleagues and I have just published a Short Communication on a visual survey of the Ross Sea area that we carried out last January and February. It can be accessed at the link below: Ryan, C., Coleman, J., White, R., Shaw, E. and McCallum, R. (2026) Opportunistic cetacean survey of the Ross and Amundsen Seas. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 27: 41-45. https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/1145/797 Abstract: Opportunistic visual surveys of the Ross Sea and the Amundsen Sea were conducted (25 January– 18 February 2026), amounting to 1,015 nautical miles of search effort (83 hours), of which 763 nautical miles (62.4 hours) were south of 60°. Of 192 cetacean sightings, 153 were identified to species level: 69 humpback (n = 179), 34 fin (n = 90), 27 Antarctic minke (n = 71), 11 Antarctic blue (n = 21), seven killer (n = 40), one Arnoux’s beaked (n = 25), and one sperm (n = 1) whale(s). Of the unidentified sightings, 36 were baleen whales and three were beaked whales. Blue whales with calves were recorded in coastal waters off Cape Adare. Tapadh Leibh / Thanks, Conor Ryan Honorary Research Fellow <https://www.sams.ac.uk/people/fellows/ryan-dr-conor/>, Scottish Association for Marine Science

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New paper: Seafloor video-acoustic monitoring in a Greenlandic glacial fjord
by Evgeniy Podolskiy 06 May '26

06 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our open-access publication and new high-frequency video-acoustic data from Greenland, available here: Podolskiy E.A., Ogawa M., Hasegawa K., Tomiyasu M., Sugiyama S., Mitani Y. (2026) Seafloor video-acoustic monitoring in a Greenlandic glacial fjord records hyperbenthos, backward-swimming fish, and narwhals. PLOS One, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0347193 Abstract: Autonomous video-acoustic monitoring at the sea-floor can improve our understanding of poorly documented ecosystems and help interpret active or passive acoustic data, but it has been rarely carried out, particularly in the Arctic. This study deployed a video camera synchronized with a hydrophone, combined with red lights and other oceanographic instrumentation, on the bottom of a glacial fjord in Inglefield Bredning, northwest Greenland (to 260 m water depth). Through manual review and automatic analysis of high-frequency images (30 fps) and audios (96 kHz), the conditions and biodiversity near the sea-floor were quantified. The data revealed a highly turbulent environment with abundant suspended particles and fibers, with 88% of 478 detected organisms being Amphipoda, Copepoda, Hydrozoa, and Chaetognatha. Amongst the other observed animals were Decapoda, Liparidae, Pterotracheoidea, Ctenophora, and narwhals (*Monodon monoceros*). The number of marine snow particles was highly variable through time and could change up to twofold within several hours. The tide modulated the particle flow direction and speed. Overall, the results show that portable moorings with video recorders are an important tool for exploration of the Arctic seafloor. Warm regards from Hokkaido, Evgeny *** Evgeny Podolskiy, Assoc. Prof. Arctic Research Center, Hokkaido University

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Protected Species Acoustic Monitoring Technician (contract seasonal) - MA DMF
by Crowe, Leah M (FWE) 06 May '26

06 May '26

Hello Marmam, The Protected Species Program at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking a full-time seasonal employee (26 weeks, June/July through end of December) to help support our passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) project. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries launched a PAM project in February 2025 consisting of 17 bottom-mounted archival stations, and two real-time stations. The project is primarily focused on using acoustic detections to better understand behavior and habitat use of North Atlantic right whales. The findings from this project are aimed at providing information to manage fisheries and vessel speed restrictions in local waters. For more details, please visit the following link: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2600031X&tz=GM… Please pass along to any interested candidates. Thank you! Leah --- Leah M. Crowe, PhD (she/her) Science and Monitoring Lead - Protected Species Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 836 S. Rodney French Blvd New Bedford, MA 02744 (617) 762-6583 https://www.mass.gov/pam-app

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