May 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Habitat Suitability for a Unique, Fully Marine AmericanManatee (Trichechus manatus) Population Primarily Depends on Presence of Submarine Freshwater Springs
by Meirelles, Carol 06 May '26

06 May '26

Dear Marmam community, We are pleased to share our new publication in Marine Mammal Science: Meirelles, A. C. O., I. C. Normande, M. D. O. Alves, Choi, K.F., Carvalho, V.L., von Fersen, L., Trites, A.W. 2026. “Habitat Suitability for a Unique, Fully Marine American Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Population Primarily Depends on Presence of Submarine Freshwater Springs.” Marine Mammal Science42, no. 3: e70194. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70194. Abstract: The American manatee (Trichechus manatus) requires freshwater mainly from rivers and springs to maintain osmoregulatory balance in saline environments. However, in Brazil's semi-arid Potiguar Basin, manatees now rely solely on submarine freshwater springs because hypersaline estuaries have become unsuitable sources of freshwater. We applied MaxEnt modeling to presence-only data (sightings and filtered telemetry records) to produce habitat suitability maps and identify the environmental conditions driving habitat use. Telemetry locations were spatially and temporally thinned and subsampled to balance individual contributions, and alternative thinning scenarios were evaluated—while the model with the lowest level of spatial filtering showing the most stable performance was retained for inference. Model performance and fit were high (AUC = 0.979; CBI = 0.943, training gain = 2.76), and model suitability was strongly structured by proximity to submarine springs, with predicted probability declining sharply beyond 4–8 km. Seagrass presence contributed secondarily to suitability, whereas the other variables showed limited independent explanatory power at the regional scale. Suitable habitat was highly localized, comprising approximately 4% (301 km2) of the modeled coastal area and concentrated near Icapuí (Ceará) and Areia Branca (Rio Grande do Norte). These findings reveal the strong ecological constraints shaping this fully marine manatee population and highlight the critical role of submarine freshwater springs and seagrass meadows in sustaining manatee presence in hypersaline coastal systems. Protecting these key resources is essential for conservation planning in a region facing increasing freshwater limitation and expanding offshore development. You can find the PDF here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70194 Regards, Carol Meirelles

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Ocean Science Consulting - Please post
by OSC Admin 06 May '26

06 May '26

Hello MARMAM Community, For those of you qualified in the following: Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operator (PAMO) Acoustic Technician (AT)/ Bioacoustician Environmental Scientist European Seabirds At Sea (ESAS) surveyor Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) please register on our contractors portal: Ocean Science Consulting Limited<https://contractors.osc.co.uk/> For those who are thinking of qualifying, our contractors portal is a great opportunity to get work with us in many cases straight away and all over the world. We run training courses for MMO PSO and PAMO, please follow the link MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> and contact us admin(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:admin@osc.co.uk> for more details. We look forward to hearing from you. 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

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Workshop on Solitary and Out-of-habitat Bottlenose Dolphins
by Olga Filatova 06 May '26

06 May '26

Dear colleagues, Solitary and out-of-habitat bottlenose dolphins represent a growing management challenge across European waters. These individuals often display atypical ranging patterns, elevated risk of human interaction, and behavioural shifts that complicate both conservation goals and public safety. This workshop will bring together researchers and welfare specialists to review current knowledge on the drivers and welfare implications of solitary and extralimital dolphins. Case studies from recent European events will serve as a foundation for discussing assessment protocols, decision frameworks, and coordinated response strategies. The workshop aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration and identify research priorities that can support evidence-based management of these increasingly frequent and high-profile cases. The workshop will be held online on June 10 and 12, starting at 12:00 CET on both days. Please see the agenda below. If you would like to join, please fill in your contact details in this form, and we will send you a Zoom link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaHv67OQisuSqCJhSfH4UjFt1_RZov26G… Best regards, Olga Filatova with Mark Simmonds and Laetitia Nunny Solitary Dolphin Workshop Organizing Team Workshop on Solitary and Out-of-habitat Bottlenose Dolphins AGENDA *June 10, 2026. 12:00 – 15:00 CET* Chair: Mark Simmonds 12:00-12:10 Welcome – Olga and Mark 12:10-12:30 Introductions *SESSION 1* 12:30-12:55 Guido Pietroluongo: The 'dolphin of Venice': management of a solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy 12:55-13:20 Mónica González and Alfredo López: Solitary bottlenose dolphins in Galicia, Spain BREAK – 10 mins 13:30-13:55 Dan Jarvis: Management of social solitary bottlenose dolphins in the south west UK region 13:55-14:15 Laetitia Nunny: A solitary dolphin in Lyme Bay, UK 14:15-14:35 Pine Eisfeld-Pierantonio: Dave the dolphin 14:35-15:00 Discussion *June 12, 2026. 12:00 – 15:00 CET* *SESSION 2* Chair: Mark Simmonds 12:00-12:30 Mike Bossley: Behavioural anomalies of solitary bottlenose dolphins in Adelaide’s Port River estuary 12:30-12:50 Laetitia Nunny: What is an out of habitat marine mammal? 12:50-13:15 Olga Filatova: Bottlenose dolphins in Denmark – solitary and/or out of habitat BREAK – 10 mins 13:25-13:50 Liz Sandeman: A history of UK’s solitary sociable dolphins 13:50-14:15 Dan Jarvis: Monitoring and interventions for out of habitat common dolphins in intertidal rivers/estuaries 14:15-15:00 Discussion and conclusions

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Hiring Assistant Professor(s) in Fisheries, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks
by Hannah Myers 06 May '26

06 May '26

We are hiring one or more Assistant Professors in the Fisheries Department at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks. The department includes a wide range of expertise, including marine mammal research. Additional information on the position can be found here: https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/532435. To thrive in this role, candidates will be expected to develop and lead a productive and externally funded research program focused on fisheries biology, ecology, management, or social sciences. This research program should emphasize Alaska’s fisheries and ecosystems and involve students and postdoctoral researchers. Candidates will also be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, with a particular focus on the undergraduate fisheries program through both instruction and advising. Qualified applicants must have a Ph.D. in fisheries, biology, ecology, economics, anthropology, or a closely related field. Postdoctoral research experience is preferred. Applicants must be proficient in English, have experience teaching at the university level, and have a strong research, publication and funding record, commensurate with experience. To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible. Please submit your online application and include the following: (1) a brief cover letter, (2) a statement summarizing your past and future research program including your overall approach to scientific research and how you envision your research program at CFOS, with particular emphasis on complementing our existing research expertise; your past teaching experiences, teaching pedagogy, and how your approach to teaching and mentoring will complement and diversify CFOS’s programs; and your commitment to public and professional service and community engagement (not to exceed five total pages for research, teaching and service), (3) a curriculum vitae, (4) a sample publication or creative product, and (5) contact information for three professional references (address, email, and phone number). -- *Hannah Myers, PhD* Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks 2150 Koyukuk Drive Fairbanks, Alaska 99775 hannah.myers(a)alaska.edu <hmyers8(a)alaska.edu>

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New publication: Infrasonic acoustic energy produced by offshore wind turbine energy generation may interfere with bird and cetacean navigation cues
by Michael Stocker 05 May '26

05 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, I am pleased to submit our open access paper: Stocker, M. Infrasonic acoustic energy produced by offshore wind turbine energy generation may interfere with bird and cetacean navigation cues. Environ Sci Pollut Res (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-026-37684-1 Abstract: Offshore wind turbine farms are being planned and installed throughout the coastal areas of the global ocean. Noise concerns from these activities are typically framed within frequency bands of concern defined by governmental regulatory agencies (NMFS - OPR, 2018). A less considered noise source are the various infrasonic noises generated by large rotating blades in a pressure-dynamic medium. These noises include the infrasonic "thumps" generated by the motion of the turbine blades as they intersect the "stagnate wind area" on the windward side of the mast (Clancy 1975). A second source of infrasonic energy is the collapse of tip vortices generated by the sudden air pressure gradient transitions across the turbine blades (Vermeer et al. Prog Aerospace Sci 39:467-510, 2003), and the associated "Blade-Vortex Interaction" (BVI) (Brentner and Farasat Prog Aerospace Sci 39(2-3), 2003). These infrasonic sources contain a lot of energy (Edwards 2015) and are in the perceptual range of migratory birds and baleen whales. Given that birds, and potentially whales use infrasonic sound and barometric pressure signals for navigation and migration cues, the installation of thousands of turbines globally may impose significant impacts on migratory birds along avian coastal migratory routes. Additionally, increasing anthropogenic infrasonic noise throughout the ocean may impact and compromise mysticete communication channels and potentially low frequency navigation cues used by these animals. Sharable link: https://rdcu.be/fg5un Regards, Michael Stocker <http://www.ocr.org/> Michael Stocker Ocean Conservation Research P.O. Box 559, Lagunitas, CA 94938 415-464-7220

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JNCC MMO/ PSO AND PAM Level 1 UK Training
by Zoe Wright 05 May '26

05 May '26

Seiche Training JNCC MMO and PAM Level 1 training at Okehampton Devon UK (first come first serve basis) * 29-30 June Okehampton Devon UK JNCC MMO with (optional) PSO * 01-03 July Okehampton Devon UK PAM Level 1 JNCC MMO/PSO training course will give you a thorough insight into all aspects of life as a marine mammal observer. Exploring: how noise impacts marine mammals; the legislative landscape; record-keeping; reporting requirements; and mitigation measures. Delegates of the MMO training also have the option of joining the Boat trip on 03rd July included in this training. first come first serve basis. PAM Level 1 course combines classroom study with practical experience at sea to equip you with the all the skills required to become a professionally qualified Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator. you will look at the role of a PAM Operator and an in-depth introduction to PAM software, including an interactive PAMGuard workshop. The practical Boat trip will be on the 03rd July at Brixham or Plymouth (TBC) we will arrange travel to and from the Boat to our offices included in the cost of your training. Preparation for real‑world offshore scenarios Certificate for offshore work upon successful completion Course Fees (Including VAT) * JNCC MMO: £222 * PSO Additional Modules: £108 * PAM Level 1: £540 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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Seasonal Employment Opportunity: Senior Research Assistant at the Canadian Whale Institute
by Delphine Durette-Morin 05 May '26

05 May '26

Employment Opportunity: Senior Research Assistant See job posting: https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/opportunities Posting date: 01 May 2026 The Canadian Whale Institute is looking for a motivated and reliable individual to join our science team for the upcoming field season. This is a seasonal field position for 01 June – 31 October 2026. The position is open to applicants eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship by the position start date. This position will support field research and monitoring activities focused on North Atlantic right whales and other marine mammals in Atlantic Canada, including vessel-based surveys from both small and large vessels. The successful candidate will participate in several field expeditions during the season and will assist with at-sea data collection, photo-identification, data processing, field preparations, and other science team activities as needed. Weekend work, long field days, travel, and scheduling flexibility will be required, especially during active field periods. The position will involve travel within the Atlantic Canadian Maritimes, depending on project needs. Some work may be based remotely outside of field periods, but the candidate must be available for in-person fieldwork and travel during scheduled expeditions. Preference may be given to candidates based in or near Halifax, Nova Scotia, to support field planning, coordination, and team activities. Main Responsibilities · Participating in vessel-based marine mammal surveys aboard RHIBs and fishing vessels · Standing visual watch for North Atlantic right whales and other marine mammals · Assisting with photo-identification, including taking photographs of whales for individual identification and documentation · Recording accurate field observations and survey data following established protocols · Supporting field preparations, equipment checks, packing, and mobilization · Assisting with the organization, review, and processing of field data and photographs · Working closely with CWI staff, vessel crews, and project partners during field operations · Following all safety procedures and field protocols during at-sea work · Representing CWI professionally while working with partners, vessel crews, and members of the public · Assisting with other science, outreach, or administrative tasks as needed during the field season Required Qualifications · Authorized to work in Canada at time of position start date (Canadian Citizenship or valid Visa) · Bachelor’s degree in oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, or a related field is required. Equivalent combinations of relevant education, field experience, and technical skills may be considered · Experience working at sea or in field research settings, especially with marine mammal surveys and marine mammal identification at sea · Ability to work safely and communicate clearly in a marine field environment · Strength and endurance to work long field days in a marine environment and safely lift or carry up to 50 lbs / 22 kg when required. · Good situational awareness and ability to remain calm in changing field conditions · Strong attention to detail and ability to follow data collection protocols · Accurate record keeping and experience with R/RStudio · Ability to work independently and as part of a team · Valid driver’s licence Highly Desirable Skills and Experience · A Master’s degree in a related field would be considered an asset · Prior experience with North Atlantic right whales or other large whales · Experience photographing wildlife, especially for photo-identification purposes · Experience working from small vessels and/or large vessels · Familiarity with field data collection software or databases · Bilingualism in English and French · First aid, marine safety, or small vessel training · Valid passport and ability to travel through the United States to and from Campobello Island, if required To Apply: See job posting https://www.canadianwhaleinstitute.ca/opportunities The position will remain posted until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

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Postdoc opportunity - Assessing the Ecosystem Consequences of Fisheries Interactions with Marine Megafauna in the south-western Indian Ocean
by Cécile JACQUES 05 May '26

05 May '26

Exciting Post-doctoral position! Assessing the Ecosystem Consequences of Fisheries Interactions with Marine Megafauna in the south-western Indian Ocean This study is part of a program by the Foundation for Biodiversity Research, with sponsorship support from the Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale Foundation. This program aims to provide a comprehensive and scientifically documented overview of the links between fisheries, non-targeted marine megafauna species, the ecosystem services associated with these species, and the externalities expressed in economic, social, or health terms for human societies. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for conducting the research project in the southwestern Indian Ocean region, at the University of Reunion Island. All information available here: https://www.fondationbiodiversite.fr/la-fondation/recrutement/ (scroll down to the third job offer « Conséquences écosystémiques des interactions entre pêcheries et mégafaune marine dans le sud-ouest de l’océan Indien »). Note that the position will be filled by a fluent French-speaker. Please direct any inquiries to cecile.jacques(a)fondationbiodiversite.fr<mailto:cecile.jacques@fondationbiodiversite.fr> and/or send your application to the e-mail addresses indicated in the job offer. Best regards, Cécile Jacques

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NOAA Fisheries Initiates Status Review for the Rice’s Whale
by Ana Bishop - NOAA Affiliate 04 May '26

04 May '26

NOAA Fisheries announced the initiation of a status review of the Rice’s whale under section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act. A status review is a periodic undertaking conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate and to determine whether the species should be reclassified or removed from the list. The Rice’s whale is currently listed as an endangered species. To ensure that the status review is based on the best available scientific and commercial data, we are soliciting new information concerning the status of the Rice’s whale. Categories of requested information include: ● Species biology including, but not limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics ● Habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability ● Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species ● Status and trends of threats ● Other new data regarding Rice’s whales that have become available since December 2016 If the status review indicates a change in listing status under the ESA is warranted, a rulemaking process would be initiated to propose the appropriate change in its classification under the ESA. Additional information is available on the *Federal Register*’s website here <https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-08663/endangered-and…>. The public comment period is open from May 5, 2026 through July 6, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. -- *Ana Bishop* Rice's Whale Coordinator Contractor with ERT in support of the Protected Resources Division Southeast Regional Office | NOAA Fisheries <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> ana.bishop(a)noaa.gov (301) 427 - 2567

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New publication: Bowhead whale foraging dives are defined by speed and body orientation
by Manon den Haan 04 May '26

04 May '26

Dear Marman members, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share with you our recent publication on bowhead whale movement in the Canadian Arctic. den Haan MF, Segre PS, Kilabuk E, Agnakak M, Dialla F, Fortune SME (2026) Bowhead whale foraging dives are defined by speed and body orientation. PLoS One 21(4): e0343408. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343408 ABSTRACT: Quantifying the time baleen whales spend foraging is central to understanding the extent to which climate driven shifts in low-trophic prey may affect energy acquisition. To date, the most comprehensive understanding of balaenid (bowhead and right whale) feeding behavior comes from studies using inertial sensing tags (biologgers). Here, periods of ram filtration were inferred under predictable foraging conditions where whales targeted a deep, diapausing prey layer. However, foraging conditions are increasingly variable in high latitudes and zooplankton vertical distribution, abundance and biomass vary seasonally based on ontogenetic migration. Our objective was to identify the kinematic features of confirmed bowhead feeding in a sub-Arctic fjord where prey availability fluctuates with tidal cycles, by collecting high-resolution, 3D biologging data (Customized Animal Tracking Solutions Tags) and concurrent video recordings for behavioral validation. Using a mixed-model approach we found that mean bottom speed, bottom pitch and roll, change in average swim speed and time of day were the best predictors of bowhead whale feeding. Consistent with previous studies, fluke stroke frequency was significantly faster when feeding (0.191 Hz ± 0.045 SD) compared with not-feeding (0.172 Hz ± 0.037 SD). However, we observed a depth-dependent switch in fluke stroke frequency, whereby the fluking rate was higher (0.192 Hz ± 0.039 SD) at shallow depths (≤23 m) and lower (0.151 Hz ± 0.024) at deeper depths (>23 m). Observed shifts in fluke stroke frequency may be attributed to physical forces acting in the upper water column such as buoyancy, drag and tidal forces. By using the descriptive kinematic variables, we can better identify feeding behavior in kinematic data from balaenids and improve our understanding of foraging efforts of bowhead whales in a changing climate, particularly since dive shape alone may overestimate feeding activities. Many thanks, Manon

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