June 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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JNCC-Accredited MMO Training Course – Cornwall (September 2026)
by Stephanie Barnicoat 01 Jul '26

01 Jul '26

*JNCC-Accredited MMO Training Course – Cornwall (September 2026)* Hello everyone, Ocean Watch will be delivering a JNCC-accredited Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training course on *M*onday 7th and Tuesday 8th September (09:00–17:00 BST) in Mevagissey, Cornwall. The course is led by an experienced instructor with over a decade of expertise in the offshore industry, marine mammal monitoring and mitigation, and MMO training delivery. *Course content includes:* - Marine mammal identification and ecology - Underwater acoustics - Impacts of underwater noise - Mitigation measures and best practice - The role and responsibilities of an MMO The first one and a half days will be classroom-based. On the afternoon of Day 2, delegates will put their skills into practice during a vessel-based session launching from Mevagissey Harbour. Details: - Cost: £250 per person - Student rate: £212.50 (15% discount) - Lunch and refreshments provided For more information, please visit: https://www.oceanwatchmmotraining.co.uk/mmo-training-course <https://www.oceanwatchmmotraining.co.uk/mmo-training-course?fbclid=IwZXh0bg…> To book or ask any questions, please contact: steph(a)oceanwatchmmotraining.co.uk Stephanie Barnicoat BSc (Hons), MSc, CMarSci/CSci IMarEST JNCC Accredited MMO Trainer Ocean Watch | Marine mammal observer (oceanwatchmmotraining.co.uk) <https://www.oceanwatchmmotraining.co.uk/>

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New Publication: Temporal and spatial transferability in telemetry-based dynamic species distribution models: The effects of algorithms and pseudo-absence techniques
by Joshua Wilson 30 Jun '26

30 Jun '26

We are pleased to share the publication of our new manuscript, which assesses how well telemetry-based SDMs transfer through space and time using marine mammal and seabird tracking data. These findings can inform which model algorithms and pseudo-absence techniques are best to use to support dynamic ocean management. Title: Temporal and spatial transferability in telemetry-based dynamic species distribution models: The effects of algorithms and pseudo-absence techniques Authors: Joshua C Wilson, Philip N Trathan, Hugh J Venables, Horst Bornemann, Rochelle Constantine, Daniel P Costa, Luciano Dalla Rosa, Louise Emmerson, Ari S Friedlaender, Michael E Goebel, Simon Goldsworthy, Mark A Hindell, Mary-Anne Lea, Mônica M C Muelbert, Silvia Olmastroni, Yan Ropert-Coudert, Colin Southwell, Ryan R Reisinger Abstract: Species distribution models using animal tracking data to predict foraging habitat suitability can inform dynamic ocean management techniques that respond to changing environmental conditions. Such models require accurate transferability in time (and sometimes space), often involving extrapolation into new environmental conditions. However, the impacts of modelling configuration on transferability are unclear. Here we built species distribution models using animal tracking studies from the Southern Ocean and projected them in time and space. We tested 24 different model configurations to assess how the choice of pseudo-absence technique and algorithm influences temporal and spatial transferability. Using data from a variety of seabird and marine mammal species with differing ecological traits, we aimed to identify 1) which model configurations produce consistently high transferability scores and 2) whether any tested algorithms or pseudo-absence techniques were better equipped to deal with environmental extrapolation and small sample sizes. Models consistently achieved high temporal transferability scores. Of all tested configurations, background sampling combined with tree-based machine learning algorithms or models accounting for autocorrelation performed best in this context. Conversely, no model configuration consistently attained high spatial transferability scores, with all exhibiting poor predictive capacity in many cases. The impacts of environmental extrapolation and sample size on transferability were also assessed. Most models exhibited greater temporal transferability when built with larger datasets that required lesser environmental extrapolation. We recommend that researchers use data-rich ensembles of the most reliable algorithms built with background sampling when looking to predict near real-time distributions and, where possible, avoid spatial extrapolation when data do not cover every population within the target area. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2026.111702 Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions! All the best, Josh ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Joshua Wilson (he/him) PhD Student | University of Southampton//British Antarctic Survey | INSPIRE DTP National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wilson-9b5a69147/> | Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/oshuwilson.bsky.social>

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2026 Research Assistant Opportunity - Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project
by Diana Alvarado 29 Jun '26

29 Jun '26

2026 Research Assistant Opportunity - Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project (SBDRP) is seeking one research assistant who is an Australian citizen currently residing in Australia for the upcoming 2026 field season in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The SBDRP is a long-term collaboration between Georgetown University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the University of Queensland studying Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, WA since the 1980s. The 2026 field season will support graduate research collecting drone data and long-term population monitoring. Timeframe: 20 August - 10 December 2026 (~4 months) Field site: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Compensation: Research assistants will receive a modest stipend. Domestic travel and living expenses (housing and food) will also be covered. The ideal candidate: We are seeking one recent graduate with a background in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or a related field. This position is intended for an early-career candidate interested in gaining field and research experience. Strong applicants will be detail-oriented, reliable, adaptable, and comfortable working in remote conditions as part of a small team (3-6 people). Candidates should be prepared for long workdays, including weekends. Fieldwork, boating, or drone experience is helpful but not required. The most important qualities are flexibility, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the research. Because team members live and work closely together throughout the field season, maturity, a positive attitude, and a collaborative nature are essential. Eligibility: Australian citizens currently residing in Australia. Bachelor’s degree completed by August 2026 or within the past 3 years (no earlier than 2023). Must not currently hold a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), be enrolled in a graduate program, or begin a graduate program prior to or during the 2026 field season. Applicants must be fluent in English. In good physical condition and able to lift 20 kg (50 lbs). Application: https://forms.gle/XPhcnry8ccCe1NUC6 The Google Form is now open and will close on 7 July 2026 at 11:59 pm EDT. No late submissions will be considered. All applicants will receive notification of our decision no later than July 30th. Any questions can be directed to field season lead, Diana Alvarado (dca51(a)georgetown.edu <mailto:dca51@georgetown.edu>). -- Diana C. Alvarado (she/her) PhD Student, Department of Biology Georgetown University

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New paper on seasonal habitat patterns of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins
by Eugenia Pasanisi 28 Jun '26

28 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We would like to share a new open-access paper developed within the LIFE Conceptu Maris project <https://www.lifeconceptu.eu/en/?_gl=1%2Alu2kzh%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMTY3Mjg…>, an EU LIFE project coordinated by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research. The project builds on the Mediterranean FLT Med Network <https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/en/activities/biodiversity/flt-mediterranea…>, combining long-term ferry-based visual monitoring with innovative tools to improve knowledge and conservation of cetaceans and other marine megafauna. The paper, "*Recurrent seasonal habitat patterns of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins revealed by long-term monitoring and validated SDMs" * *(**Ecological Informatics)**,* uses 15 years of standardized ferry-based surveys across the western Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, to explore how the distribution and habitat suitability of common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) change with the seasons. By combining long-term observations, independently validated species distribution models, and environmental clustering, the study highlights a general recurrent seasonal pattern: from more productive coastal and shelf areas in winter–spring to a broader use of offshore habitats in summer–autumn, while also revealing distinct seasonal configurations across Mediterranean subregions. We hope this paper will be of interest to the MARMAM community. The paper is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2026.103859 Best regards, Eugenia Pasanisi, PhD on behalf of the co-authors Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome -- *Fai crescere le giovani ricercatrici e i giovani ricercatori*** *con il 5 per mille alla Sapienza* Scrivi il codice fiscale dell'Università *80209930587 **Cinque per mille <https://www.uniroma1.it/it/node/23149>*

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Seeking hardcopy issues of the Whalewatcher
by Thomas Jefferson 26 Jun '26

26 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM, The Society for Marine Mammalogy's Ad hoc Archives Committee is currently working to make available online PDF copies of the Whalewatcher (the American Cetacean Society's journal). We have many of them already, but are looking for complete or partial hardcopy sets of the journal that are unbound, so that we can scan them with a run-through scanner. If anyone has a set that they would be willing to donate to the effort (we can return them once scanned, if you want), please contact me.Thanks,Tom Jeffersonsclymene(a)aol.com

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Southwest Fisheries Science Center is hiring!
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 25 Jun '26

25 Jun '26

*The Southwest Fisheries Science Center is excited to announce we are recruiting for an ‘Omics Bioinformaticist (Biologist 0401)!* This position is for a bioinformaticist to use advanced ‘omics techniques (such as environmental DNA, epigenetics, close-kin mark-recapture, parentage-based tagging, and genomic sequencing) and computational data analysis to inform population characteristics, seasonal or interannual distribution, and abundance of fishery and protected species in large marine ecosystems and watersheds (marine and anadromous fish, invertebrates, mammals, and turtles). The successful applicant will collaborate with multiple investigators on a number of projects simultaneously, and develop generalized scripts and workflows to streamline the analysis of data across projects. This position is advertised at two experience levels. You can read the full description of each position, as well as of several similar positions available at our Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Alaska Science Centers, at https://tinyurl.com/mssyryez and https://tinyurl.com/3f662htk. The full vacancy announcement and application instructions for these positions can be found here: · https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/874205800 · https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/874207300 *1. Essential Application Requirements* To ensure your resume receives consideration, we highly recommend using the *USAJobs resume builder* to ensure all required elements are included. If you prefer to use your own format, please ensure *all* of the below information is included; otherwise, your application may be *disqualified*: ● Job Title (including job series and grade, if federal) ● Descriptions of duties/work performed (Make sure to include duties that detail how you meet the specialized experience listed in the announcement) ● Starting and ending dates for each position (month and year) ● Hours worked per week and/or full-time or part-time status. If identifying as *part-time*, you must state the number of hours per week. ○ *Note: A full-time work schedule is typically 33-40 hours per week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work a prearranged scheduled tour of duty for less than full-time hours (usually 16-32 hours).* *Important Note on Resume Length:* Resumes are limited to no longer than *2 pages in length*. Resume documents longer than 2 pages will not be accepted by USAJobs. *Education Requirements* If the position has a positive education requirement, unofficial transcripts are required. Transcripts must include: name of accredited institution; courses by title, number, and department (e.g., BIO 101 Intro to Bio, MATH 210 Calculus I); grades earned; completion dates; quarter or semester hours earned; and degree award date (if applicable). Candidates are encouraged to course descriptions from the relevant institution’s course catalog if the content of any course is not clear from the course title. Any applicant who does not appear to meet the education requirement based on the documents submitted will not be considered for the position. *2. Need Assistance?* Prior to submitting your application, double check that your application package contains all of the "Required Documents" as outlined in the vacancy announcement. ● *Erroneous Disqualification:* If you believe you were erroneously disqualified for a position, you can request reconsideration of your status by emailing our HR team: noaa.applicantinquiries(a)noaa.gov ● *Technical Difficulties:* If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, contact the USAJobs Help Desk as soon as possible by filling out their <https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/#usajobs-contact-form>USAJobs Contact Us Form <https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/#usajobs-contact-form>. They typically respond within 24-48 hours. ● *Additional Tips:* For additional tips on applying to USAJobs positions, please view this helpful video: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCZMKMkAeqo>Fisheries Hiring Manager: USAJobs Application Tips Video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCZMKMkAeqo> . *3. Why Join Our Team? * In addition to the benefits offered to all Government employees, you can review them here: <https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees…>OPM Federal Employee Benefits Overview <https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees…>. NOAA has additional benefits not offered by other Government agencies: ● *CAPS Pay Administration:* Offers the potential for accelerated pay growth based on performance. CAPS pay allows for annual performance pay increases and bonuses, plus the standard annual general and locality pay increases. You may also negotiate your initial salary if you can demonstrate how your experience and education will be beneficial in the selected position. ● *Wellness@Work Program:* Take time for yourself! Employees are authorized up to 40 hours per year for wellness activities. ● *Southwest Center Specific Benefits:* Our laboratory is located in beautiful La Jolla on the campus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Enjoy ocean views and stimulating engagement faculty and staff at a premiere marine research institute. -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA 858-546-7058 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics *I sometimes work irregular hours, but I respect your work schedule and do not expect an action or reply outside of your working hours.*

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New Publication
by Alexis Morrigan 24 Jun '26

24 Jun '26

New Publication: Increasing presence of Bigg's killer whales and changing seasonality of Southern Resident killer whales in Washington waters (The Whale Museum) On behalf of all co-authors I am pleased to share our latest publication focusing on trends of Bigg's killer whales and changing seasonality of SRKWs within Washington waters. See abstract below. Cheers, -- *Alexis Morrigan *(she/her) alexis(a)whalemuseum.org Link to publication: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0350181 Abstract: Two ecotypes of killer whales (*Orcinus orca)* occur in the Washington waters of the Salish Sea: endangered, fish-eating Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW), made up of three family groups J-, K-, and L-pods, and marine-mammal-eating Bigg’s killer whales. Although these ecotypes overlap in space, they respond to different ecological processes, face different threats, and have different management priorities. Understanding how their habitat use has changed over time can give us insight into changes in the ecosystem that may be affecting these populations and enable spatially explicit management strategies. Using killer whale detections in Washington waters from 1978–2022, we fit species distribution models to SRKW and Bigg’s killer whales, to understand spatiotemporal trends in killer whale presence. We found that SRKW presence was quite variable, but they were most likely to be present in 2001 (70% average probability of presence) and least likely to be present in 2019 (23% average probability of presence). Bigg’s presence increased over time, from 4% average probability of presence in 1978 to 66% probability of presence in 2022. The decrease in SRKW probability of presence in recent years was most likely driven by K- and L-pods which showed a decline in average annual probability of presence since 2017, while the average annual probability of presence remained high for J-pod. On a seasonal level, SRKW presence has decreased in summer months (June-August) since 2016, while Bigg’s presence has continued to increase in all months. As Bigg’s presence has increased in Washington waters, SRKW and Bigg’s habitat use has increasingly overlapped, especially in the Puget Sound. Since 2011, the probability of Bigg’s presence has increased in the Whidbey Basin while SRKW presence has decreased. Additionally, in October – January, SRKW and Bigg’s have an equal probability of being present throughout the Central Basin. These models can be used to determine optimal times and areas for management actions to limit exposure of anthropogenic disturbances to SRKW and Bigg’s killer whales.

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SMM Workshop: One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite
by Laura Howes - NOAA Federal 24 Jun '26

24 Jun '26

Greetings MARMAM'ers, We have a great workshop available at the upcoming SMM 2026 Conference in Puerto Rico (virual option as well!). See below: One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite Workshop at the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference 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. 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 Biennial Society for Marine Mammalogy 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 also have a free virtual option available for attendance that you can sign up for here: https://forms.gle/GfVRBXkf2CrfzeGd6 Laura Howes, Workshop Co-Chair NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary -- Laura Howes Sanctuary Outreach Specialist Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary <https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/> National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Phone: (781) 205-0354 laura.howes(a)noaa.gov <tammy.silva(a)noaa.gov> | sanctuaries.noaa.gov <https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/> Follow us on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/stellwagenbanknms/> and Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/SBNMS>

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