June 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) strandings in Norway and Svalbard
by Sean O'Callaghan 24 Jun '26

24 Jun '26

Hello all, We are pleased to share the below open access publication, should it interest you. O’Callaghan, S.A., Similä, T., Gammell, M. and O'Brien, J. (2026). Sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) strandings in Norway and Svalbard. *Polar Biology* 49, 66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-026-03499-6 Abstract Norwegian waters represent an important male sperm whale foraging area with an extensive continental shelf edge pocketed with deep submarine canyon systems. A total of 120 sperm whale strandings along the Norwegian mainland coast were recorded primarily between the 1950’s – 2026 while two historic records from the 1700’s were also recorded. Of these, 7 live strandings occurred between 1980 and 2020 involving single individuals. One fishing gear entanglement cases and one ship strike was recorded. Most strandings centred around the Vesterålen and Lofoten archipelagos (n = 48) between 67–69°N. Strandings were reported in all months but most frequently in May (n = 22) followed by July (n = 21). In Svalbard (76–80°N), 11 strandings were reported between 2001 and 2022. Floating carcasses at sea were recorded on 18 occasions off Norway (n = 15) and Svalbard (n = 3) where the most northern record was in the pack ice north of Spitzbergen at 81°N in 2025. One female live stranded in July 2020 north of the Arctic Circle at Saltfjorden, Bodø (67°N) which likely represents the furthest north record for a confirmed female globally to date. All other carcasses were either male, too decomposed to determine their sex or the specified information was not available. This study contributes knowledge to the presence and distribution of sperm whales in Norwegian waters using dead individuals. The article is available here https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-026-03499-6#citeas Kind regards, Seán

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New publication: Cultural evolution in Mediterranean sperm whale dialects
by Taylor Hersh 24 Jun '26

24 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I’m pleased to share our recent publication in Proceedings B: “Dialect variation in Mediterranean sperm whales shows evidence of cultural evolution in an isolated population” Abstract: Population isolation and bottlenecks can affect cultural evolution. This has been shown in bird vocal dialects but is less studied in mammals. The isolated and weakly structured population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Mediterranean Sea provide an opportunity to address this knowledge gap. We studied dialect variation in this population using the species’ primary social vocalization, stereotyped patterns of clicks called codas. We analysed 5291 codas recorded over 112 days between 2003 and 2021 from both the western and eastern deep-water basins of the Mediterranean Sea. We confirmed previous studies showing the dominance of codas with a 3+1 pattern but also identified two distinct dialect groups. The 2+1 and slow 3+1 coda types identified the western dialect while the 8I and fast 3++1 coda types identified the eastern dialect. Notably, groups recorded in the east occasionally produced the ‘western’ slow 3+1 coda types but the converse was not true, suggesting a directionality in dialect formation. The similarities between the apparent effects of isolation on sperm whale dialects and isolation effects reported in studies of the cultural evolution of both bird song dialects and human languages suggest convergences in vocal dialect evolution across social taxa. The paper is open access and can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.0165 Please reach out with any questions! Cheers, Taylor Hersh (she/her) taylor.hersh(a)bristol.ac.uk Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellow School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Current time zone: British Summer Time (UTC/GMT +1)

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Help Shape a Free NASA PACE + QGIS Course for Marine Mammal Applications
by Liz Ferguson 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM Community, Ocean Science Analytics is developing a new *free, asynchronous training course* focused on working with NASA PACE satellite data in QGIS, and we would like your input before we begin building the content. As a NASA PACE Early Adopter, part of our contribution to the marine science community is helping researchers better access, visualize, and apply these emerging satellite products to ecological questions. While PACE does not directly observe marine mammals, its measurements have tremendous potential to improve our understanding of the environmental conditions that influence marine mammal distribution and habitat use. Applications include characterizing marine mammal habitat, evaluating trophic and ecosystem conditions, identifying biologically productive areas, investigating potential prey-field dynamics, exploring spatial and temporal variability in oceanographic features, and contributing to a better understanding of migratory corridors and species distribution patterns. By providing unprecedented information on phytoplankton communities, water properties, and ecosystem dynamics, PACE offers new opportunities to investigate the environmental drivers that shape marine mammal occurrence patterns. As a company whose work is heavily focused on marine mammal research, monitoring, and conservation, we are actively exploring these applications ourselves through our NASA PACE Early Adopter activities. Our Early Adopter <https://pace.oceansciences.org/people_ea.htm?id=54>profile provides examples of how we are integrating PACE data into marine ecosystem and marine mammal-focused analyses. For those interested in broader ecosystem, fisheries, and conservation applications, Ryan Vargas and colleagues recently provided NOAA technical guidance <https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/70720>providing a useful overview describing how PACE observations can support fisheries management, ecosystem monitoring, and marine conservation decision-making. The publication provides an excellent introduction to the types of environmental indicators and management-relevant products that can be derived from PACE observations: The pending free PACE course is expected to cover topics such as: • Accessing PACE data through NASA Earthdata • Importing and visualizing PACE products in QGIS • Basic spatial and temporal analysis workflows • Exploring relationships between oceanographic conditions, ecosystem productivity, and marine habitats • Practical applications of PACE data for marine ecosystem and marine mammal research This is not intended to be a comprehensive QGIS training course. Rather, our goal is to create a practical, end-to-end resource that helps users move from downloading PACE data to generating meaningful maps, visualizations, and analyses. For those interested in broader GIS concepts and marine spatial analysis workflows, we offer a separate *QGIS Essentials for Marine Science Professionals <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/qgis-essentials>* course. To ensure the course reflects the needs of the marine mammal and broader marine science communities, we are asking researchers, students, educators, managers, and practitioners to complete a short *5–8 minute survey*. Responses will directly influence the topics, workflows, and PACE products prioritized in the final course. *📝 PACE + QGIS Content Survey <https://forms.gle/6gBniGY6jEHcTVPJ6>* Thank you for your time and feedback. We look forward to building a resource that supports new applications of PACE data across the marine m ammal community. Regards, Liz Ferguson *CEO and Founder* *T:* (619) 320-5047 || *C:* (619) 459-2242 *Ocean Science Analytics* *www.oceanscienceanalytics.com <http://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com>*

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Announcing the SMM2026 Workshop: Using techniques from improvisation and acting to gain focus, improve collaboration, and overcome anxiety and imposter syndrome
by Andrew Wright 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear Marmam, Are you feeling overwhelmed or dealing with imposter syndrome? Do you struggle with making presentations or participating in workshops? You’re not alone. Join us for an interactive workshop exploring how tools from improvisation and acting can help you control your presentation nerves, improve focus, handle unexpected challenges, and generally build confidence in your academic journey. Through simple exercises and improv-based activities built around the idea of “*Yes, and…*”, participants will practice adaptability, quick thinking, and self-acceptance in a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the process. *🎓 Workshop: Using techniques from improvisation and acting to gain focus, improve collaboration, and overcome anxiety and imposter syndrome 📅 Date: Sunday 18th October🕘 Time: 08:30–12:30🔗 More details here: https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1776733931021-85a1be63-7bd3 <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1776733931021-85a1be63-7bd3>* Come try something different, learn practical techniques to manage pressure, and take the first steps toward a more confident and balanced academic experience. If you have any questions, please let me know. Best regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. andrew(a)vocalearth.com

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SMM 2026 Workshop Announcement: Asking the right questions: Designing robust social surveys to better inform marine mammal conservation
by Andrew Wright 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear Marmam, Announcing the SMM 2026 half-day workshop: Asking the Right Questions: Designing Robust Social Surveys for Marine Mammal Conservation, that will be held on on Saturday, October 17th, 2026: 13:00 - 17:00. Public attitudes and human behaviour often shape marine mammal conservation outcomes as much as biological knowledge. Surveys are common tools used in conservation to assess stakeholder attitudes and preferences. However, it is easy to unintentionally create leading or ambiguous questions and poorly designed surveys can produce misleading results and lead to ineffective management recommendations. Join this interactive workshop to learn how to design, implement, and interpret social surveys that generate credible, decision-relevant evidence. We’ll cover common pitfalls, such as unrepresentative sampling and social desirability bias, as well as practical ways to avoid them, including question design, response scales and survey length. Participants will leave with clear guidelines and example templates to strengthen the role of surveys in marine mammal conservation. This workshop is for scientists, practitioners, managers, and anyone using social surveys in marine mammal conservation. If you have any questions, please reach out. Best regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. andrew(a)vocalearth.com

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Machine Learning for Evolutionary Genomics (MLEG01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Oliver Hooker 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

*Machine Learning for Evolutionary Genomics (MLEG01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research* https://prstats.org/course/machine-learning-for-evolutionary-genomics-mleg0… Delivered by experienced computational biologists, evolutionary geneticists, and machine learning researchers. Learn how to apply *Machine Learning (ML)* and *Artificial Intelligence (AI)* methods to genomic data, with techniques that are increasingly relevant across marine mammal research and conservation genetics. As genomic datasets continue to grow in size and complexity, machine learning is becoming an important tool for identifying patterns that are difficult to detect using traditional statistical approaches. While this course focuses on evolutionary genomics, the methods taught are highly transferable to marine mammal research, including population structure analysis, conservation genetics, adaptation, demographic history, and genomic monitoring. ------------------------------ What you’ll gain - A strong understanding of machine learning concepts in genomics and evolutionary biology - Practical experience applying machine learning methods to genomic datasets - Skills in predictive modelling, classification, and pattern recognition - Understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning approaches - Ability to evaluate model performance and avoid common pitfalls - Confidence in interpreting machine learning outputs in biological contexts ------------------------------ Course format - Live, instructor-led online training - Hands-on coding with real-world genomic datasets - Interactive practical exercises throughout - Strong focus on applied, research-ready workflows ------------------------------ Who is this course for? - Marine mammal researchers working with genetic or genomic data - Conservation geneticists and molecular ecologists - Bioinformaticians and computational biologists - Researchers interested in applying machine learning to biological questions - PhD students and quantitative life scientists ------------------------------ Why take this course? Genomic approaches are increasingly used to address important questions in marine mammal science, including population connectivity, adaptation to changing environments, demographic history, hybridisation, and conservation management. As genomic datasets become larger and more complex, machine learning offers powerful tools for uncovering patterns that may not be apparent using traditional analytical methods. The techniques covered in this course can be applied to a wide range of marine mammal research questions involving population genomics, conservation genetics, and evolutionary processes. By combining modern machine learning approaches with genomic data, researchers can gain new insights into the factors shaping marine mammal populations and their responses to environmental change. ------------------------------ Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Machine Learning for Evolutionary Genomics (MLEG01) ------------------------------ Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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New publication on pregnancy detection in beluga whales using LC-MS/MS
by Meredith Sherrill 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my colleagues, I am happy to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science on detecting pregnancy in free-ranging St. Lawrence Estuary belugas using an LC-MS/MS method to analyze progesterone in biopsy samples. The Scaled Mass Index was also explored as a morphometric index of pregnancy using drone-based aerial photogrammetry. Sherrill, M., L.-A. Renaud, N. Kellar, R. Michaud, V. Lesage, and J. Verreault. 2026. “Exploring Progesterone Levels and Scaled Mass Index as Predictors of Pregnancy in Free-Ranging Belugas.” Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 3: e70206. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70206 <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70206>. Abstract: Monitoring pregnancy rates can provide vital information regarding a population’s viability and trajectory. This study combined drone-based photogrammetry with biopsy darting to determine if the Scaled Mass Index (SMI) estimated from aerial images can be used to identify pregnant, free-ranging St. Lawrence Estuary belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). To identify reproductive status while minimizing tissue usage, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was first compared to a previously validated ELISA method, before being used to measure progesterone in outer blubber layer of free-ranging females (n = 37) biopsied 4–5 months post-mating. Progesterone levels from these animals were then merged with those obtained from 65 previously sampled females (progesterone quantified via ELISA) to develop a two-cluster mixture model predicting individual reproductive status. This study demonstrated the suitability of progesterone levels determined using UPLC-MS/MS at detecting pregnancy in free-ranging cetaceans, and provided a statistical framework for merging hormone datasets generated using different analytical methods. No correlation was found between the SMI and pregnancy probability, suggesting that body shape changes indicative of pregnancy may not be detectable in the early stages of gestation. However, these results provide a basis for the development of a non-invasive photogrammetry-based method for detecting pregnancies during later stages of gestation. Please do not hesitate to contact me at sherrill.meredith(a)courrier.uqam.ca <mailto:sherrill.meredith@courrier.uqam.ca> for a copy of the paper. Kind regards, Meredith Sherrill

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SMM2026 Workshop: Advancing global pinniped entanglement response
by Kim Raum-Suryan - NOAA Federal 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear Colleagues, Are you interested in building your pinniped entanglement response knowledge and skills? If so, please consider joining us for our 5th SMM Pinniped Entanglement Response Workshop "*Advancing global pinniped entanglement response: A practical workshop on specialized tools, medical response, and tracking"* https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1780359160898-56b6bc05-d550. WHEN: Sunday, October 18th, 2026; 8:30-5:30. WHERE: SMM2026 <https://www.smmconference.org/>, Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González, San Juan, Puerto Rico. WHAT TO EXPECT: Marine debris and discarded fishing gear represent an escalating, lethal threat to global pinniped populations. Addressing this crisis requires more than isolated efforts—it demands a synchronized, global response. Aligned with the conference theme "One Ocean, One Future," the Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG) https://pinnipedentanglementgroup.org invites responders, researchers, and managers to our fifth international workshop. This session bridges the gap between field expertise and scientific innovation. *Whether you are a seasoned expert or a newcomer to the field, this workshop provides a collaborative platform to refine techniques, enhance communication, and advance prevention strategies*. - *Global Perspectives and Expert Insights*: A deep dive into pinniped entanglement response by international presenters and veterinary experts. We’ll cover field-tested methods from across the globe, including risk assessment, human and animal safety, veterinary-guided chemical/physical restraint, and behavioral diagnostics. - *Scenario-Based Problem Solving*: Interactive case studies to master response ethics and step-by-step field protocols. - *Hands-on Skills*: Practical training with cutting tools and net handling; medical assessment protocols - *Post-Release Innovation*: Gain proficiency in sampling, tagging, and tracking technologies (satellite, radio, and acoustic) to monitor long-term health and survival. *Why Join Us*? Join our international community to share field-tested techniques, discuss complex response challenges, and strengthen the global PEG network. By synchronizing our efforts, we can turn international collaboration into measurable success for pinniped conservation. SUPPORT: For the first time ever, PEG can provide support to cover four workshop registration fees ($120.00 each). *Criteria to be selection for workshop registration*: - First come, first served – must request by July 15, 2026 - PRIORITY goes to PEG members actively involved in pinniped entanglement response from low-income regions (based on SMM criteria using the most recent World Bank classification <https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/understanding-country-income--world…> ) - Students currently studying marine mammal pollution, marine debris, or a relevant field who: 1) request financial aid and 2) include a justification with their request to workshop organizers - Participants agree to be included in an upcoming website blog Sign up soon – the workshop is limited to 25 participants. We look forward to seeing you there! Thank you, Kim Raum-Suryan and Greg Frankfurter Questions? Contact Kim at 2009PEG(a)gmail.com or kim.raum-suryan(a)noaa.gov

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New publication: Life History Parameters of Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins Sousa plumbea Off KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
by Stephanie Plön, PhD 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to share our recent open-access publication: Plön, Stephanie, Roussouw, Natasha, Nolte, Zianca and Froneman, William P. 2026. Life History Parameters of Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins Sousa plumbea Off KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. *Marine Mammal Science *e70181 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.70181 Abstract For the effective conservation of coastal cetaceans, such as Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, *Sousa plumbea*, currently listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), information on its life history is urgently required. To fill this gap, the age of 119 humpback dolphins (74 males and 45 females) incidentally caught in bather protection nets (BPN) off the east-coast of South Africa over a 40-year period was determined by counting tooth growth layer groups (GLGs). Estimated length at birth using Scott's equation was 111.57 cm for males and 104.33 cm for females. A Gompertz growth curve indicated that physical maturity was reached at 268.03 cm in males and 246.12 cm in females, corresponding to 24 and 13 years, respectively. Histological analyses of reproductive organs of 45 males and 28 females showed that sexual maturity in males is attained at 7.5 years, and 210 cm total body length. In females, sexual maturity occurred around 8 years and a body length of 220 cm. The ovulation rate was 0.2 per year, indicating a calving interval of approximately 5 years. These results will aid in assessing the status of the South African population of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. Please reach out if you have any questions: stephanie.ploen(a)gmail.com Thank you, Stephanie Plön, PhD BioConsult SH, Germany and University of Cape Town, South Africa

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grant opportunity
by Beth Brady 23 Jun '26

23 Jun '26

Save the Manatee Club is pleased to announce the reopening of the Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald 5K Scholarship Fund. The Fund is established to support and encourage outstanding individuals pursuing a graduate degree in Marine or Aquatic Biology. This scholarship aims to promote excellence in marine and aquatic biology research, contribute to the conservation and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems, and honor the contributions of Lesley Argiri and Brian McDonald. Lesley and Brian are a dedicated husband-and-wife duo who are retired educators from L'Anse Creuse Public Schools in Michigan. The goals are to: Provide financial assistance to deserving students who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the field of marine biology, particularly in marine mammal conservation, with a focus on manatees. Foster innovation and excellence in marine biology research, especially in areas related to the protection and preservation of marine mammal species, including manatees. Encourage active contribution to marine conservation and sustainable development and management, with an emphasis on manatee conservation and habitat preservation. The scholarship is open to students enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology, or a related field at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States. International students attending accredited U.S. institutions are eligible to apply. For more information please see https://savethemanatee.org/lesley-argiri-and-brian-mcdonald-5k-scholarship-… or email scholarships(a)savethemanatee.org for questions. Kind regards, Beth Brady, PhD Director of Science and Conservation Save the Manatee Club

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