July 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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Full-Time Job Opening - Wildlife Technician 1/2 | Brunswick, GA, USA | Deadline 13Aug2026
by Thompson, Jessica 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

Hello MARMAM Community, I am sharing a full-time job opportunity at GA DNR's Coastal Program. ~~~~~ Wildlife Technician 1 / 2 | Brunswick, GA, USA | Application Deadline is August 13, 2026 | Earliest Start Dates, September 1, or 16, 2026. The Coastal Program of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Wildlife Conservation Section (GA DNR-WRD-WCS) is hiring one Wildlife Technician position. Based on education and experience, the selectee will be hired as a Wildlife Technician 1 or a Wildlife Technician 2. Position # Job Title Paygrade Entry Salary NRT010 Wildlife Technician 1 H $37,855.48 NRT010 Wildlife Technician 2 I $41,641.03 JOB DESCRIPTION The Wildlife Tech responds to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings and other wildlife emergencies. Their typical work week will be Friday through Tuesday during training periods, then 4 days that must include Saturday and Sunday (5, 8-hour days or 4, 10-hour days, respectively). Flexible/Extended work hours are expected on field days. When not responding to wildlife related emergencies, the Wildlife Tech will provide equipment maintenance and operational support for coastal wildlife conservation projects, including sea turtle, marine mammal, and shorebird research. The Wildlife Tech will support the terrapin, sea turtle, and North Atlantic right whale management program operations, including, photo-ID, biopsy, and whale disentanglement. In addition, this position will provide direct assistance with education and outreach activities on the coast of Georgia, including festivals, field trips, and presentations to community groups. The Wildlife Tech will be required to operate watercraft and other field equipment in sometimes adverse conditions and work with large wildlife species in stressful and potentially hazardous situations. The Wildlife Tech will be required to maintain and do basic repairs on small boats and UTVs. Over time, the Wildlife Tech may have opportunities to acquire UAS FAA certificate, FFT2 Wildland Firefighter training, and NIMS certifications, among others. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS NRT010 -Wildlife Technician 1 High school diploma or GED AND One year of work experience in natural resource management or related skilled trade. NRT011 -Wildlife Technician 2 Associate's degree or equivalent coursework (90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours) in Wildlife Management or related field from an accredited college or university. OR High school diploma or GED AND Two years of experience in the Wildlife Resources Division as a Wildlife Technician 1 (NRT0l0) or position equivalent. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference may be given to applicants with: * Experience responding to marine mammal, sea turtle or other wildlife related emergencies or addressing wildlife interactions with the general public. * Experience navigating motorized vessels in the marine environment. * Experience performing diagnostic necropsies on sea turtles, marine mammals or other wildlife species to determine cause of death. * Experience performing general technical functions such as data entry, GIS, or maintenance and operation of wildlife sampling equipment, vehicles or boats. * Experience with education and outreach activities such as environmental festivals, field trips, and public presentations. * Status as a current or former employee of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. **Note: Selectees will be required to pass a background check, have a valid license, and meet GA DNR Employment Eligibility requirements. This position is a full-time and provides benefits. List of benefits can be viewed under State of Georgia Total Rewards section of the main page on the GA DNR Human Resources Site<https://gadnr.org/careers>. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: To be employed by the State of Georgia you must meet certain State and Federal employment eligibility requirements. These include (but are not limited to) United States citizenship or authorization to work in this country, positive rehire status if previously employed by the State, and no disqualifying criminal convictions (for some jobs). APPLICATION PROCESS If interested in applying for this position, you may submit electronically or by mail. GA DNR is requesting your submission include a 1) Cover Letter, 2) CV or Resume, and 3) the GA DNR non-law enforcement electronic "DNR Application for Employment" (Link to GA DNR Human Resources<https://gadnr.org/careers>; required) Electronic Submission: Please submit your application documents to the email address: WRD.careers(a)dnr.ga.gov<mailto:WRD.careers@dnr.ga.gov>. Note, please name PDF files with last name, first initial and document type (e.g., Earle_S_CV.pdf or Jemison_M_CoverLetter.pdf). Submission By Mail: Please mail a completed DNR Application for Employment to the following address by the deadline date listed below: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Office of Human Resources ATTN: Recruitment and Selection 2067 US Hwy, 278, SE Social Circle, GA 30025 ~~~~~~~ Cheers, Jessica Thompson Senior Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Conservation Section Marine Mammal Program Lead/GA Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator Wildlife Resources Division<http://georgiawildlife.com/> (912) 262-3336 | M: (912) 269-7587 Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/WildlifeResourcesDivisionGADNR> * Twitter<http://twitter.com/georgiawild> * Instagram<http://www.instagram.com/georgiawildlife> Buy a hunting or fishing license today!<http://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes> ----------------- A division of the GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT N. Atlantic Right Whale Sightings NC-FL - Call 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) REPORT Stranded/Injured Marine Mammals in GA - Call 1-800-2-SAVE-ME (1-800-272-8363)

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New paper on respiratory mycobiota and antifungal resistance in bottlenose dolphins
by VICTOR GARCIA BUSTOS 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am very pleased to share our new open-access paper entitled: “Culture-based characterization of the respiratory mycobiota and antifungal resistance in bottlenose dolphins under human care” Published in One Health: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101439 Abstract: Fungal colonization and antifungal resistance in marine mammals remain critically understudied despite their potential ecological, clinical, and One Health relevance. In this study, we performed a comprehensive culture-based characterization of the respiratory fungal community in ten common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care, using non-invasive exhaled breath sampling, differential incubation temperatures, and antifungal susceptibility testing. We identified 19 fungal taxa and 91 isolates, with filamentous fungi predominating over yeasts. Aspergillus was the most frequently recovered genus, including A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. flavus, and species not previously reported in cetaceans, such as A. glaucus and A. ochraceus. Other relevant molds included Fusarium dimerum and Mucor spp. The recovered yeasts included Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed azole resistance or reduced susceptibility among several yeast and filamentous fungal isolates, including multidrug-resistant profiles. Susceptibility to echinocandins and amphotericin B was preserved. Resistant isolates were mainly detected in dolphins with previous antifungal exposure, raising concern about potential selective pressure in managed settings. No pathogenic fungi shared with the dolphins were recovered from aquarium water. >From a marine mammal health perspective, this study provides new baseline information on the respiratory fungal communities of bottlenose dolphins and highlights the potential influence of previous antifungal exposure on resistance patterns. Although the study was conducted in dolphins under human care, the findings also raise broader questions regarding fungal disease surveillance, therapeutic decision-making, and the potential role of cetaceans as sentinels of environmental antifungal resistance. Authors: Victor Garcia-Bustos; Alba Cecilia Ruiz-Gaitán; Begoña Acosta-Hernández; Teresa Álvaro; Carlos Rojo-Solís; Mónica Valls; José Manuel Pérez-Royo; Inmaculada Rosario Medina. If you have any questions about our findings, are conducting related research, or would be interested in exploring potential collaborations on fungal ecology, infectious diseases, or antifungal resistance in marine mammals, please feel free to get in touch at victor_garcia(a)iislafe.es. Best wishes, Victor Garcia-Bustos University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Severe Infection Research Group Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain Este correo electrónico y la información contenida en el mismo es confidencial y está sometido al secreto profesional, dirigiéndose exclusivamente al destinatario mencionado en el encabezamiento. Si ha recibido este email y no es su destinatario, le rogamos lo ponga en conocimiento de quien envió el email y a continuación suprima el correo y cualquier adjunto que el mismo pudiera contener. Le informamos que cualquier divulgación, copia, distribución o utilización no autorizada de la información contenida en el correo o sus adjuntos está expresamente prohibida por la legislación vigente. Asimismo, le informamos que, de conformidad con la Ley Orgánica 3/2018, de 5 de diciembre, de Protección de Datos Personales y garantía de los derechos digitales, sus datos serán tratados por la Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe de la Comunidad Valenciana, con la finalidad de mantener el contacto con Ud. con motivo de la existencia de una vinculación con la institución. Puede ejercer sus derechos de acceso, rectificación, supresión y portabilidad de datos así como la limitación u oposición a su tratamiento a través del procedimiento habilitado en http://sede.gva.es/es/proc19970 o escribiendo a protecciondedatos(a)iislafe.es. Puede encontrar más información acerca del tratamiento de sus datos en www.iislafe.es/RGPD. Si considera vulnerados sus derechos tiene derecho a presentar una reclamación ante la Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (https://www.aepd.es) This email and the information contained in it is confidential, subject to professional secrecy, and is addressed exclusively to the recipient mentioned in the heading. If you have received this email and you are not the recipient, please inform the sender of the email and then delete the email and any attachments it may contain. We inform you that any unauthorised disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the information contained in the email or its attachments is expressly prohibited by law. We also inform you that, in accordance with Organic Law 3/2018, of 5 December, on the Protection of Personal Data and the guarantee of digital rights, your data will be processed by the Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe de la Comunidad Valenciana, for the purpose of maintaining contact with you due to the existence of a relationship with the institution. You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, suppression and portability of data as well as the limitation or opposition to its processing through the procedure enabled at http://sede.gva.es/es/proc19970 or by writing to protecciondedatos(a)iislafe.es. You can find more information about the processing of your data at www.iislafe.es/RGPD. If you consider that your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Authority (https://www.aepd.es)

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

*Currently looking for interns to join in August 2026 onwards* Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to at least one month. We conduct our work year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. Longer-term applicants are encouraged to apply. We are looking for people to join as soon as possible, as we have current *openings from May 2026 onwards*. *What to expect?* Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted areas of conservation including social media management and ecological research. We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set, and length of stay. Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation. While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety of ways and become immersed in science and local life. Project activities: · Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour and anthropogenic impact monitoring: - Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities - Land surveys · Post fieldwork activities: - Photo-identification - Data entry and proofing · Community involvement and capacity building - Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events - Social media and content creation - Education and outreach in local schools - Beach clean-ups - Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting - Citizen science training for community members · Current Projects: - Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the opportunity to become involved with the following: - Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) - Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) - Ghost net removal - Acoustic deterrent device implementation - University collaboration - Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Internship training includes: · Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · Marine mammal identification and behaviour training · Marine vessel identification training · Field data collection and data entry training · Grant writing workshop · Weekly Khmer language lessons Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.co <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>m Khmer Ocean Life Team @KhmerOceanLife Conservation | Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> [image: KOL Logo.png]

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New publication: "Sprint-like cardiac dynamics support repeated acrobatic lunges in foraging rorqual whales"
by Ashley Marie Blawas 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication "Sprint-like cardiac dynamics support repeated acrobatic lunges in foraging rorqual whales" in PNAS. Blawas, A.M., Fahlbusch, J., Barkowski, J., Cade, D.E., Calambokidis, J., Friedlaender, A.S., Southall, B., Ponganis, P.J., Goldbogen J.A., 2026. Sprint-like cardiac dynamics support repeated acrobatic lunges in foraging rorqual whales. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 123, e2613082123. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2613082123 Abstract: The dive response decreases heart rate, regulates blood flow distribution, conserves oxygen, and extends dive duration. In diving animals, dive heart rate can be modulated to meet increased demands of exercise during foraging. However, lunge-feeding rorquals represent an extreme example of exercise under breath-hold conditions: Though most of their dive time is spent gliding and filtering, lunges require high-power, acrobatic sprints to engulf massive volumes of prey-laden water. Our biologging data show that heart rate repeatedly increases with lunging but only gradually declines during filtering, dissimilar from the heart rate-activity coupling observed in other divers. We suggest that the unique nature of rorqual exercise likely requires glycolytic metabolic substrates, rather than aerobic substrates, during short, powerful lunges. During slow filtering, high heart rates may help partially renew these energy sources via oxygen-dependent pathways. By temporarily buffering oxygen demand from supply, the flexible dive response appears to optimize oxygen use in lunging rorquals and support aerobically “cheap” foraging. The data also show that dive cycle heart rate scope increases with rorqual size. We propose that cardiovascular plasticity during high and low power phases of foraging dives underpins rorquals’ ability to achieve high foraging efficiencies and combine explosive predation with grazing-like efficiency in a single lineage. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best, Ashley --- Ashley Blawas, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher | Goldbogen Lab Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University ashleyblawas(a)stanford.edu | 919-880-4208 | she/her/hers

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New paper on Mesoplodon stejnegeri
by Sergey Ryazanov 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-author and I are pleased to announce а new paper on Stejneger’s beaked whale: Ryazanov, S., Efimova, K. First records of Stejneger’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon stejnegeri) in the Russian part of the Sea of Japan revealed through citizen science: new insights into the species’ ecology and evolution. Journal of Mammalian Evolution 33, 37 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-026-09830-6 Brief summary: Stejneger’s beaked whale is one of the least known toothed whales, with most information derived from strandings. Using citizen science and our own data, we documented the first records of this species in the Russian part of the Sea of Japan and combined genetic, morphological, and oceanographic evidence to interpret them. Our results indicate that the species’ distribution is associated with warm currents and that its occurrence in unusual areas may be linked to warm-water intrusions and ongoing ocean warming. This study highlights the importance of citizen science for advancing knowledge of rare and cryptic marine mammals. If you do not have access to the full text, please feel free to email me at sdryazanov(a)gmail.com Best regards, Sergey Ryazanov Sergey D. Ryazanov, PhD V.I.Il’ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute <https://www.poi.dvo.ru/> Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences 43, Baltiyskaya St., Vladivostok,690041, Russia Member of the Board of Governors of IPO Marine Mammal Council <https://marmam.ru/>.

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New publication: impacts of a fresh pulse on large whales in the New York Bight
by Lesley Thorne 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are happy to share a new open access publication which highlights the impacts of a freshwater pulse event on large whales in the New York Bight: Thorne LH, Nye JA, McSweeney JM, Warren J, Price R, Hirtle NO, Meza-Fidalgo J, Menz T, Keiling T, Gallagher K, Napoli C, Hoffman Z, Stepanuk J, Blair H, Cole TVN, Kopelman A, McNamara M, O’Brien O, Redfern J, Carlowicz Lee R, Tortorice P, Escalante M, Ogilvie A, Yang H, Ming L. 2026. Widespread ecosystem effects of an extreme freshwater pulse event in a temperate marine ecosystem. Scientific Reports. 16, 23637 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-57921-4 Abstract: Extreme climate events are becoming more frequent and intense under climate change, but their impacts on marine food webs are not well understood. In the North Atlantic, salinity anomalies over decadal timescales have been well studied, but extreme freshening has been observed in recent years at a magnitude far greater than prior measurements. Further, short-term fresh pulses and their ecological effects are poorly understood. We integrate recent monitoring data from the New York Bight with long-term datasets to document the ecosystem impacts of a short-term fresh pulse which influenced this region from September 2023 to September 2024. Mean surface salinity in this region was lower from February through August than in any other year of observation in a 30-year dataset, with salinity anomalies of -0.80 to -1.43 psu (mean − 1.13 psu). Profound ecosystem impacts of this event were observed throughout the food web. We observed aragonite saturation levels below 1, reflecting corrosive conditions for calcifying organisms. Elevated densities of key copepods occurred in spring and summer, while fish and invertebrates showed marked equatorward shifts in a reversal of recent poleward trends. Humpback whale body condition and residence time were unusually high. Anomalously high sightings rates of endangered North Atlantic right and sei whales occurred during a particularly fresh period in summer. Our findings address a gap in knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of fresh pulses, and portend widespread impacts of these events under continued climate change with implications for commercial and protected species. Best, Lesley ...................................................... *Lesley Thorne* *Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research* *School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences* *Stony Brook University* Office: 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com <http://www.thornelab.com> [image: Stony Brook University logo] <http://www.stonybrook.edu/>

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New publication: daily lactation costs for bioenergetic models
by Elizabeth A McHuron 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Dear colleagues, I am excited to announce the publication of a paper developing predictions of daily lactation costs and their potential application to data-limited or data-poor marine mammals. Citation and abstract are pasted below. The paper is freely available at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0352443. Please don't hesitate to reach out (emchuron(a)uw.edu) with any questions. Best, Liz McHuron *Citation:* McHuron EA (2026) Predicting daily lactation costs of marine mammals for use in bioenergetic models. PLoS One 21(7): e0352443. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0352443 *Abstract:* Empirical estimates of energetic processes are limited or absent for many marine mammal species, hindering the ability to quantify disturbance-related impacts on population dynamics using bioenergetic approaches. In this study, published estimates of mass-specific milk intake rates and milk energy density from marine mammals and taxonomically related terrestrial mammals were used to examine how these variables changed as a function of the percentage of time into the lactation interval. Predictions of milk energy intake derived from these relationships were compared with independent estimates from other approaches to inform their utility in estimating daily lactation costs of data-poor species. Daily mass-specific milk intake rates declined between the start and end of lactation for all taxonomic groups, but the rate of decline was much steeper for ursids, artiodactyls, and mustelids than it was for otariids or phocids. Similarly, most taxonomic groups exhibited some increases in milk energy density as lactation progressed, but the magnitude and timing varied among families. Comparisons with independent estimates revealed the likely utility for using the derived relationships in estimating daily lactation costs of data-poor phocids, otariids, and mustelids, with some caveats. There was a large mismatch in the temporal pattern between independent estimates for cetaceans and predictions derived from semi-aquatic and terrestrial species, indicating that cetaceans have higher mass-specific milk intake rates early in lactation compared to most other species that then rapidly decline during the first 10–25% of the lactation interval. Such differences may be an adaptation to a fully aquatic lifestyle and highlight the importance of other methods for estimating daily lactation costs of data-poor cetaceans in bioenergetic models. Elizabeth McHuron, PhD Research Scientist, UW CICOES

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IMMS Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Fall Internship
by Kailey Pamperin 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

*Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Fall Internship* *Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS)* *Gulfport, Mississippi* Application Deadline: August 15thth *Job Description* IMMS’ Research Internship Program is designed to provide exceptional research and learning experiences in a real-world setting to early career scientists in the fields of marine biology and ecology, marine mammal population ecology and behavior, veterinary sciences and conservation. In this position, interns will primarily assist the institute’s Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program in collecting and processing photographs of bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. Interns will also gain diverse experience working in other program areas including marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, sea turtle surveys, aquaria maintenance and animal care, and marine education and conservation. *As part of a research team, primary duties include: * Sort and process photographs of bottlenose dolphins Conduct boat-based bottlenose dolphin photo-ID surveys up to 7 days per month in estuarine and nearshore marine Gulf Coast waters. Dolphin surveys generally take around 8 hours and may occur in challenging weather and coastal conditions. Photograph dolphins and collect survey data during boat-based field surveys Match dolphin photographs to our catalog of known individuals using finFindR Enter collected bottlenose dolphin and environmental data in FinBase/Microsoft Access Assist in diverse research efforts related to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and estuarine and near-shore marine ecology When needs arise, assist other program areas including stranding response, sea turtle surveys, animal care and marine education. *Internship Requirements* Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in biology, marine science, marine biology, marine and estuarine ecology, oceanography or a related field. Previous research experience is preferred. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all of the duties described in this internship position. Internship positions are 40 hours per week (generally Mon-Fri/8 am-4 pm). As needs arrive, responding to stranded dolphins and sea turtles, for instance, interns may need to shift their schedules to assist our Stranding Department in these efforts. Internship start and end dates for this Fall are flexible, but a start date in September would be preferred. We do require a minimum of a 12-week commitment for this internship position. *Additional Information* Research internships are unpaid positions. IMMS provides a reimbursement per week for groceries. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send a completed application form (found on our IMMS website), resume (with 2 letters-of-recommendation), a copy of your college transcripts, and a one-page statement of interest to researchintern(a)imms.org. For information about the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, please visit our website https://imms.org/internship/.

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Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Courses Info 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/joint-species-distribution-modelling-jsdm01/ Delivered by Dr. Bastien Parisy, a community ecologist at the University of Helsinki whose research focuses on plant–soil interactions, community ecology, and environmental change. His work combines field ecology with advanced statistical methods, including Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs), Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC), and ecological network analysis. Learn how to analyse complex marine communities using Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) and Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) in R, with methods that are highly applicable to marine mammal research. Marine mammals exist within complex ecological communities influenced by oceanographic conditions, prey distributions, habitat characteristics, and interactions with other marine species. Traditional species distribution models analyse each species independently, often overlooking the ecological relationships that shape marine ecosystems. Joint Species Distribution Models provide a powerful hierarchical framework for modelling multiple species simultaneously, enabling researchers to investigate environmental responses, species co-occurrence, functional traits, spatial structure, and community dynamics. This course provides comprehensive, hands-on training in HMSC, one of the leading frameworks for analysing complex marine communities. What you'll gain * A thorough understanding of Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDMs) and the HMSC framework * Practical experience building hierarchical community models in R * Skills in incorporating environmental variables, species traits, spatial structure, and community-level responses into JSDMs * Understanding of species co-occurrence, residual associations, and community assembly processes * Confidence interpreting JSDM outputs and evaluating model performance Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on coding using real ecological community datasets * Interactive practical exercises throughout * Strong focus on applied, research-ready workflows Who is this course for? * Marine mammal researchers * Marine ecologists and conservation biologists * Researchers studying cetaceans, pinnipeds, and marine ecosystems * PhD students and quantitative marine scientists * Anyone interested in applying hierarchical community models to marine ecology Why take this course? Marine mammal conservation increasingly depends on understanding ecosystem-level processes rather than focusing solely on individual species. JSDMs enable researchers to investigate how oceanographic conditions, prey communities, habitat characteristics, and broader marine biodiversity jointly influence marine mammal distributions and ecological interactions. These models are becoming increasingly valuable for ecosystem-based management, biodiversity monitoring, habitat suitability assessments, and evaluating the impacts of climate change and human activities on marine ecosystems. This course equips you with the practical skills needed to construct, fit, interpret, and validate Joint Species Distribution Models using HMSC in R. Whether you're studying prey–predator relationships, marine biodiversity, habitat suitability, ecosystem responses to climate change, species co-occurrence, or conservation planning, you'll gain the analytical toolkit needed to confidently analyse complex marine communities using state-of-the-art hierarchical models. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) https://prstats.org/course/joint-species-distribution-modelling-jsdm01/ Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Oliver Hooker Managing Partner [signature_68833404] Advanced Training for Researchers in the Life Sciences coursesinfo(a)prstats.org <http://oliver@prstats.org/> | www.prstats.org<http://www.prstats.org/>

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