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MMO / PSO Remote Training July
by Zoe Wright 22 Jun '26

22 Jun '26

JNCC MMO / PSO Training Course 30-31st July 2026 Delivered Remotely via Microsoft Teams Enhance your offshore career prospects with our accredited JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) / Protected Species Observer (PSO) training. This comprehensive course provides a clear insight into offshore life and the practical responsibilities of an MMO, ensuring you are fully prepared for future offshore assignments. Whether you are entering the industry or working alongside MMOs, this training offers a detailed exploration of mitigation requirements and operational expectations. A scientific background is beneficial, and a strong interest in marine mammals is essential. What You’ll Gain * A thorough understanding of MMO duties and offshore working environments * Practical knowledge of mitigation protocols and regulatory requirements * Preparation for real‑world offshore scenarios * Certificate for offshore work upon successful completion 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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Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is hiring
by Erin Oleson - NOAA Federal 21 Jun '26

21 Jun '26

The NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is hiring a Supervisory Marine Biologist to lead a new marine mammal and turtle monitoring program. This new Program brings together field data collection, laboratory support, data management, and monitoring and recovery-related science activities for Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and cetaceans across the Pacific Islands Region. The new Program Leader will 1) oversee a team executing remote field camps, ship-based surveys, and laboratory-based research, aligning data collection activities with marine mammal and sea turtle assessment and recovery needs required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act , 2) develop strong partnerships with other NOAA offices and other Federal, state, and jurisdictional agencies and offices to facilitate the Division’s operations, 3) work across the Division to identify and integrate advanced technologies into survey activities, and 4) provide vision and oversight for modern and effective data management to deliver synthesized data products ready for advanced statistical and modeling approaches occurring within the Division’s assessment Programs. The USAJobs description and link to apply are here: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/873693700 For additional information, please reach out to Protected Species Division Director, Erin Oleson, or Marine Mammal Assessment Program Lead, Amanda Bradford. Mahalo! Erin -- Erin Oleson Director, Protected Species Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (808) 725-5712 www.fisheries.noaa.gov <http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cetacean>

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Vessel strike workshop at the SMM Biennial in Puerto Rico
by Ellen M Hines 21 Jun '26

21 Jun '26

Dear Colleagues, we are excited to present the following all day workshop on Sunday, October 18th, at the SMM Biennial in Puerto Rico. Advancing science-based approaches to preventing whale strikes across vessel sectors Vessel strikes are increasingly recognised as a major threat to marine megafauna worldwide. Growing commercial shipping, expanding coastal and recreational traffic, rising consumer demand, and climate-driven shifts in ocean use are intensifying interactions between vessels and vulnerable species. Scientists play a central role in quantifying risk, developing mitigation tools, evaluating effectiveness, and informing regulatory and operational decisions. Based on previous workshops at the European Cetacean Society, at the IWC Scientific Committee meetings and a recent meeting at the International Maritime Organization with leading vessel-strike scientists, this workshop will provide a platform for the global scientific community to share insights, compare methodologies, and discuss emerging challenges in vessel-strike research. Sessions will highlight how scientific evidence can guide practical mitigation, weigh emerging technologies, support policy and operational decisions, and facilitate dialogue with industry, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders; Session 1: Global Overview of Vessel-Strike Risk, Assessment Frameworks, and Mitigation Tools Session 2: Commercial Shipping and SOLAS Vessels: Scientific Evidence Supporting Operational and Regulatory Action Session 3: Domestic, Recreational, Fishing, and Non-SOLAS Vessels: Research Priorities and Practical Solutions Each session will include: * Invited overview talks to establish key concepts and current knowledge * Contributed case-study presentations highlighting applied research and mitigation efforts * Moderated panel discussions focused on methodological challenges, data gaps, and translation of science into management and operational practice * Structured breakout discussions to encourage participant engagement and cross-sector exchange of ideas This mixed format is designed to balance knowledge sharing with active discussion and collaboration, while allowing flexibility depending on participant numbers and time constraints. Speakers include Alice Bouchard, Kathi George, Damian Foxall, Rachel Rhodes, Jess Morten, Astrid Frisch, Anna Nisi, Jon Calambokidis, Luis Bedrinana, Mun Wei-Jun, Simone Panigada, Auriane Virgili, and Raphael Mayaud, moderated by Ellen Hines You can attend both in-person and remotely. Please let me (ehines(a)sfsu.edu) know any questions. Best, Ellen Hines (Estuary & Ocean Science Center/IWC Vessel-Strike Expert Panel Chair) Alice Bouchard (IWC Vessel Strikes and Strandings Data Manager) Kathi George (The Marine Mammal Center, Cetacean Research Director) Damian Foxall (Director, Foxall Munro, LTD, Marine Mammal Advisory Group) Emily Hague (USE Shetland, Blue Connect Project, Postdoctoral Researcher) Chloe Robinson (Ocean Wise, Whales Director) Ellen Hines, PhD Estuary & Ocean Science Center Professor Emeritus, School of the Environment San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr Tiburon, CA. 94940 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> https://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/ellen-hines Adjunct Scientist: Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA

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New publication: Nocturnal Haul‐Out Behavior of Rehabilitated Gray Seal Juveniles (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea
by Laura Lupeikaitė-Kuncienė 20 Jun '26

20 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our latest open access publication "Nocturnal Haul‐Out Behavior of Rehabilitated Gray Seal Juveniles (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea" now available in Marine Mammal Science. Kuncienė, L., U. Siebert, Ž. Kleiva, and D. Nachtsheim. 2026. “Nocturnal Haul-Out Behavior of Rehabilitated Gray Seal Juveniles (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea.” Marine Mammal Science42, no. 3: e70222. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70222 Abstract: Haul‐out behavior is a key component of the behavioral ecology of pinnipeds and serves essential resting functions. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors have been shown to determine the occurrence of haul‐out events. However, in the Baltic Sea, a nontidal, semi‐enclosed shelf sea, the drivers of haul‐out behavior in seals are not well characterized, especially in juveniles. In this study, 14 rehabilitated juvenile gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) were equipped with Argos satellite transmitters to enable post‐release monitoring and to investigate the spatial and temporal aspects of haul‐out behavior. The animals dispersed widely in the Baltic Sea and hauled out along coastal areas that largely overlapped with sites used by wild conspecifics. Seals tended to haul out during evening and night hours, with peak activity occurring after sunset. Both the probability and duration of haul‐out events showed a tendency to increase with longer nights. No seasonal patterns or effects of sex or release year were identified. The association between haul‐out behavior and nighttime suggests a possible link to prey activity patterns but does not preclude additional factors such as physiological rhythms, potential effects of rehabilitation, or inherited behavioral tendencies shaped by historical hunting pressure. Our findings indicate that such patterns may emerge early in life, independent of prior experience. Kind regards, Laura Lupeikaitė - Kuncienė Lithuanian Sea Museum/Marine Research Institute of Klaipeda University

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New Publication: Global patterns and predictors of PFAS contamination in odontocetes
by lavinia stokes 19 Jun '26

19 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new paper published in *Marine Pollution Bulletin*: *Global patterns and predictors of PFAS contamination in odontocetes* Lavinia Stokes, Karen A. Stockin, Gavin Stevenson, Jesuina de Araujo, Frédérik Saltré, Katharina J. Peters Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 231, 2026, 119949, ISSN 0025-326X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119949. The paper is available through open access here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26007368 You can also find an article in The Conversation using the following link: https://theconversation.com/levels-of-forever-chemicals-in-dolphins-and-wha… *Abstract*: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally recognised as contaminants of emerging concern due to their persistence, toxicity, endocrine-disrupting and immunosuppressive effects. Because of their extensive industrial use, PFAS are now widespread across ecosystems and accumulate in marine environments. Despite their ubiquity, the extent and drivers of PFAS contamination remain poorly characterised, particularly in marine systems. Odontocetes (toothed whales) are effective bioindicators of marine pollution, integrating contamination across regions, time, and trophic levels. Here, we present the first global assessment of factors influencing PFAS contamination in marine ecosystems by analysing standardised PFAS concentrations of PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA and PFOS reported for 713 liver samples across 33 odontocete species spanning 13 countries from 2000 to 2023. Using generalised linear mixed models, we evaluated the effects of genus, location, sex, life stage, and sampling year on PFAS concentrations, combining published datasets with new samples from Australia. Genus and location were the strongest predictors, suggesting that interspecific ecological and physiological traits likely contribute to PFAS accumulation. Concentrations were highest in males and younger individuals, consistent with maternal offloading and possible age-related dilution. Spatio-temporal trends indicate that PFAS contamination is widespread and increasing globally, with highest concentrations reported in the Pacific. This study provides a critical baseline for understanding global PFAS exposure in marine mammals, which underscores the need for coordinated monitoring and further research to address regional data gaps and potential unrecognised biological effects. Thanks for reading! Keep up the amazing work all!! 🐋🦭🐬 Kind regards, *Lavinia Stokes *(she/her) Conservation Biologist I acknowledge the traditional custodians and knowledge holders of Dharawal country and all the lands in which I work, play and live. I pay my respects to the elders past, present and future.

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New publication: Year-Round Passive Acoustic Detection of Sperm Whales in the Cerralvo Channel Within the Gulf of California, Mexico
by Braulio Leon Lopez 19 Jun '26

19 Jun '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publiction in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Cruz‐Villagran, H., Leon‐Lopez, B. & Romero‐Vivas, E. (2026). Year-Round Passive Acoustic Detection of Sperm Whales in the Cerralvo Channel Within the Gulf of California, Mexico. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*, 36(6), e70410. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70410 *Abstract* Historically, sperm whales have been consistently observed in the Gulf of California (GoC). However, recent research has documented a reduction in sperm whale sightings around the centre of the GoC, which may be representative of a population decline, prompting concerns about their conservation status in the entire gulf. In this study, using passive acoustic monitoring, the presence of sperm whales in the southern region of the GoC (Cerralvo Channel) is demonstrated. Sperm whales were acoustically detected in eight deployments of a moored hydrophone system from November 2022 to December 2023. Higher detection event rates were found during the day; however, event duration did not differ between day and night. Group composition estimates from call analysis indicated a predominance of immature individuals and adult females/juveniles, with adult males less frequently detected. Recent claims have suggested sperm whale decline in the central area; however, our findings suggest year-round presence in the southern region. These results highlight the relevance of passive acoustic monitoring to study sperm whales in the GoC. Obtaining accurate data is fundamental to establish conservation efforts for the population in the GoC, a priority region for cetacean protection. Best regards, *Braulio León-López, Ph.D.* * Postdoctoral Researcher, SECIHTI Fellowship* Acoustics and Signal Processing Research Group / Natural History Museum Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR) Edificio COVITECS +52 612 175 1230 ext. 5106 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Este correo puede contener datos personales, por lo que su distribución es responsabilidad de la persona servidora pública que lo emite.*

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Publication: Novel prey item identified for estuarine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the Southeastern United States
by Andrea Swinehart 19 Jun '26

19 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-49771-x Swinehart, A.L., Valencia, A.K.N., Cook, K.L., Lentz, N. J., and Gibson, Q. A. Novel prey item identified for estuarine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the Southeastern United States. Sci Rep 16, 18735 (2026). Abstract: The community of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) inhabiting the St. Johns River (SJR) in Jacksonville, Florida, is affected by a suite of challenges including dredging, vessel traffic, fishing gear entanglements, pollution, and natural disturbances. Despite regular observations of foraging during photo-identification surveys, this study is the first to identify SJR dolphin prey. We describe species composition, size, and relative proportions of prey found in the stomachs of dead dolphins that stranded in the SJR (n = 10) and were the first to document violet goby (Gobioides broussonnetii) as bottlenose dolphin prey. These findings provide a baseline understanding of SJR dolphin foraging ecology. Details provided in this study will assist in the identification of violet goby consumption, should it occur within other dolphin communities. Prey identification within a vital dolphin habitat can inform ecosystem-based management decisions that will preserve the St. Johns River estuary. By identifying a previously undetected prey item, this study also expands knowledge of potential bottlenose dolphin prey on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Please feel free to reach out to andrea.swinehart(a)gmail.com with any questions. Cheers, Andrea Swinehart MSc, University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL

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New publication: Genomic insights into the evolutionary history of Berardius beaked whales: speciation driven by resource specialization, gigantism and thermal barriers? (Morgan McCarthy)
by Morgan McCarthy 18 Jun '26

18 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, we are excited to share our new publication exploring the evolutionary relationships of *Berardius *beaked whales. Abstract attached below! Morgan McCarthy morgan(a)sund.ku.dk Paper link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.70426 Abstract: Understanding the diversity of our oceans is fundamental now more than ever as climate change and human activities put increasing pressure on marine species and ecosystems. Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) are among the most poorly understood marine mammals, in part due to their affinity to offshore underwater canyons and prolonged diving ability. The ziphiid genus *Berardius* is comprised of three extant species, however a lack of genomic data results in uncertainties of their evolutionary origin, phylogenetic relationships and the past environmental drivers of speciation and demographic fluctuations. Here, we analyze whole nuclear and mitochondrial genomes to better understand the evolutionary and demographic history of *Berardius *spp. Genome-wide comparisons support an initial divergence of *B. minimus* from the *B. bairdii *- *B. arnuxii* common ancestor ~ 4 million years ago (mya), and a divergence between *B. bairdii *and *B. arnuxii* ~ 1.5 mya. Despite these deep divergence times, gene flow was detected between species pairs for at least 75% of their post-divergence branch lengths. Strong levels of introgression (~8%) were detected between the non-sister but geographically overlapping *B. bairdii* and *B. minimus *species, despite their significant differences in body size. Our results show that the *Berardius* speciation process goes beyond simple bifurcating divergences. We hypothesize that resource specialization and an increased body size in the *B. bairdii* - *B. arnuxii* ancestor may have been an incipient driver of speciation, and further that climate cycles during the late Pleistocene, coupled with ranging movements to the tropics, could have permitted repeated opportunities for gene flow between species.

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Rice's whale webinar June 25
by Tommy Tucker 18 Jun '26

18 Jun '26

Hello MARMAM community! Join the Endangered Species Coalition on Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TcDCdLaOSKujqJXrF1mo8A?link_id=…> for a webinar with Rice’s whale experts to learn what makes these whales so unique, what threats they face, and how we can help protect their future. During the webinar, researchers will share the latest on Rice’s whale science and why stronger safeguards are urgently needed. The conversation will then pivot to Endangered Species Coalition's national policy director who will walk through how to submit a public comment before the July 6 <https://endangered.quorum.us/campaign/163889/>deadline and, for those able, use your voice to support protections for this critically imperiled species. Please share broadly with your networks. Feel free to use the email draft and flyer below to share with more general audiences: " Dear friends, The Gulf of Mexico is home to a species of whale that isn’t found anywhere else in the world: the Rice’s whale. With fewer than 100 individuals left, this unique Gulf species needs our help. Please join the Endangered Species Coalition on Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 PM ET for a webinar <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TcDCdLaOSKujqJXrF1mo8A#/registr…>with Rice’s whale experts to learn how to protect them. >From now until July 6, use your voice to submit a comment to the federal government urging them to protect this unique species of whale <https://endangered.quorum.us/campaign/163889/>. The federal government is conducting a status review of the species, and we need to make sure that the people conducting the review have the best available information. Marine mammal scientists will share what they’ve learned about Rice’s whales throughout their career and the Endangered Species Coalition's national policy director will equip you with tools to use this knowledge. There will be time at the end for a Q&A where you can bring your questions to the experts. The 51 whales in the Gulf are counting on you. Learn the stories of some of the individual Rice’s whales here <https://www.endangered.org/how-many-whales-does-it-take-to-save-a-species-t…> . Please RSVP here <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TcDCdLaOSKujqJXrF1mo8A#/registr…> . I look forward to working with each of you to protect Rice’s whales, " xoxo Tommy 🌈🐳 -- Tommy Tucker <https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-tucker-8523a91a7/> Marine Life Field Coordinator Endangered Species Coalition (409) 679-0719 they, them + why it matters <https://pronouns.org/what-and-why/> Ask me about Rice's whales <https://www.ourgulfwhale.org/> www.endangered.org Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/endangeredspeciescoalition> | X <https://x.com/endangered> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/endangeredspeciescoalition/?hl=en>

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Please post: First Announcement for Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium
by nicole adimey 18 Jun '26

18 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM Community- Please join us for the Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium—a full day dedicated to fostering international collaboration, networking, and mentorship among those engaged in sirenian research and conservation. The Symposium aims to support collaboration and strengthen sirenian research networks across the 80+ range states, with a particular focus on the 70+ developing countries within this range. Objectives include sharing new scientific findings, addressing current and emerging threats, and promoting mentorship for students pursuing careers in marine mammal science and conservation. Presentations may cover a wide range of topics, including human–sirenian interactions, physiology, monitoring applications, modeling, genetics, captive care and rehabilitation, management, general biology, stranding response, and education and outreach. The program will feature full-length presentations, speed talks, a poster session, an update from the Sirenian Specialist Group, and dedicated time for networking. Those interested in presenting research (poster or oral) should submit an abstract by *August 15, 2026* to Nicole Adimey at: adimey22(a)gmail.com. Abstract formatting guidelines are available on the conference website: https://www.smmconference.org/abstract-submission. Preference will be given to researchers from developing countries and abstracts that address the conference theme, “One Ocean, One Future.” Presenters are encouraged to share novel work and clearly demonstrate how their research contributes to sirenian conservation and supports regional initiatives or current management challenges. -- Nicole Adimey 904-655-0730

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