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New publication: Trophic Transfer of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins to Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in a North Patagonian Coastal Ecosystem
by Valeria D'Agostino 10 Jun '26

10 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: D'Agostino, V. C., M. Degrati, M. Uhart, E. A. Crespo, and B. Krock. 2026. “Trophic Transfer of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins to Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in a North Patagonian Coastal Ecosystem.” Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 3: e70204. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70204. Abstract: Harmful algal blooms represent an emerging risk for marine mammals through the trophic transfer of phycotoxins. This study assessed exposure to domoic acid and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) involved in a mass stranding event in Golfo Nuevo, northern Patagonia, Argentina, in March 2018. Samples from 47 dead dolphins, together with phytoplankton, mesozooplankton and Argentine anchovies (Engraulis anchoita), were analyzed by LC–MS/MS. Domoic acid was not detected in any sample. PSTs were absent from phytoplankton and mesozooplankton, but C1/C2 analogs were detected in anchovies, suggesting a potential trophic pathway. PSTs were detected in blood and kidney samples from 32 dolphins, including adults, juveniles, calves and one fetus. Although a direct causal link with the stranding could not be established, the results provide the first evidence of PST exposure in common dolphins from the Argentine Sea and highlight the potential health risks associated with sublethal phycotoxin exposure in coastal marine predators. Regards Dra. Valeria C. D'Agostino Investigadora - Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. Tel: (54-280) 4883184 - int. 1247 www.lamama.com.ar *CONICET* <https://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=46111&keywords=Valeria%2B…> // *Google* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> *Scholar* <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7l-3q_8AAAAJ&hl=es> "Lo que sabemos es una gota de agua; lo que ignoramos es el océano" - *Isaac Newton*

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A few new killer whale focused publications
by Jared Towers 10 Jun '26

10 Jun '26

Hello colleagues, Co-authors and I have recently had a few papers published open access in Marine Mammal Science. References and links are pasted below. best regards, Jared Executive Director Bay Cetology www.baycetology.org Barnhill, A., Towers, J.R., van Weelden, C., Rörup, T., Nöth, E., Maier, A., Bergler, C. (2026). Machine learning detection of scarring events in killer whales. Marine Mammal Science, 42:e70207. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70207 Abstract: Detection and analysis of body scars using photo-identification data of cetaceans can provide insights into life history, behavior, and exposure to threats, but such analyses typically require manual examination of large image datasets. To explore whether machine learning can assist this process, we developed a pipeline for automatically detecting and counting conspecific scarring events on killer whales. The approach combines an nnU-Net segmentation model, which generates binary masks containing individual scar lines, with hand-crafted feature representations and HDBSCAN clustering to group scars into events and estimate the number of events per image. Across a dataset in which images contained between 1 and 10 annotated scarring events (median = 2), the best-performing configuration produced a conservative estimator with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.82 events per image and exactly recovered the annotated number of events in just over 50% of cases. These results demonstrate that machine learning-assisted analysis can extract biologically meaningful information on scarring burden from standard photo-identification images of killer whales. While accurate recovery of absolute scarring burden from single images is achievable with useful reliability, detecting small inter-annual changes remains more challenging under heterogeneous field conditions. Rather than replacing expert annotation, the present system is best viewed as a semiautomated framework that can extend existing photo-identification workflows toward longitudinal scarring analysis and broader population-level assessment. It therefore provides a practical foundation on which more comprehensive detectors of cetacean scarring events can be built. Towers, J.R., Tixier, P., Guinet, C., Gasco, N., Arnould, J.P.Y., Cheeseman, T., Pitman, R.L. (2026). Total numbers and movements of photo-identified subantarctic (type D) killer whales. Marine Mammal Science, 42:e70192. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70192 Abstract: The distinctive Subantarctic (Type D) killer whale (DKW) (Orcinus orca) is a highly divergent and apparently inbred form previously known only from three mass strandings and several dozen at-sea sightings, primarily from Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) longline vessels in the southern Indian Ocean and from tourism vessels in the Scotia Sea. Its range appears to be circumpolar throughout the Subantarctic, but very little is known about total numbers and overall movements. We summarize photo-identification data from 352 of 406 sightings collected between 44° S and 62° S from 2003 to 2024. Among 207 photo-identified individuals there were two distinct clusters of 78 and 29 toothfish depredators, one in the southern Indian Ocean and the other off southern Chile, respectively. An additional 100 DKW were photo-identified throughout the wider Subantarctic. Discovery curves indicate that DKW may be more abundant than some less divergent or inbred killer whale populations. Depredating DKW showed seasonal and interannual site fidelity, but 10 depredating individuals identified in the southern Indian Ocean were also resighted in the southern South Atlantic, 4428 km away. Probable re-sightings of two other DKW occurred in the Scotia Sea over distances of 1070 and 41 km, respectively. These latitudinally narrow, long-distance inter-ocean movements are unique among killer whales. During the study period, the entirely pelagic distribution of encounters appears to have shifted significantly southward. Scarff, T.M., Towers, J.R., Trites, A.W. (2026). The inside waters of Vancouver Island are critical foraging habitat for west coast transient killer whales. Marine Mammal Science, 42:e70205. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70205 Abstract: West Coast Transient (WCT) killer whales (Orcinus orca rectipinnus) hunt marine mammals along the west coast of North America from California to southeastern Alaska. However, little information is available on their seasonal use of nearshore areas and the relative importance of different parts of their range. Using sighting data from 2016 to 2023, we assessed their seasonal distribution and abundance in the inside waters of Vancouver Island (the Salish Sea and North Island Waters). WCT killer whales were seen an average of 250 days throughout each year. They were most frequently observed in the Salish Sea from March to September but had fewer sightings in July of even years when pink salmon returns were low. In contrast, occurrences of WCT killer whales in the North Island Waters peaked in September but were significantly lower overall. Peak occurrences in both areas corresponded with the seasonal presence of seals and sea lions, their primary prey. Overall, ~70% of the coastal subset of the WCT population occurred annually in a region that accounts for a relatively small portion of their range. This high concentration highlights the importance of the inside waters for their survival and emphasizes the need to assess other key areas within their range.

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Harassment Conversation
by Jeremy Kiszka 09 Jun '26

09 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM, Please join the Society for Marine Mammalogy for a conversation about harassment within the field of marine mammal science. This 6-part event, which began in 2025, provides an opportunity for our community members across all career stages to share their experiences with discrimination, harassment, solidarity or allyship; brainstorm resources or actions to mitigate harassment and create solidarity or allyship; and build a network dedicated to creating positive change. All are welcome and encouraged to join regardless of SMM membership, or career stage. These meetings, moderated by the DEI Committee, are offered in alternating months and across various time zones to provide the greatest flexibility for the global marine mammal research community. Each meeting will be limited to 25 participants; three meetings will be open only to female-identifying individuals, and three will be open to all regardless of gender identity. We are nearing the end of the series, with only two sessions remaining (see below). The conversations will focus on four topics: experiences with harassment, experiences with power dynamics, experiences with solidarity or allyship, and suggestions to create or improve resources and infrastructure in our community. Participants will have the option to join the conversation verbally or using an online whiteboard tool to type your responses if you do not feel comfortable sharing them verbally. Register here <https://forms.gle/72z78i7z2QBMAdQZA> (https://forms.gle/72z78i7z2QBMAdQZA) for the meeting time that works best for you (remaining sessions listed below) - because space is limited, please commit to attending for the meeting that you register for. If you register and are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the spot to someone on the waitlist. Remaining Meeting Times: June 24, 2026 @ 2PM PST August 26, 2026 @ 5PM PST Dr. Jeremy J. Kiszka Society for Marine Mammalogy, President president(a)marinemammalscience.org

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New Publication: Ocean to Ocean: First Documented Migration of a Southern Right Whale From the Southwest Atlantic to the Southeast Pacific Ocean
by Santiago José Fernández 09 Jun '26

09 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Fernández, S. J., M. M.Uhart, A. M.García-Cegarra, V. Falabella, M. P. Heide- Jørgensen, M. Holland, A. Orce, M. Pujana, M. Sironi, F. Sucunza, M. Coscarella, A. N. Zerbini . 2026. “Ocean to Ocean: First Documented Migration of a Southern Right Whale From the Southwest Atlantic to the Southeast Pacific Ocean.” Marine Mammal Science42, no. 3: e70211. [ https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70211 | https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70211 ] . ABSTRACT: This study documents the first recorded migration of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) from the southwestern South Atlantic to the southeastern South Pacific. On October 25, 2023, an adult female with calf, named “Atenea,” was tagged with a satellite transmitter in Península Valdés, Argentina. During a 24.5-day journey, Atenea traveled 2,767 km, moving southward along the Argentine continental shelf, rounding Cape Horn, and then heading north along the Chilean coast. Mitochondrial DNA and photo-identification analyses revealed no significant genetic differentiation and no previous matches in regional catalogs. The results showed that haplotypes from whales sampled in the Pacific were interspersed among those from the Atlantic, suggesting contemporary or recent genetic and demographic connectivity between populations from both ocean basins. This unprecedented interoceanic movement challenges the notion of strictly segregated populations and provides a new perspective on the migratory plasticity of the species. The findings highlight the importance of continued satellite tracking and genomic studies to improve our understanding of habitat use and to inform conservation strategies for the critically endangered southeastern South Pacific population. Regards Santiago Fernández Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA). Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) Centro Nacional Patagónico, CONICET Blvd. Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn Chubut, Argentina [ mailto:sfernandez@cenpat-conicet.gob.ar | sfernandez(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar ] / +54 (03401) 15434922

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New paper on Whole-Genome-Sequencing of Australian Tursiops aduncus
by Simon Allen 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

Dear MarMammers, We are pleased to disseminate the following open access publication in Molecular Ecology: Marfurt SM, Tran Lu Y A, Dauphin B, Bizzozzero MR, Hatakeyama M, Chabanne DBH, Allen SJ, Smith F, Parra GJ, Krützen M (2026). Whole-genome-sequencing reveals demographic history and patterns of parallel adaptive evolution in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) across coastal Australian seascapes. Molecular Ecology 35: e70383. Abstract: Understanding how demographic dynamics interact with environmental heterogeneity is central to explaining patterns of genomic variation in the marine realm. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) occur along most of the Australian coastline, from tropical to temperate waters, encompassing pronounced differences in temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a concentration and ocean currents. Using whole-genome sequencing of individuals covering this range, we examined population genetic structure and adaptive divergence at a continental scale. Genome-wide variation mirrored geographic patterns, consistent with a common origin in the north, followed by two independent stepping-stone-like colonization patterns along the eastern and the western coastlines from north to south. In contrast, putatively adaptive loci clustered individuals by tropical waters regardless of geographic distance, indicating strong parallel adaptation in tropical habitats. Candidate loci were enriched for functions related to metabolism and ion transport, with some mapping to genes with regulatory functions. Additional signals potentially suggest involvement of neuronal pathways, consistent with adaptation in a highly social and cognitively advanced marine mammal. Our results highlight the complex interplay between demographic history and selection and suggest tropical–temperate, potentially ecotype-like differentiation across Australian waters. In the face of accelerating climate change, recognizing such adaptive structuring is critical for preserving evolutionary potential. Incorporating adaptive genomic information into conservation planning, alongside neutral genetic data, will be essential for anticipating population responses to future environmental change and for identifying biologically meaningful conservation units. You can access the article here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.70383 (if you’re prepared to verify that you’re human), or drop Svenja a line to discuss: svenja.marfurt(a)iea.uzh.ch<mailto:svenja.marfurt@iea.uzh.ch>. This research is the culmination of wide-ranging sampling efforts by many contributors, followed by advanced and rigorous analytical efforts associated with several Ph.D. projects. Other recent papers from the lab include: Bizzozzero MR, Marfurt SM, Altermatt F, Willems EP, Damm-Reiser A, Allen SJ, Walser JC, Krützen M 2025. Integrating environmental DNA metabarcoding and remote sensing reveals known and novel fish diversity hotspots in a World Heritage Area. Diversity and Distributions 31: e70074. Marfurt S, Chabanne DBH, Wittwer S, Bizzozzero MR, Allen SJ, Gerber L, Nicholson K, Krútzen M 2024. Demographic history and adaptive evolution of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Western Australia. Molecular Ecology 33: e17555. All the best, Simon and Svenja on behalf of all co-authors.

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Workshop announcement: the Next Era of Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology
by Chloe Kotik 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are excited to announce a full-day workshop at the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (SMM2026), taking place October 19–23, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Next Era of Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Full day (8:30–17:30) San Juan, Puerto Rico Significant advancements in marine mammal ecotoxicology have yielded critical insights into the effects of anthropogenic contaminants on individuals, populations, and ecosystems. This workshop will gather researchers to critically assess where the field currently stands and define a shared vision for the future. The day will be structured around three core themes: 1. Current and emerging contaminants of concern (UV-related compounds, micro- and nanoplastics, PFAS, PPCPs, flame retardants, and more) 2. Effects of contaminants on physiology and welfare (sub-lethal responses, omics-based endpoints, endocrine disruption, immune effects) 3. Limitations and future directions (risk assessment, cumulative and mixture effects, climate-driven contaminant pathways) Each session will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, facilitated breakout groups, and plenary synthesis. A virtual participation option will be available for those unable to attend in person. The workshop will culminate in a collaborative roadmap and lay the groundwork for a peer-reviewed perspective paper synthesizing the state of the field and ways to move forward. We are actively seeking presenters! If you are interested in contributing a talk or panel contribution in any of the three theme areas, please reach out to us at the contacts below. We aim to build a diverse and representative group of voices from across the field. Capacity: 50 participants Open to researchers at any career stage working in marine mammal ecotoxicology. For conference attendees, be sure to register by the June 24 early bird deadline for discounted rates! For questions or to express interest in presenting, please contact: Chloe Kotik, Anaïs Remili & Clare Andvik ckotik(a)alaska.edu anaremili(a)gmail.com c.m.andvik(a)ibv.uio.no We look forward to seeing you in Puerto Rico! -- Chloe Kotik Ph.D. Candidate College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks 617 840 8184

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New paper on beluga AI PAM
by Manolo Castellote 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest paper in Marine Mammal Science. This research details the complete revamp of our AI-powered pipeline and analytical workflow for processing passive acoustic data to detect beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. To support the broader research community, our code is entirely open-source and intentionally designed to be easily adaptable for monitoring other marine species. Abstract: Effective conservation of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) requires comprehensive spatiotemporal data, yet monitoring efforts remain spatially biased, underrepresenting important southern habitats. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) provides the necessary broad-scale coverage, but its expansion introduces substantial computational challenges, including high soundscape variability, rarity of target species' signals relative to background noise, and multi-species signal interference that can compromise classifier performance. We present an open-source deep learning framework designed to improve robustness, adaptability, and domain generalization of PAM analyses for this population. Building on a beluga-focused binary classifier, we implemented a dual-stage model that separates signal detection from species classification and expanded the framework to a multi-species context that includes killer whales (Orcinus orca) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Contrastive audio-language models were used to efficiently increase annotation coverage for previously underrepresented species, while active learning enabled iterative refinement of model performance on new data. The framework was applied to PAM datasets from management and ecologically significant regions of lower Cook Inlet. Results demonstrated improved detection of rare species occurrences and increased confidence in daily beluga presence estimates, strengthening the role of PAM in informing recovery efforts and management decisions. This transferable workflow supports continued advancement of large-scale, long-term marine mammal monitoring programs. Open source access: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70213 The biodiversity team at Microsoft AI for Good Research Lab

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New publication: A standardized framework for quantifying species occurrence, applied to passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales
by Lindsey Transue - NOAA Affiliate 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share that our new paper has just been published in Ecological Indicators: Transue, L. M., Van Parijs, S. M., Tennant, S. C., Linden, D. W., Briner, R., Koilpillai, H. A., & Davis, G. E. (2026). A standardized framework for quantifying species occurrence, applied to passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales. Ecological Indicators, 188, Article 114943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.114943 ABSTRACT: Environmental monitoring increasingly relies on non-invasive, presence-only data, like passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), yet the field lacks standardized frameworks to quantify changes in species' occurrence patterns. This study introduces a reproducible methodological framework to translate qualitative presence-absence time series data into comparable quantitative indices using recurrence (re-detection probability within a defined temporal window), a magnitude of change metric quantifying interannual variation, and persistence (consecutive presence duration). To validate these metrics, acoustic presence patterns of four endangered baleen whale species were analyzed using a decadal (2014–2023) PAM dataset from 112 sites across the U.S. East Coast. These metrics quantified diverging ecological realities: dietary generalist fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) exhibited highly consistent patterns (97% recurrence, average magnitude of change <7%, average persistence up to 42.6 days) while dietary specialist North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) exhibited highly variable patterns (26%–96% recurrence, average magnitude of change >30%, average persistence <5 days). Furthermore, this framework captured the right whale's known decoupling from historical habitats associated with declining prey availability. Sei (Balaenoptera borealis) and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) exhibited seasonally discrete recurrence (93%) that aligned with their known seasonal foraging and migratory strategies. By characterizing these trends across species with varying foraging strategies, this framework demonstrates how multi-species monitoring can function as an ecological indicator of broader ecosystem and trophic trends. While demonstrated here using acoustics, this approach is applicable to any long-term presence-only data stream, bridging the gap between high-resolution monitoring and the requirements of quantitative ecological indicators. Best, Lindsey Transue

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Opportunity: Fin Whale Skeleton Excavation Course – UC San Diego (Summer Session I)
by Vanessa Zobell 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

Dear colleagues and students, We are writing to share an upcoming field-based learning opportunity at UC San Diego. In 2024, a fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) off the coast of San Diego died following a confirmed ship strike. After more than two years of decomposition, the remains are now ready for excavation. This project provides a rare opportunity to examine the skeletal impacts of vessel collisions on one of the largest species on Earth. Participants will engage in the excavation and documentation of the specimen as part of an academic course: *Course:* Special Topics ANAR 100 & ANBI 100 (Summer Session I) *Dates:* June 29 - August 1 *Location:* UC San Diego *Instructors:* Dr. Margaret Morris & Dr. John Hildebrand This hands-on course is open to students and interested members of the community with a focus on marine biology, archaeology, anatomy, and related disciplines. For additional information or enrollment inquiries, please contact: *mam132(a)ucsd.edu* We encourage you to share this opportunity with students and community members who may be interested. Please see syllabus and flyer attached. Best regards, Vanessa ZoBell -- *Dr. Vanessa ZoBell *(she/her) Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps Machine Listening Lab <https://sioml.ucsd.edu/people/> Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ritter Hall 105 *I respectfully acknowledge that I live and work on unceded ancestral land <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://native-land.ca/__;!!Mih3wA!ST3Zg-Sx3Mgt…> of the Kumeyaay <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.kumeyaay.com/__;!!Mih3wA!ST3Zg-Sx3M…> people to whom I owe honor and gratitude.*

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Abstract Extension for the 5th African Bioacoustics Community conference
by African Bioacoustics Community 08 Jun '26

08 Jun '26

*ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENSION FOR THE 5th African Bioacoustics Community CONFERENCE!* The abstract deadline for the 5th African Bioacoustics Community conference, taking place 21 – 27 of November 2026 at Sawela Lodges, Lake Naivasha, Kenya, has been extended until the 15th of June! As in previous years, the conference will showcase the importance of bioacoustics in the marine realm and for understanding various aspects of marine mammal research. See the African Bioacoustics Community website to submit your abstract, register, and find out all about this year’s event: https://www.africanbioacoustics.org/ We truly hope to see you at Lake Naivasha for this 5th anniversary celebration!

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