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New publication: Behavioral and life history responses of an endangered sea lion (Otariidae) following a severe marine heatwave
by John M. 03 Jun '26

03 Jun '26

My coauthors and I are pleased to share the following article recently published online at Academia Biology: https://www.academia.edu/2837-4010/4/2/10.20935/AcadBiol8306 *Behavioral and life history responses of an endangered sea lion (Otariidae) following a severe marine heatwave* John M. Maniscalco, Pamela Parker and Kara Bolander *Abstract:* *Introduction:* The northeast Pacific marine heatwave (PMH) of 2014-2016 had strong impacts on many species across a vast region. Impacts on upper trophic species, such as reduced survival and reproduction, were a clear consequence of reduced food availability. *Methods:* We conducted a long-term individual-based study of behavior and vital rates in endangered Steller sea lions (*Eumetopias jubatus*) in the Gulf of Alaska. Vital rates were estimated using robust design, multi-state mark-recapture statistical methods. *Results:* After parturition, the duration of maternal attendance declined significantly during 2015 – 2018 and again in 2021 compared to earlier years of this study. Prior to the PMH, adult female survival rates for sea lions were approximately 93%, irrespective of parturition status. Beginning in 2016, and the years following the PMH, survival dropped to 77% for females giving birth and 85% for females that were barren, demonstrating an important cost of reproduction in terms of future survival. Females born in 2016 delayed their age at first reproduction by 1 year compared to females born in earlier years, while adult female reproductive rates declined from > 70% prior to 2016, to around 60% during the years 2016 – 2018 as greater proportion of mature females skipped a year of giving birth. Following the PMH years, there was also an increased lactation interval as a greater proportion of juveniles suckled beyond one year of age. Extended lactation buffered against a reduction in juvenile survival, but with a negative impact on adult female survival. *Conclusions:* Changes in animal behavior and vital rates can be expected during periods of reduced resource availability, but adult survival should be favored over juvenile survival and reproduction in slow-living K-selected species such as the Steller sea lion. We found that adult females will bear a cost of reproduction in terms of future survival and reproductive potential during these periods. Furthermore, a preference to nurse offspring for additional years represented a type selfless behavior that also reduced maternal survival probabilities and may ultimately compromise population stability. *John M. Maniscalco, Ph.D., Capt.* Senior Research Scientist, Alaska SeaLife Center

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Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM)
by Carolina Loch Silva 03 Jun '26

03 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM Members, On behalf of the Editorial Team of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM), we would like to invite you to submit your research for publication in the journal. LAJAM is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and conservation of aquatic mammals in Latin America and beyond. The journal welcomes original research articles, review papers, notes, and other contributions related to the biology, ecology, conservation, management, health, behaviour, and human dimensions of aquatic mammals. Importantly, LAJAM is fully open access, ensuring that published research is freely available to readers worldwide. In addition, there are no article processing charges or publication fees for authors. We encourage submissions from researchers, students, and conservation professionals working across all aspects of aquatic mammal science. Publishing in LAJAM helps disseminate research findings throughout our region and contributes to strengthening collaboration within our community. Submission guidelines and published articles can be found on the journal website: https://lajamjournal.org/ Please share this call with colleagues, students, and collaborators who may be interested in submitting their work. We look forward to receiving your contributions and continuing to showcase research on aquatic mammal in Latin America and around the world. With best wishes, The Editorial team at the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM) *ASSOC PROF CAROLINA LOCH* (She/Her) *PhD Associate Professor in Oral Biology and Deputy Director, Sir John Walsh Research Institute* Faculty of Dentistry University of Otago | Otakou Whakaihu Waka Tel*/Waea* +64 3 479 9255 Dunedin | Otepoti PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054 New Zealand | Aotearoa Website*/Pae tukutuku* https://www.otago.ac.nz/dentistry/about/people/expertise/profile?id=2033

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New publication: Characterization of cooperative feeding dynamics and a novel acoustic indicator of prey capture in herring-eating killer whales
by Ellen Hayward 03 Jun '26

03 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to share our recent open access publication on cooperative feeding by herring-eating killer whales in Icelandic waters: Ellen L. Hayward, Filipa I. P. Samarra, Paul J. Wensveen, Anokhi Saha, Giorgia Giovannini, Kagari Aoki, Katsufumi Sato, Patrick J. O. Miller; Characterization of cooperative feeding dynamics and a novel acoustic indicator of prey capture in herring-eating killer whales. R Soc Open Sci. 1 June 2026; 13 (6): 260065. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.260065 Abstract: Group hunting is a widespread phenomenon, fundamentally shaping predator social dynamics and trophic interactions with their prey. The foraging behaviour of killer whale (Orcinus orca) groups feeding upon herring has been described as cooperative. In this study, we used animal-borne audio and video data to evaluate cooperative interactions and feeding rates of herring-eating killer whales in Icelandic waters. From video observations, whales appeared to stop herding herring following a tail-slap, feeding close to one another on individual stunned herring. By-product mutualism was identified, as whales consumed herring regardless of whether or not they conducted the tail-slap. A ‘slurping’ sound was recorded during 26% of video-confirmed consumption events, enabling us to estimate a mean (± s.d.) of 29.7 ± 25.3 herring consumed per tail-slap by the foraging group. Role specialization was indicated, with three tagged whales repeatedly occupying the ‘tail-slapping’ role more than expected by chance (p < 0.05). Only 8% of visually observed prey consumption events occurred in the absence of tail-slaps (‘whole-body attacks’), indicating that cooperative tail-slap feeding is more efficient than whole-body attacks. Our study confirms the highly social and cooperative nature of tail-slap feeding by killer whale groups and provides a novel method to estimate group-level feeding rates. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. All the best, Ellen Hayward [cid:552f0988-57a1-451f-a59a-1ee43c1748e1] Ellen Hayward (she/her) PhD Student Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8BL The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Job Vacancy: Marine Mammal Consultancy
by Denise Risch 02 Jun '26

02 Jun '26

Dear All, I would like to bring to your attention a current vacancy at SAMS Enterprise. We are looking to recruit a Senior Environmental Consultant with experience and background in marine mammal ecology, bio-acoustics and/or species distribution/statistical modelling. For more information please follow this link: Senior Marine Environmental Consultant – Marine Mammals (SE03.26.MH) — Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban UK <https://www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies/senior-marine-environmental-consultant--ma…> Closing date is the 15th of June 2026. Please get in touch with any questions. Many thanks, Denise Risch email: denise.risch(a)sams.ac.uk

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Last Position Available – Southern Right Whale Research Internship (Brazil 2026)
by Daniel Danilewicz 02 Jun '26

02 Jun '26

Dear MARMAM community, Applications are still open for 01 (one) remaining position in the Marine Mammal Research Exchange, an academic internship program hosted by the GEMARS–Yaqu Pacha Marine Mammal Conservation Hub in southern Brazil. This internship is part of the long-term Farol das Baleias Project, focused on the study and conservation of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). The program offers hands-on experience for advanced undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-career researchers interested in marine mammal science and field research. ------------------------------ Field activities include: • Drone-based whale monitoring • Shore-based surveys • Photo-identification • Behavioral observations • Photogrammetry and body condition assessment • Data processing and scientific workflows Participants will work directly with an international research team during the peak whale season in southern Brazil. ------------------------------ Remaining availability (2026) • 15 August – 30 September (1 position remaining) Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. ------------------------------ 📍 Location • Torres, Rio Grande do Sul & Imbituba, Santa Catarina – Brazil • Shared accommodation included (fully equipped house) ------------------------------ Program fee USD 175 per week, including: • Accommodation • Training and field integration Food, travel, and personal expenses are not included. ------------------------------ How to apply Please contact: faroldasbaleias(a)gmail.com Subject: Internship 2026 – Farol das Baleias ------------------------------ We welcome motivated applicants seeking direct involvement in marine mammal research, conservation, and field science. Best regards, Dr. Daniel Danilewicz Farol das Baleias Project | GEMARS – Brazil -- Dr. Daniel Danilewicz gemars.org.br Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS) Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC) I <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Não contém vírus.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Research Assistant Position
by Lauren Clance 01 Jun '26

01 Jun '26

Please see the details below for a research assistant position with FAU Harbor Branch's Marine Mammal Research Team. This posting closes June 16th, 2026. To apply, please visit: https://fau.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FAU/job/Marine-Mammal-Stranding---P… Position Summary: The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Mammal Stranding & Population Assessment Assistant for our campus in Jupiter, Florida. FAU Harbor Branch, located in Ft. Pierce, is a research institute focusing on marine science and oceanography with over 200 scientists, staff and students that work and study at the site.  * Performs as a NOAA NMFS authorized primary responder on marine mammal strandings and collects Level A stranding data, working in the field and office. * Performs as a co-investigator on population assessment permit. Duties include boat-based surveys, photo analysis, data entry and data QA/QC. * Assists with maintenance of vessels, vehicles, and equipment used for operations. * Participates in on-call rotation with other members of the group. * Assists in marine mammal necropsies * Participates in presentations or other outreach activities regarding stranding and population assessments. * Additional job-related duties as assigned. FAU Benefits and Perks If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers: * Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more. * State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans. * State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)<https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service> program. * Sick Leave Pool Program. * Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion). * Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day<https://www.fau.edu/hr/documents/community-engagement-volunteer-leave4-2015…> * Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply). For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in an appropriate field of study, such as Biology, Environmental Sciences and one (1) year of marine mammal stranding response experience and related activities required. Must have valid Florida driver’s license with acceptable driving record or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required. Florida certificate of Boating Safety Education required or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire required. Successfully complete the USGS Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC) within 6 months of hire required. Experience driving various vessels in coastal and offshore waters required. Ability to work flexible hours including on-call times weekly, weekend, and holidays to meet program objectives required. Preferred Qualifications/Skills: Experience with population assessment data collection, photo-ID boat surveys, photo analysis or database input. Comfortable driving large vehicles and towing boats. Ability to become a NOAA NMFS primary responder on marine mammal stranding activities (Article 3 and 4) required within one year of hire. Ability to immediately be approved for NOAA NMFS primary responder. Experience with Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal and communication skills. Able to work within a team and independently. This includes collaborative activities with all stakeholders. Salary: $21.00 Hourly Non-Exempt Support Personnel (SP) College or Department: HBOI: Research - MMRC Location: Harbor Branch (HBOI) Work Days and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Occasional work outside of regular hours. Participates in on-call rotation. Application Deadline: 2026-06-15 Special Instructions to Applicant: VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Applicants may claim Veterans’ Preference on their application. The applicant claiming preference is responsible for providing required documentation at the time of making an application in Workday for a vacant position, or prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If an applicant qualifies for Veterans' Preference and the SP position, they are shown preference by the guarantee of an interview. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee a job. For additional information, please visit https://www.fau.edu/jobs/resources/veterans/. For assistance, please contact Recruitment Services at empl(a)fau.edu. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Resume Cover Letter OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED: Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check. REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at accommodate(a)fau.edu. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1.

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SUMMER INTERNSHIP - Blue World Institute
by tihana vučur 01 Jun '26

01 Jun '26

SUMMER INTERNSHIP - Blue World Institute Are you studding discipline related to marine science? Are you eager to learn more about research on wild bottlenose dolphins? Apply now and join us this summer for 46 days of research, learning, and unforgettable experiences at sea! Become a member of our team studying wild bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea. Gain hands-on fieldwork experience, take part in marine research, learn about photo-identification method, underwater sounds and different computer programs for data analysis. For more details please contact: tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org To learn more about Blue World Institute visit our web page: https://www.blue-world.org/

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Survey to to identify and prioritize fish and bycatch species associated with the swim bladder (maw) trade
by Gianna Minton 29 May '26

29 May '26

Some of you may be familiar with the links between international trade demand for croaker fish swim bladders (also known as maws) and fisheries that bycatch cetaceans and other threatened marine wildlife (see here <https://iucn-csg.org/escalating-threat-to-marine-wildlife-from-trade-demand…>). To better understand the scope and scale of this issue, and to identify potential geographical regions and/or target or bycatch species that are not yet on our 'radar' the IUCN Cetacean specialist Group is partnering with other organisations to circulate a questionnaire survey to (1) obtain information that could support the development and promotion of a CITES proposal to list one or more croaker species highly valued for their maws in CITES Appendix I or II, and (2) identify and prioritize marine wildlife populations that need urgent conservation attention to avoid extinction from the intensification of fisheries driven by trade demand for croaker fish maws. We would be grateful if you could click here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTUvs40ROu6HcNX70a9wEmBlzjKdT5DXm…> and complete the questionnaire survey on fisheries and international trade in high-value croaker swim bladders or maws and associated bycatch of marine wildlife. If you do not have any knowledge about fisheries catching croakers, trade in croaker maws, or bycatches of cetaceans or other marine wildlife in fisheries catching croakers, you may stop the survey at question #5. Assuming that information from this survey proves useful for developing and promoting a CITES proposal and prioritizing marine wildlife populations affected by trade demand for croaker maws, the questionnaire will also be circulated to other relevant IUCN SSC specialist groups with species that are buycaught in the maw trade. Please complete the survey *by June 10th*. *Link to survey: * https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTUvs40ROu6HcNX70a9wEmBlzjKdT5DXm… Thank you in advance! Gianna -- Gianna Minton, PhD Consultant, Megaptera Marine Conservation https://www.sousateuszii.org/ https://arabianseawhalenetwork.org/ https://iucn-csg.org/ Mobile +31 (0) 638325055

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Assessing Interest in a Photogrammetry UAV Hire Service for Marine Mammal Research
by julian.dale＠o3st.com 29 May '26

29 May '26

Dear Colleagues, O3ST Ltd is exploring the possibility of offering a UAV hire service specifically tailored to marine mammal research and photogrammetry projects, and we would be interested in gauging the level of interest within the community. The initial proposed hire package would be based around the DJI Mavic 3 Pro platform and would be supplied as a complete, ready-to-fly system in a waterproof transport case. Each kit would include: • DJI Mavic 3 Pro aircraft and controller • Six flight batteries • Charging hub and charging accessories • O3ST SF30 Laser Altimeter Data Logger • Aircraft catch handles for vessel-based operations • Pre-configured SD cards • Protective waterproof transport case (houses aircraft un-folded with altimeter and handles attached plus all the accessories) The aim is to provide researchers with rapid access to a proven photogrammetry platform without the capital investment, maintenance requirements, or logistical challenges of purchasing and setting their own system. Hire periods would be available on both weekly and monthly terms, with worldwide shipping available. We anticipate that users would be required to provide evidence of appropriate pilot certification/training and liability insurance for the duration of the hire period, although we may be able to assist in obtaining suitable insurance cover where required. Potential applications could include: • Launching new photogrammetry projects without the upfront equipment costs • Providing additional aircraft capacity during intensive field seasons • Maintaining a backup system for critical fieldwork operations • Supporting short-term or pilot studies where equipment purchase is difficult to justify Should there be sufficient demand, we would also consider expanding the fleet and adding additional aircraft models and sensor configurations to support a wider range of research applications. At this stage, we are simply interested in understanding whether such a service would be useful to the marine mammal research community. If this is something you or your organisation might consider using, I would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts, including any specific requirements or features that would make the service more valuable. Feedback would be greatly appreciated and can be sent to julian.dale(a)o3st.com Many thanks! Kind regards, Julian Dale Director O3ST Ltd Web: www.o3st.com PH: +44 (0)7379306378

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New publication - Recent increased presence of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and fin whales B. physalus in the southeastern Atlantic: evidence of recovery?
by Bridget James 28 May '26

28 May '26

Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our latest publication in the African Journal of Marine Science on the "Recent increased presence of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* and fin whales *B. physalus* in the southeastern Atlantic: evidence of recovery?" The open access publication is available here https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2026.2626591 ABSTRACT: Populations of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* and fin whales *B. physalus* were severely depleted by 20th-century commercial whaling. Historic whaling data suggest that the southeastern Atlantic Ocean was an important nursery and feeding area for both species. Here, we collate published and opportunistic sightings and strandings of two subspecies, the Antarctic blue whale *B. musculus intermedia* and southern fin whale *B. physalus quoyi*, in the southeastern Atlantic off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, between May 1964 and March 2025. Blue whales were sparse, with 12 sightings, 1 stranding and 5 published records, whereas fin whales were seen more frequently, with 76 sightings and 6 strandings. Blue whale sightings in the Benguela ecosystem peaked between late spring and autumn, whereas fin whales appeared to be present throughout the year. The majority of offshore sightings were obtained from marine mammal observer data, which covered all months of the year but had the greatest effort between November and April. Although the total number of sightings of each subspecies was relatively low, sightings appear to be steadily increasing as these whale populations recover, with 95% of the observations recorded since 2012. Given the vulnerability of these populations and the anthropogenic risks the subspecies face across their ranges, their distribution and species-specific risks should be investigated, such as by using passive acoustic monitoring and increased presence of shipboard observers across commercial sectors, and as far as possible included in marine spatial development plans. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Best -- *Dr Bridget James* Postdoctoral Researcher MAPRU, Nelson Mandela University MRI Whale Unit, University of Pretoria

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