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New publication: American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth
by Camila Carvalho de Carvalho 14 May '26

14 May '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform our new publication in Limnology and Oceanography Letters. American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth across different coastal regions Carvalho, C.C., E. Deeks, L.L. Ciotti, S. Botta, M. Marmontel, M. Copertino, F.O. Luna, F.N.L. Attademo, V.L. Carvalho, J.C.G. Borges, A.F. Costa, R. Emin-Lima, P. Kratina, and E.R. Secchi. 2026. “American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth across different coastal regions.” Limnology and Oceanography Letters. https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.70127 Abstract Marine mammals can exhibit high plasticity in foraging strategies, but how such plasticity is driven by environmental conditions is poorly understood. The American manatee (Trichechus manatus), a large, endangered herbivore, inhabits marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. To better understand their resource use, we analyzed dietary differences across three large Brazilian regions—the Northern Coast (NC), Dry-Northeastern Coast (Dry-NEC), and Humid-Northeastern Coast (Humid-NEC). The δ13C and δ15N values of manatee tissues increased from the NC to the Northeastern Coast. Stable isotope mixing models revealed that manatees from the Dry-NEC feed almost exclusively on seagrasses, while those from the NC rely predominantly on saltmarsh vegetation. In the Humid-NEC, manatees had a notable contribution from macroalgae, and exhibited the greatest dietary and habitat use diversity among the regions. These spatial patterns advance our understanding of large-scale habitat use, guiding the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard manatees and their habitats. Full paper in: https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.70127 Thank you, Camila Carvalho de Carvalho -- Camila Carvalho de Carvalho Mestre em Oceanografia Biológica - PPGOB/FURG Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos Amazônicos - IDSM skype: camila.carvalho.de.carvalho cel: +55 15 98151-9531

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Call for Abstracts: SMM Biennial Workshop for Naturalists
by jen＠blueoceansociety.org 14 May '26

14 May '26

One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite SMM Biennial Workshop Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:30-5:30 PM San Juan, Puerto Rico https://sites.google.com/view/nawwna/events/smm Whale watch naturalists and educators: share best practices, teaching tools, and storytelling strategies while building meaningful connections that extend beyond the conference. We are now accepting abstracts for presentations at the workshop. Click here to submit an abstract: https://sites.google.com/view/nawwna/events/smm WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: The workshop will feature an invited keynote, lightning talks, and facilitated discussions focused on engaging the public around complex and sometimes controversial topics, including entanglement, climate change, vessel strikes, and offshore wind. A central goal is to explore approaches that move audiences from awareness to positive behavior change that benefits marine mammals. Participants will exchange resources and favorite teaching tools, collaborate on effective communication strategies, and identify shared challenges and solutions. Time will also be dedicated to developing a plan for sustaining this network as a long-term professional resource-supporting continued collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing throughout the conference and into the coming years. By forming this international community at the start of the conference, naturalists can collectively process new scientific information as it is presented and translate it into clear, compelling public outreach. Together, participants will refine best practices for presenting emerging research, navigating sensitive topics, and inspiring conservation-minded actions among diverse audiences. Establishing these connections early creates a foundation for collaborative learning throughout the event, ensuring attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but also with practical tools, shared language, and an ongoing support network to strengthen whale watch education worldwide. We plan to have a virtual option available for attendance. Jen Kennedy, Workshop Co-Chair Steering Committee, North Atlantic Whale Watch Naturalist Association Executive Director Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation 603-431-0260 office / 603-834-0253 cell 400 Little Harbor Road #1103 Portsmouth, NH 03801 www.blueoceansociety.org <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/>

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Aquatic Mammals Issue 52.3 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 13 May '26

13 May '26

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The third issue of volume 52 (52.3) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and will be published officially Friday, May 15th. You will see the new issue on the home page of the journal web site (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>). Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Issue 52.3 contents (** denotes open access): **Lesly J. Cabrias-Contreras, Sylma M. Escobar-Torres, Ricardo Fernández-Martínez, Adriana N. Figueroa-Marrero, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Amanda Moore, Carla I. Rivera-Pérez, Carla M. Sánchez-Lugo, and Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni. (2026). Can you Hear Me Now? Chronic Otitis Media and Concurrent Cutaneous Fusariosis in a Greater Caribbean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) Under Human Care in Puerto Rico. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 189-199. **David A. Waugh, Bethany L. Gragg, John J. Citta, Robert Suydam, and J. G. M. Thewissen. (2026). Micro-CT Scanning as a Practical Tool in Age Estimation of Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) Teeth and Estimated Ages of Western Chukchi Sea Belugas. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 200-220. **Katie R. N. Florko, Jeff W. Higdon, Sonny Ittinuar, R. Janelle Laing, Jessica Roberts, and David J. Yurkowski. (2026). Recent Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) Sightings in Southwestern Hudson Bay. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3),221-226. Valeria Contreras Fuentes, Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Myriam Llamas-González, Evelyn R. Díaz-Torres, Marco A. Liñán-Cabello, Aramis Olivos-Ortiz, and Jaime Rendón-von Osten. (2026). Persistent Organic Pollutant and Trace Element Diagnosis in a Blainville’s Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) Individual Stranded off the Mexican Central Pacific Coast. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 227-241. Sâmia Lívia Testtzlaffe Alpoim, Jonathas Barreto, Thiago de Barros Ferrari Ferreira, Bruna Maria Rezende Gonçalves Muzza dos Santos, Agnaldo Silva Martins, Beatriz Marins Tintori, and Luan Amaral Pinheiro de Faria. (2026). Humpback Whale Calf Resighted After Stranding Rescue: Unprecedented Confirmation Using Drone Monitoring. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 242-246. Alejandro Vila, Valeria Falabella, Daniela Droguett, Alejandro Kusch, Julieta Campagna, Solange Fermepin, Marcela Uhart, and Claudio Campagna. (2026). Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) Foraging Trips in the Southern Tip of South America. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 247-258. Saskia Dreyer, Kerstin Ternes, Hans-Josef Heider, and Michael Lierz. (2026). Ophthalmological Examination and Ophthalmosonography in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Protocol Development and Physiological Ocular Findings. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 259-273. MS-1756 Kristi L. Fazioli, Forrest M. Gomez, and Vanessa J. Mintzer. (2026). Rare Sighting and Visual Assessment of a Free-Ranging Flukeless Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 274-281. Letter to Editor **Martin Böye, Robert Gojceta, and Heidi Pérez Cao Ova. (2026). Letter to the Editor: 54th EAAM Symposium: Aquatic Mammal Welfare: Evolving Role of Our Community in a Rapidly Changing World. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 282-283. Addendum **Jessica N. Lewis, Heidi Lyn, Lindsey E. Johnson, Drew T. Suffoletta, Kailey M. Pamperin, Rachel M. Giordano, and Moby Solangi. (2026). Addendum: Instances of Human Interaction in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound. Aquatic Mammals, 52(3), 284.

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JOB VACANCY: ORCA is seeking a dedicated Ocean Conservationist to join our team onboard DFDS ferries from June to August 2026.
by ORCA Office 13 May '26

13 May '26

ORCA is seeking a dedicated Ocean Conservationist to join our team onboard DFDS ferries from June to August 2026. In this role, you'll engage passengers in marine conservation, deliver educational activities, and collect vital data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Alternating between two ships you'll sail across the English Channel between Newhaven and Dieppe, inspiring others to protect our ocean wildlife. Note: candidates must be fluent in French and English to be eligible for this role. About ORCA ORCA is a charity dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide. We identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats. Our work combines scientific research with hands-on public engagement, empowering people of all backgrounds to contribute to marine conservation. About the Role The Ocean Conservationist Network is a vital part of ORCA’s education and outreach work, inspiring thousands of passengers about the wonders in our waters every year. The work on board is divided into two key areas: Inspiring the Public - Deliver lectures and workshops to people of all ages and backgrounds. - Connect with passengers through onboard activities, inspiring a personal connection to marine conservation. Data Collection - Conduct daily wildlife watches and collect data on cetaceans using our ORCA OceanWatchers app. - Guide wildlife watches, helping guests have memorable wildlife experiences at sea. Note: This is a remote role, and you will be the sole ORCA representative onboard. For salary details and additional information, please visit Our Vacancies page <https://orca.org.uk/vacancies> Who We’re Looking For We want enthusiastic communicators who can inspire a love for the ocean in others. Whether through storytelling, science, or hands-on engagement, our Ocean Conservationists are at the heart of ORCA’s mission—bringing the wonders of the marine world to life for thousands of people. How to Apply - Submission: Submit an up-to-date CV and a 2-minute video outlining why marine conservation matters to you. - Deadline: Applications close on Thursday 21st May at 16:00 (GMT+1). Only complete applications will be considered. - Interviews: Anticipated to take place on either the 28th or 29th May - Contact: If you have any questions please check the FAQ documents on our vacancies page. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please email info(a)orca.org.uk ORCA | *Looking out for whales and dolphins* | www.orca.org.uk

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New paper: Solitary dolphins in Spain and recommendations for their management
by Laetitia Nunny/OceanCare 12 May '26

12 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open access article in the special issue "Conservation Behaviour and the Anthropocene" of the journal “Animal Behaviour”. Article title: Solitary dolphins in Spain and recommendations for their management Abstract: This paper describes the history of solitary dolphins in Spain since 1970 and reviews the challenges they present for both their own survival and welfare, and the safety of humans that interact with them. Seventeen solitary common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, have been recognized in Spanish waters, with the majority of these (N=14) in the waters of Galicia (northwest Iberian Peninsula). Some of these solitary dolphins have come to interact with humans, leading to them being referred to as solitary-sociable dolphins, which present particular problems in terms of their management. The different stages of sociability of solitary dolphins are presented and discussed. Two cases from Galicia, the dolphins known as Gaspar and Confi, are presented in detail. The legal frameworks in place to protect cetaceans in Spain are outlined and how these could be used to help protect solitary dolphin welfare is discussed. Human safety also needs to be considered, particularly when people come into close contact with a solitary dolphin either when seeking to interact with the animal or if the dolphin approaches them, for example professional divers working in Galicia. Recommendations are provided for how management plans can be developed for use when a solitary dolphin is present in Spanish waters. These plans could include restricting access by the public to certain areas and implementing flexibility in local fishing practices to help avoid conflict. Education is key to ensure that the public is aware of how to behave appropriately around a solitary dolphin (and cetaceans in general) and to ensure that relevant laws are followed. It is imperative to avoid allowing a solitary dolphin to develop into a solitary-sociable dolphin whenever possible. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347226001211?via%3Di… Very best wishes, Laetitia Nunny, OceanCare Mónica González, CEMMA / Universidade de Vigo Alfredo López, CEMMA / Universidade de Aveiro, Pablo Covelo, CEMMA Jose Antonio Martínez-Cedeira, CEMMA Xabier Pin, CEMMA Uxía Vázquez, CEMMA María Macías González, Tragsatec-MITECO Paula San Martín Lorén, Tragsatec-MITECO Mark P. Simmonds, OceanCare / University of Bristol

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New publication: Killer Whales in the Central Tropical Pacific: Occurrence, Resightings, Morphology, and Acoustics
by Marie Hill - NOAA Affiliate 12 May '26

12 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our open-access publication in Marine Mammal Science. Hill, M.C., S.D. Mahaffy, J.L.K. McCullough, A. Harmon, and R.W. Baird. 2026. “Killer Whales in the Central Tropical Pacific: Occurrence, Resightings, Morphology, and Acoustics.” Marine Mammal Science 42, no. 3: e70197. Access to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70197 Abstract: Compared to their well-studied coastal temperate counterparts, killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in tropical-subtropical and oceanic areas are under-documented. We used sighting, photo-identification, and acoustic data of killer whales in the central tropical Pacific (CTP), collected from multiple platforms between 2002 and 2023, to assess their temporal and spatial distribution, group dynamics and behavior, movements, pigmentation and dorsal fin morphology, and vocalizations. Killer whales were rarely encountered but occur year-round in the CTP, primarily in waters deeper than 1000 m. Photo-identification of 113 individuals included multi-year resightings of individuals off the main Hawaiian Islands but found no matches to eastern tropical Pacific catalogs. CTP killer whales share characteristics with other tropical-subtropical killer whale populations including pigmentation and morphology, small group sizes (range: 1–12, Mdn = 5), and diverse prey choices (e.g., other cetaceans, bony fishes, and sharks). Acoustic recordings, collected during shipboard sightings, were dominated by echolocation clicks and high-frequency modulated whistles and provide the first detailed characterization of CTP killer whale vocalizations. This is the most expansive study of CTP killer whales to date, and it underscores the importance of continued collaboration between research groups and the local community in order to better understand rarely sighted species. Aloha, Marie -- Marie C. Hill Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Protected Species Division - Cetacean Research Program 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. 176, Honolulu, HI 96818

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Marine Mammal Analytical Support and Online Technical Training
by Liz Ferguson 11 May '26

11 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, At Ocean Science Analytics (OSA), much of our recent work has focused on passive acoustic monitoring workflows that support marine mammal research, long term monitoring, and environmental reporting efforts across a range of marine environments. Our team supports projects spanning raw acoustic data processing through analytical interpretation, visualization, and reporting. This includes PAMGuard based workflows, soundscape assessment, detection review, and deep learning assisted analysis for low frequency marine mammal monitoring applications through our DeepAcoustics platform. We are also seeing growing interest in integrating remotely sensed oceanographic products into marine mammal analytical workflows. Recent efforts at OSA have included working with hyperspectral datasets from PACE Mission to support GIS based analytical products focused on marine ecosystem characterization and environmental variability. More information about our services can be found <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/our-services> here <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/our-services>. Many of these same workflows and analytical concepts are incorporated into our online technical training offerings, including: • PAM Software Basics <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/pam-software-basics>: Training session for May - join any day and receive full 30 days of access! • QGIS for Marine Science Professionals <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/qgis-essentials>: Next session is in June! The QGIS course integrates marine mammal observation data and marine spatial analysis activities, while PAM Software Basics introduces practical workflows using Raven and PAMGuard for passive acoustic data analysis. If your organization is looking for analytical support, workflow development, or applied technical training related to marine mammal science, we would be happy to connect. Regards, Liz Ferguson *CEO and Founder* *T:* (619) 320-5047 || *C:* (619) 459-2242 *Ocean Science Analytics* *www.oceanscienceanalytics.com <http://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com>*

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New publication: Identification and classification of repeated whistle types from free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis)
by laura.redaelli＠mare.arditi.pt 11 May '26

11 May '26

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication in Scientific Reports titled: "Identification and classification of repeated whistle types from free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins (*Steno bredanensis*)". The full text and PDF are open-access and can be downloaded here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44853-2 Abstract: Acoustic communication is vital for marine mammals. Many delphinids rely on frequency-modulated tonal signals – known as whistles – used during social communication. Among these, individually distinctive “signature whistles” have been extensively studied in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) over the past 60 years. These stereotyped whistles convey individual identity and motivational information. Recent studies have identified similar stereotyped whistles in other delphinids, including a rehabilitated rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). However, the function, occurrence, time–frequency characteristics, and degree of stereotypy of whistles in free-ranging individuals of this species remain unexplored. This study analysed acoustic recordings from three encounters with rough-toothed dolphins in summer 2023 off Madeira Island (Eastern North Atlantic). Of 4928 whistles analysed, 1015 were identified as repeated whistles and classified into 25 categories based on frequency modulation contours using visual inspection. Visual classification was verified using an inter-observer reliability test and compared to results from an unsupervised neural network (ARTwarp), employing both sequential and global analyses. The results revealed repeated contour types, with the degree of stereotypy varying across categories and generally lower than that reported for other well-studied delphinid species. Like other delphinids, rough-toothed dolphins exhibit a fission–fusion social structure, where repeated signals may help maintain group cohesion, potentially functioning as individual- or group-level calls. Future research incorporating detailed contextual and behavioral information will be crucial to investigate the function, occurrence and social relevance of repeated calls in rough-toothed dolphin whistle repertoires. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. Best regards, Laura Redaelli laura.redaelli(a)mare.arditi.pt

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New paper: Historical Range Contraction in Baltic Harbour Porpoises
by Magie Aiken 11 May '26

11 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open access publication in Ecology and Evolution, available here: Aiken, M., P. Erikson, C. Kinze, and J. Carlström. 2026. “Historical Range Contraction and Extent of Harbour Porpoises (*Phocoena phocoena*) in the Baltic Sea Revealed by Archival Newspapers.” Ecology and Evolution16, no. 5: e73475. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73475. <https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73475> Abstract: Over the past several centuries, the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) has undergone significant population declines, resulting in its current IUCN classification as critically endangered. While conservation efforts are extensive and multinational, the population's abundance has only been estimated once (SAMBAH Project, 2011–2013). Ad hoc historical sources and the sub-fossil archaeological record, dating to 7000 years BP, suggest that the population once had a wider distribution in the Baltic Sea. However, the historical abundance and distribution of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population remain largely unknown, especially before the mid-20th century. This study examines archival Swedish newspaper records from the late 1700s to the early 1900s to assess the presence and distribution of porpoises. Digitized articles were searched for by keyword in the National Library of Sweden Newspaper Archive. This dataset was combined with HELCOM/ASCOBANS historic data. The records show that harbour porpoises historically occurred regularly along the entire Swedish coast, including the northernmost parts of the Gulf of Bothnia, where the species is virtually absent today, suggesting a notable range retraction. While harbour porpoises appeared less frequently in the Baltic Sea than along the west coast of Sweden, the number of Baltic records indicates that porpoises occurred more frequently than today. The peak occurrence of porpoises during spring and summer suggests that the Gulf of Bothnia historically constituted an important foraging habitat for animals migrating from the southern Baltic. By integrating historical records with modern conservation data, this study provides critical insights into the long-term effects of human activity on the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise. Understanding past ranges and approximate population size is vital for guiding more effective conservation strategies. Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Best, Magie Aiken -- *Magie Aiken, *Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher, Museum of Natural History, Sweden Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Trent University, Canada

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New paper: Foraging Ecology and Fisheries Interactions of Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) Inferred From Strandings in Western Iberian Atlantic Waters
by Ana Marçalo 11 May '26

11 May '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform our new publication in Marine Mammal Science. Foraging Ecology and Fisheries Interactions of Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) Inferred From Strandings in Western Iberian Atlantic Waters Marcalo, A., L.Nicolau, A.Torres-Pereira, et al. 2026. “Foraging Ecology and Fisheries Interactions of Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Inferred From Strandings in Western Iberian Atlantic Waters.” Marine Mammal Science42, no. 3: e70201. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70201. Abstract The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a resident species along the Portuguese mainland coast, yet knowledge of its stranding patterns and feeding ecology is scarce. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of strandings (n = 264, from 1980 to 2019) and feeding ecology based on stomach content analysis (n = 43 from 1997 to 2019) along the Portuguese mainland coast. Strandings were more frequent in the first half of the year and have increased in recent decades, particularly along the northwestern and southern coasts, likely reflecting improved monitoring efforts. Dietary analysis revealed a predominantly piscivorous diet (> 85% by number and weight), with prey including pelagic, meso-pelagic, and demersal fish species. Hake (Merluccius merluccius), conger eel (Conger conger), and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) emerged as the most important prey items. Despite a preference for demersal and mesopelagic fish, dolphins exhibited dietary plasticity, foraging across diverse habitats, likely adapting to local prey availability. The substantial dietary overlap with commercially targeted species, particularly by small-scale and coastal fisheries, suggests potential interactions and competition for shared resources. These findings provide valuable insights into the trophic ecological role of bottlenose dolphins in the region and highlight the need to consider this species in ecosystem-based fisheries management and conservation planning. Full paper in: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70201 Thank you, Ana Marcalo *Ana Marçalo* Fisheries Biologist/Researcher, PhD Fisheries, Biodiversity and Conservation / Coastal Fisheries Research group Tel: +351 967307539 *CCMAR - Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve* Universidade do Algarve - Campus de Gambelas Building 7 - Office 2.89 8005-139 Faro (see map <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=pt-PT&geocode=&q=ccmar,+faro,…> ) [image: Logo Description automatically generated] <http://ccmar.ualg.pt/>

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