- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: First QFASA application in bottlenose dolphins
by Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new article in Frontiers in Marine Science: Tatom-Naecker, T.M., Budge, S.M., Parry, C.B., Trumble, S.J., Wells, R.S., & Costa, D.P. (2026). First application of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and its implications for diet estimation in free-ranging cetaceans. Front. Mar. Sci. 13:1804181. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1804181 Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) provides species-level diet estimates integrated over longer time periods, making it a valuable tool for assessing health, ecological roles, and disturbance vulnerability. However, its use in cetaceans has been limited. In this study, we derive the first blubber layer-specific calibration coefficients for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and evaluate QFASA performance across a range of model parameter combinations. We show that species- and layer-specific coefficients improve diet estimates and that blubber fatty acids reflect prey consumption integrated over weeks to months. At the same time, model parameter choices influence performance and estimate accuracy, highlighting important considerations for future applications. We hope this work will be useful for researchers seeking to better understand cetacean foraging ecology, as well as for those applying QFASA and navigating key methodological choices. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Best, Theresa -- Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker (she/her) Ph.D. Candidate Costa Lab | University of California Santa Cruz Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

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New publication: genomics of harbor seal susceptibility to PDV
by Christina McCosker 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors and I, I am excited to share our recently published paper on genomics of harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus: McCosker CM, Doughty L, Hunter N, Stokes A, Puryear WB, Runstadler JA, Cammen KC. (2026). Whole genome sequencing reveals variation in immune and nervous systems associated with harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus. Link: Journal of Heredity <https://academic.oup.com/jhered/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jhered/esag017/…> Abstract: Anthropogenic pressures have increased the emergence and spread of infectious disease in wildlife in recent decades, with cascading impacts on ecosystem dynamics and elevated risk to public health. Understanding factors that contribute to disease severity, and population- and community-level impacts, is critical to predict and mitigate infectious disease outbreaks. We aimed to investigate how host genetic factors contribute to harbor seal susceptibility to phocine distemper virus (PDV), a virus that has caused variable levels of mortality among pinniped populations across the North Atlantic. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of harbor seals that were stranded during and following a PDV outbreak that occurred in the Northeast United States in 2018 and used genome-wide association and FST-based approaches to identify genetic variants putatively associated with survival. A subset of harbor seals (10 cases, 10 controls) was sequenced at high coverage (~58x) to generate a reference haplotype panel and impute genotypes in remaining samples (37 cases, 45 controls) that were sequenced at a lower coverage (~4x). Upon investigation of 148,644 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we identified 33 candidate genes related to innate and adaptive immunity and 37 genes related to the nervous system that were associated with harbor seal survival. These results provide further evidence for the importance of immunogenetic variation and highlight additional key pathways and biological processes that may confer resistance to PDV. Genome-wide approaches, which can reveal the complexity of genetic variation underpinning disease-associated traits, are critical tools to help us understand and potentially predict the impact of future disease outbreaks. Warm regards, Christina McCosker

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PhD opportunity update - Structure/Function Perspectives on Mammal Encephalons (Deadline: May 20th)
by Jean-marie Graic 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear MARMAMers I am currently recruiting a PhD candidate for a new position within the Veterinary Sciences program at the University of Padua, Italy The research project focuses on structure/function perspectives of the encephalon in terrestrial and marine mammals. The student will be trained primarily in histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, the role involves opportunistic brain extraction, MRI brain scan analysis, and opportunities to engage in broader anatomical research. The profile of the ideal candidate is of an independent, motivated person with pre-existing experience in laboratory histology, neuroscience, data processing, and medical imaging. Although the PhD is in Veterinary Sciences, a veterinary degree is not strictly necessary. Application Details: - Topic: Evolutionary perspectives on the encephalon (terrestrial and marine mammals). - Key Activities: Histology, IHC, Immunofluorescence, MRI analysis, Brain extraction. - Deadline: May 19th. - Full Call: https://www.dottorato.veterinaria.unipd.it/evolutionary-perspectives-terres… - Application: https://www.unipd.it/en/dottorato/dottorati-42-ciclo Please review the link above for specific requirements and the application procedure. If you know any motivated students or researchers interested in this field, please forward this information to them. Best regards, *Prof. Jean-Marie Graïc, DVM, PhD* Associate Professor ORCID 0000-0002-1974-8356 <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1974-8356> Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA) Università di Padova (Italy) Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro (PD) jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it <ksenia.orekhova(a)phd.unipd.it> [image: https://wwwassets.unipd.it/sites/default/files/UNIPDLogotipoRED400.png] ___________________________________ *RISPETTA L'AMBIENTE, STAMPA SOLO SE NECESSARIO*

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New publication: Optimised DNA extraction protocols for whale faeces
by Aashi 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new publication which compares DNA extraction protocols for the purpose of maximizing prey DNA recovery from whale faecal samples. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12686-026-01429-6 Abstract Faecal metabarcoding is widely used for mammalian diet analysis. However, most extraction protocols are designed to target high molecular weight genomic DNA and not the short DNA sequences associated with digested prey items. To examine the prey composition in southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) faecal samples we used a phosphate buffer DNA extraction method along with two commercial extraction kits (QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini and QIAGEN DNEasy PowerSoil) with the following variations: (1) incubation time in a phosphate buffer (1 and 24 h); (2) processing both pellet and supernatant from the phosphate buffer incubations; and (3) two different concentrations of DNA binding buffer. We found that the choice of extraction protocol influenced the richness, diversity and composition of eukaryotes (18S rDNA) and crustaceans (Crust16S mtDNA) in the faecal samples. The PowerSoil protocol performed well for both markers, delivering the highest target richness for 18S rDNA and highest diversity for Crust16S mtDNA, with the pellet of the phosphate buffer also performing comparably. Taxonomic composition in the phosphate buffer supernatant was influenced by the incubation period and concentration of binding buffer and differed from its corresponding pellet. To maximise taxonomic coverage, we recommend combining the extracts from both the supernatant and pellet. In faecal studies, our findings reinforce the importance of defining the community attributes (richness versus diversity versus composition) of key interest prior to performing DNA extraction, as the inference of these variables is likely to be altered by the choice of extraction protocol.

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Call for abstracts: 8th International Marine Conservation Congress
by IMCC Team 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Dear Colleagues, I am delighted to announce that the call for abstracts for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8) <https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8> is now officially open. We welcome submissions about marine mammal projects around the world that demonstrate conservation impact. IMCC8 will take place in the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from November 13- 17, 2026. As the premier global gathering for marine conservation professionals, IMCCs bring together the global community to share research, tools, and lessons learned that advance marine science, policy, and practice. We invite you to contribute to this global dialogue and help shape the future of ocean conservation. We particularly welcome global, interdisciplinary, and student-led contributions that address the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. This is a unique opportunity to share your work with a diverse, international audience of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. Key Details: *Abstract Submission Deadline:* 15 May, 2026 *How to Submit:* Please visit our program page at https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8/program for detailed instructions and to submit your abstract. *Help Spread the Word: *We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this call within your networks. You can use the IMCC8 social media toolkit <https://docs.google.com/document/d/15fIqlIsRV_2VwUsRTWSzfCGDn4SlZsaIZYI54ZN…> and hashtags #IMCC8, #OceanConservation, #MarineScience, and #SCBMarine to help amplify the call. *Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities:* There are also a range of opportunities to get involved through sponsorship or exhibiting at IMCC8, including support for students and early-career researchers, community events, and educational programming. More information is available on our sponsor/exhibitor page here <https://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc8/sponsors-exhibitors/>, and we would be grateful if you could share these opportunities within your organization. We hope to see you in Edinburgh and look forward to receiving your contributions. Warm Regards, Shaili Johri on behalf of The Society for Conservation Biology Global Marine Program -- International Marine Conservation Congress 13-17 November 2026 | Edinburgh, Scotland SCB Marine Global Program 1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC

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New Publication: On the dynamics of the aerosol plume in common bottlenose dolphin respiratory events
by Daniel Levine - NOAA Affiliate 28 Apr '26

28 Apr '26

Good Morning! We would like to have this publication distributed. Thanks! Dear MARMAM Community, My colleagues and I are proud to share our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Abstract: This study examines the trajectories, size, and spatial distribution of aerosols during breathing events of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus)* in the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. Accounting for the aerodynamic drag and inertia of the small droplets, the trajectories are used for estimating the volumes and flow rates of the exhaled and inhaled air. Data are acquired by training two male and four female dolphins to breathe at the side of the pool within the field-of-view of a high-speed holography system. Droplet-tracking and size measurements are performed for twenty-six datasets involving normal, chuff, and post-exercise breaths, some repeated to assess repeatability. The exhaled liquid originates either from the respiratory system or from the water trapped above the blowhole. The 150–400 ms exhalations have multiple velocity peaks, with the maximum air speed occurring during the first peak for post-exercise breaths. The droplet concentrations and sizes peak at the time of maximum velocity and then gradually decrease. The exhaled liquid volumes vary between 0.1–16 mL, peaking for post-exercise breaths. About 0.5% of the exhaled aerosol travels 2–5 times faster than the surrounding air and droplets, presumably due to ejection from deep within the respiratory tract. A fraction of the airborne liquid (0.02-1.0 mL) is subsequently inhaled during the more than 550 ms long inhalation phase, characterized by low speeds and small droplets. The exhaled and inhaled tidal volumes estimated from the trajectories are consistent with prior measurements of dolphins in the wild and other facilities. To the best of our knowledge, the droplet concentrations, size distributions, and total liquid volumes ejected and aspirated have never been reported for common bottlenose dolphins. Such data are vital for assessing the aerosols generated and inhaled by surface breathing mammals, a critical first step in characterizing health risks to cetaceans in adverse environments. This study is part of the project, Reducing Impacts to Cetaceans During Disasters by Improving Response Activities, which was selected for implementation by the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group Restoration Plan #2 to restore natural resources injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of America. Our paper is open access and can be found here : https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1748534 -- *Dan Levine *(he/him) *Gulf of America Disaster Response Coordinator* Contractor, ERT, Inc. NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office | Protected Resources Division W: (813) 906-6054 www.fisheries.noaa.gov www.ERT.space <https://ertcorp.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d69163192674a1df5b423b5a…> Connect on LinkedIn <https://ertcorp.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d69163192674a1df5b423b5a…>

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New paper: Comparative review of entanglement risk assessments for cetacean conservation and management
by LJ Feyrer 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our new article in Conservation Biology: Feyrer, L. J., Evers, C., & Moors-Murphy, H. (2026). Comparative review of entanglement risk assessments for cetacean conservation and management. Conservation Biology, e70296. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70296 In this paper, we review how cetacean entanglement risk has been assessed across conservation and management contexts. We compare approaches, data inputs, spatial and temporal scales, treatment of uncertainty, and the extent to which assessments connect risk estimates to management decisions. We also highlight gaps and opportunities for improving future risk assessments, including clearer problem formulation, stronger links between exposure and consequence, more transparent uncertainty treatment, and broader consideration of population-level, welfare, and management-relevant outcomes. We hope the review will be useful to researchers, managers, and practitioners working on cetacean bycatch, entanglement mitigation, and risk-based conservation planning. The article is available here: https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.70296 Best regards, Laura Feyrer C. Evers Hilary Moors-Murphy

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New Publication: Risso's Dolphin Deep Learning Click Classifier
by Thomas Webber 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear Marmam Colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to announce our new open-access publication "Monitoring Risso's Dolphins in the Northeast Atlantic: A Deep Learning Approach to Classify Echolocation Click Detections". https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70180 The classifier is open-source (available on the github link below), and can be integrated into existing PAMGuard workflows, or run externally. While some testing has been conducted in new regions and new data collection platforms such as gliders, if you have any issues with the classifier or installation do get in contact. https://github.com/tomwebber96/binaryEcholocationClassification The classifier was developed primarily for use in Scottish waters with the hope of wider deployment and further testing around the wider North Atlantic and Mediterranean. There has been limited testing outside the North Atlantic but additional training data are likely required for new regions given the new species compositions and noise profiles. If you would like to test the classifier on a new region do get in contact as we would be interested to know it performs and if we can be of any assistance with further training. Best, Thomas Webber thomas.webber(a)sams.ac.uk The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC009292) and is a registered charity (9206). SAMS has two actively trading wholly owned subsidiary companies: SAMS Enterprise Ltd (SC224404) and SAMS Ltd (SC306912). All Companies in the group are registered in Scotland and share a registered office at SAMS, Dunbeg, Oban, Scotland, PA37 1QA. The content of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of SAMS unless specifically stated. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for purposes of security and spam filtering. As such individual emails may be examined in more detail.

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New position at the Swedish Museum of Natural History
by Anja Carlsson 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear Marmam, The Swedish Museum of Natural History ( In English | Naturhistoriska riksmuseet <https://www.nrm.se/engelska/in-english> ) has an open position for a senior curator working on marine mammals (monitoring and research) in Sweden. See link below for job posting and to apply. A description of the position can also be found below. *Last application date: 11/05/2026* About the job and to apply: Visma Recruit <https://recruit.visma.com/spa/public/apply?guidAssignment=413f27fd-219e-404…> About the workplace The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency with a mandate to promote knowledge, research and interest in our world. It is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For more than 200 years, the museum has been collecting specimens and data and conducting research on life on earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in the exhibitions, Cosmonova and in activities at the museum and digitally. The Swedish Museum of Natural History is seeking a dedicated and motivated senior curator to the department of Population analysis and monitoring.In this role, you will be part of a working group responsible for Sweden’s long‑term national environmental monitoring of seals and harbour porpoises, and conducts research, provides expert support, and performs analytical work of importance for both national and international management. Job description As senior curator, you will play an important role in leading and implementing monitoring programmes for seals and harbour porpoises as well as contributing expert knowledge in both national and international contexts. You will join a highly skilled team working at the intersection of research, environmental monitoring, and management. The position includes a research component (approximately 20%), where participation in ongoing research projects is expected. There is also an opportunity to apply for external research funding. The position includes both office-based work at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and fieldwork. Weatherdependent fieldwork is carried out along the entire Swedish coastline during specific time periods, typically for 2-14 days at a time, around five times per year. The work may take place outside regular working hours, including weekends and public holidays. As the work is conducted from both aircraft and boats, you must be able to manage potential motion sickness. Additional tasks related to the departments overarching goals and development may occur to a lesser extent. Duties - Together with the working group, lead projects related to the monitoring of grey seals, harbour seals, ringed seals, and harbour porpoises. - Plan and conduct field surveys of seals and harbour porpoises, and compile, analyse, and report the results to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. - Conduct fieldwork from boats, helicopters, and aircraft. - Provide support to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and County Administrative Boards on matters related to the management of marine mammals in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. - Participate in the work of international conventions and expert groups, such as HELCOM, ICES, OSPAR, and ASCOBANS. - Collaborate with other departments and working groups within the Swedish Museum of Natural History as well as external partners. - Handle and respond to official consultations and referrals submitted to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. - Contribute to the overall goals and development of the working group and the department. - Conduct research related to marine mammals. Qualifications We are looking for a candidate who holds a PhD in ecology, marine biology, zoology, or another field relevant to the position, completed prior to the start of employment. For the position, documented experience in producing and analysing highquality, reproducible datasets is required, as well as strong proficiency in MS Office or equivalent software. Extensive field experience working with wildlife, for example within monitoring, survey, or research projects, is also required. Furthermore, experience in publishing scientific articles and the ability to communicate scientific information effectively, both orally and in writing, are required. Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required. Skills in Swedish, both spoken and written, is also required; alternatively, applicants are expected to learn Swedish within three years. It is meriting if you have experience working with marine mammals or marine ecosystems, for example within monitoring or research projects. Meriting qualifications also include experience working on boats and/or in aircraft or helicopters, experience with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data, experience working with R or equivalent software, and experience working with geospatial data. Additional meriting qualifications include documented experience in project management, financial planning and reporting, work within expert groups under international conventions and/or marine management within the EU, as well as experience with official consultation and/or referral processes. Furthermore, experience applying for research funding is meriting, as is experience publishing popular science articles and active research, after completing a PhD, in ecology, marine biology, or another field relevant to the position. A category B driving licence and strong communication skills in Swedish, both spoken and written, are also considered meriting. We are looking for someone who is qualityconscious, structured, flexible, and who has strong collaborative skills. You are thorough and well aware of goals and quality standards, and you place great importance on meeting them. You plan, organise, and prioritise your work effectively, and you set and keep to timelines. You adapt easily to changing circumstances, can quickly adjust your perspective and approach, and you see opportunities in change. You work well with others and relate to people, listen and communicate in a responsive and smooth manner. Scope of employment Form of employment : Permanent employment Scope : Full-time Duration : Permanent Application Last application date: 11/05/2026 23:59

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New method to map dolphin bycatch risk in gillnet fisheries using fine-scale AIS data
by Camille Deslias 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We would like to share our recent paper published in Fisheries Research: Deslias, C., Dubroca, L., Ridoux, V., Bidenbach, E., Peltier, H. 2026. The Hop-o'-My-Thumb white pebbles: How AIS data allow gillnet and trammel net fishing effort to be tracked in the forest of fisheries data. Fisheries Research, 297, 107714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107714 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107714] Common dolphin bycatch in gillnets and trammel nets remains a major conservation concern, but estimating fishing effort for these static gears has long been a challenge. Conventional methods based on vessel speed or days at sea fail to capture the key parameters that could drive bycatch risk: how much gear is deployed, for how long, and how high the nets are. By combining fine-scale AIS trajectories with onboard observer data, we reconstruct net length, soak time and net height for the French netter fleet in the Bay of Biscay (2016–2023), mapping the resulting hotspots of bycatch risk for common dolphins, mainly on the continental shelf during winter. The approach is reproducible and applicable to other regions. Best, Camille Deslias Postdoctoral Researcher Observatoire PELAGIS (UAR 3462) Centre d'Etude Biologique de Chizé (UMR 7372) 06.78.45.62.84 Observatoire PELAGIS La Rochelle Université Centre commun d'analyse 5 allée de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/] univ-larochelle.fr [http://www.univ-larochelle.fr/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleUniversite/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/UnivLaRochelle] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/univlarochelle/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-la-rochelle/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Cf7Z00cbodH9qC8i7SHXA]

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