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New publication: Harbor porpoise distribution and habitat use in the Northern California Current over three decades
by Barlow, Dawn R 09 Apr '26

09 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication: Barlow DR, Strong CS, Muhling B, Torres LG. 2026. Harbor porpoise distribution and habitat use in the Northern California Current over three decades. PeerJ 14:e21021 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21021 ABSTRACT: In the dynamic marine environment, mobile predators adapt their distribution and habitat use in alignment with regional biogeographic features that confer predictable prey resources. However, long-term changes in environmental conditions may challenge the resilience and persistence of regionally adapted populations. In this study, we investigated how densities of a marine predator, the harbor porpoise, vary relative to habitat characteristics and whether they respond to large-scale fluctuations in environmental conditions. Vessel-based visual surveys were conducted between 1992 and 2022 in the nearshore waters of the Northern California Current. We developed stock-specific density surface models to examine harbor porpoise distribution relative to environmental covariates and predict density over time. This enabled us to identify long-term, stable spatial hotspots, and evaluate inter-annual fluctuations in density relative to ocean basin-scale climate indices and annual upwelling phenology. Harbor porpoises exhibited stock-specific habitat preferences reflecting regional biogeography. Predicted densities were higher in shallow, nearshore waters, with closer proximity to capes and estuaries, and in response to intermittent upwelling. Harbor porpoise density within our nearshore study region was significantly higher during years with longer and stronger upwelling seasons, and lower during El Niño conditions. Taken together, these findings emphasize the importance of regionally guided population assessment and management, and careful consideration of the potential impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on this sensitive nearshore species and the habitats they rely on in the Northern California Current. The full article is open access, and available online: https://peerj.com/articles/21021/ Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or to request a PDF copy. Cheers, Dawn Dawn R. Barlow, Ph.D. (she/her) Assistant Professor (Senior Research) Marine Mammal Institute | College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Hatfield Marine Science Center | Oregon State University

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Two New Publications on Capitoline Dolphins
by Maria Silvia Labriola 08 Apr '26

08 Apr '26

Dear colleagues, on behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share two of our recent publications on the bottlenose dolphin population inhabiting the Tiber River estuary area (the "Capitoline Dolphins"). Labriola, M. S., Parisi, A., Marinchel, N., Rinalduzzi, S., Turchi, A., Giacomini, G., Pace, D.S. & Russo, T. (2026). *Fishing trawlers drive the fine-scale daytime distribution of bottlenose dolphins at the Tiber River estuary (Western Mediterranean Sea)*. *Marine Environmental Research*, 107996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107996 ABSTRACT Fisheries can strongly alter marine ecosystem dynamics, influencing the ecology and behaviour of top predators such as cetaceans. At the Tiber River estuary (Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequently interact with bottom trawlers operating off the coast of Rome. We combined five years (2019-2023) of boat-based survey data with fishing data derived from the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to assess the influence of trawling activity on dolphin distribution. Spatial and temporal correlations between dolphin presence and fishing effort were analysed using multivariate analysis and overlap metrics. Dolphin occurrence was modelled relative to environmental and vessel-level predictors with generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs), incorporating chlorophyll-a concentration (concurrent and lagged) as a proxy for productivity. In the area where sufficient survey effort was invested, dolphin presence was strongly associated with fishing hotspots, and dolphins shifted farther offshore on trawling days, indicating an ecological switch from nearshore natural resources to trawler-associated prey. Spatial overlap varied markedly among vessels, indicating preferences for certain trawlers. GLMMs identified specific vessels with a significant positive effect on dolphin occurrence, even after controlling for productivity. Catch analysis revealed these vessels landed higher amounts of European hake and common octopus, key dolphin prey species. Findings suggest dolphins exhibit flexible, and possibly socially acquired, foraging strategies in response to fisheries, with trawling acting as a strong driver of their distribution. While adaptive, such associations may reduce natural foraging, alter ecological dynamics, and pose conservation issues. This study provides a fine-scale perspective of fishery-driven behavioural change in dolphins and offers actionable insights for local management under EU marine biodiversity directives. Mattiussi, A., Labriola, M. S., Turchi, A., Rinalduzzi, S., Giacomini, G., Pedrazzi, G., & Pace, D. S. (2026). *Uplifting resources management in conservation: mid-term studies are able to capture the dynamic patterns of site-fidelity and seasonal abundance of coastal cetacean populations*. *Hydrobiologia*, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06141-y ABSTRACT Mid-to long-term research is pivotal for conservation and coastal management yet often undervalued by policymakers and funding bodies. Continuous marine monitoring may be needed to define animal residency patterns and abundance—key information for effective conservation strategies. Here, we used an eight-year (2016–2023) dataset on coastal bottlenose dolphins at Tiber River estuary (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) to examine site-fidelity and estimate population abundance. The work aimed to (1) compare results with a previous, shorter-term study (2017–2020) and (2) test whether extended datasets enhance understanding of population dynamics. Longitudinal photo-identification analysis and site-fidelity metrics (occurrence, monthly/yearly rates, resight rate, periodicity, relative span-time) confirmed three site-fidelity clusters: residents, partially-residents and transients. A first-order Markov chain model revealed a high misclassification risk for partially-residents in short-term studies. Kernel density estimations showed distinct spatial use, with a more coastal occurrence of residents. The updated abundance estimate aligns with previous findings but with a narrowed confidence interval, indicating population stability and improved statistical robustness. These results support the need of multi-year studies for reliable ecological insights and population assessments. We urge policymakers to support longer-term research efforts and consider our findings in future local conservation actions targeting coastal dolphins, key species in marine ecosystems. The first paper is available as open access, whereas the second is not. However, I would be very happy to share a copy upon request; please feel free to get in touch if you are interested. I hope these contributions may be of interest, and I would greatly appreciate any feedback or discussion. With best regards, Maia -- *Maria Silvia LabriolaPhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and EcologyDepartment of Biology - University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, ItalyMail: maria.silvia.labriola(a)uniroma2.it <maria.silvia.labriola(a)uniroma2.it>ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2666-8673 <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2666-8673__;!!O5Bi4…>ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Silvia-Labriola <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Silv…>Lab: https://www.recolab.org/ <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.recolab.org/__;!!O5Bi4QcV!E_Fcpzuwc…>*

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Review of Spatiotemporal Trends in North Atlantic Norwegian Small Vessel Whaling (1948 to 1985)
by Conor Ryan 08 Apr '26

08 Apr '26

Dear Colleagues, Peter Wilson and I are glad to announce the recent publication of our research on historical small-vessel whaling in the North Atlantic: Ryan, C., and P.Wilson. 2026. “Review of Spatiotemporal Trends in North Atlantic Norwegian Small Vessel Whaling (1948 to 1985).” Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems36, no. 4: e70364. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70364. Please get in touch if you would like a pdf. Cheers, Conor Ryan Honorary Research Fellow <https://www.sams.ac.uk/people/fellows/ryan-dr-conor/>, Scottish Association for Marine Science

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NAMMCO Internship Programme – Applications are open
by Ricardo, Intern NAMMCO 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, Applications are open for the NAMMCO Internship Programme<https://nammco.no/nammco-internship/>. The deadline is 1 May 2026. Please feel free to circulate this opportunity among students or early-career professionals who may be interested. This internship offers students and early-career professionals a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international marine mammal management, strengthen their communication and science outreach skills, and contribute to the work of NAMMCO – North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission. The internship provides valuable experience in: * Learning about the management and conservation of marine mammals * Staying informed on the latest research in the field * Expanding your professional network It also supports the development of skills in: * Communication and outreach * Meeting and event organisation * Report writing and website content editing The position is full-time and based at the NAMMCO Secretariat in Tromsø, Norway. A monthly stipend is provided to help cover living expenses. Applicants must be from NAMMCO member countries (Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway) or from EU/EEA countries. The next internship is expected to begin in autumn 2026. Application deadline: 1 May 2026 Application form<https://nammco.no/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nammco-internship_application_…> More information<https://nammco.no/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/nammco-internship_information_…> to submit a complete application. Only complete applications will be considered. Best regards Ricardo de Almeida Mendes Intern NAMMCO – North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Visitors: Sykehusveien 21-23, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Post: POB 6400, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Call for Papers — NAMMCO Scientific Publication series<https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index> Volume 15 is now accepting submissions for Issue 1, Marine mammal abundance: estimates and surveys (survey results and methodological studies), and Issue 2, Marine mammals in the North Atlantic (research supporting conservation and management). Submissions are open. Interested in submitting a manuscript? You can find detailed information on the volume and the submission process here<https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/announcement/view/120>, or you may contact nsp(a)nammco.org<mailto:nsp@nammco.org> for additional inquiries.

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Harbor Seal Ecology in California - M.S. opportunity
by Dawn Goley 06 Apr '26

06 Apr '26

Please share this opportunity with additional information. Thank you. MS position evaluating abundance, distribution, and diet of Harbor Seals in northern California We seek a Master’s student candidate to support research on the evaluation of abundance, distribution, and diet of Harbor Seals in northern California. The student will join collaborators at Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt) in the Departments of Wildlife and Zoology, supported by a grant from the California State University (CSU) Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology (COAST). The successful candidate will collaborate with another graduate student currently working on the project and may also help to oversee and advise undergraduate honors theses in support of the project. This position offers the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project evaluating both marine mammal and fish populations in Humboldt Bay, in northern California. Successful applicants should have experience surveying marine mammals and fishes, operating small, motorized vessels and kayaks in marine conditions, operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and working independently. A modest annual salary is available through a grant provided by CSU COAST to Principal Investigators Drs Dawn Goley and Micaela Gunther, Professors in the Departments of Zoology and Wildlife, respectively, at Cal Poly Humboldt, who will serve as graduate committee members and mentors. California residents may be eligible for the State University Grant to cover in-state tuition. Cal Poly Humboldt is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and the Departments of Wildlife and Zoology are committed to creating inclusive learning environments that recruit, welcome, and train the diverse next generation of wildlife biologists. The Gunther and Goley labs are healthy and safe environments committed to maintaining and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where members are empowered to freely and openly share their different views, ideas, and experiences. Required Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or related field - At least one year of field experience working in this field of study - Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve research goals - Small boat and/or UAV (boating certificate, drone license), or equivalent experience - Generally strong field, mapping, and quantitative skills - Experience conducting fieldwork under challenging conditions (e.g., inclement weather) - An interest in utilizing non-invasive and genetic methods to study marine ecology Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with marine mammal and marine fish surveys - Experience identifying marine fish species using otoliths - Field experience in a leadership role - Experience using GIS and R to manage and analyze wildlife/biological data - Experience managing and analyzing large data sets Interested applicants should send the following materials combined into a single pdf, with last name as title of file, to Dr. Dawn Goley using - Patricia.Goley(a)humboldt.edu - with subject line “Harbor Seal MS 2026”: 1. A letter of research interest that highlights relevant skills, field experiences, and career goals; 2. A cv or resume, including contact information for three references; and 3. Transcripts (unofficial okay) from all undergraduate institutions. The successful applicant will be asked to submit an official application to the Natural Resources – Wildlife graduate program at Cal Poly Humboldt. Anticipated start date is 10 Aug 2026. Applications received by 10 April will be given priority screening. *Dawn Goley, Ph.D.* (she, her)| *Professor of Zoology* | Department of Biological Sciences I Cal Poly - Humboldt I Arcata, California I 95521 I 707-826-4168 | Director of the HSU Marine Mammal Education and Research Program <http://gsp.humboldt.edu/Projects/MMSP/Site1/MMERP.html> and Director of the *HSU Marine Mammal Stranding Program* I HSU Marine Mammal Stranding *Hotline 707-826-3650 and email **marinemammals(a)humboldt.edu* <marinemammals(a)humboldt.edu> I HSU is a Latinx and Chicanx Serving Institution located on the traditional lands of the Wiyot people. ----- To Book an appointment - please use this link: *https://calendar.app.google/xwryhKoYamRVYTDo8 <https://calendar.app.google/xwryhKoYamRVYTDo8>* -----

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New publication: Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts
by Dara Orbach 05 Apr '26

05 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, we are pleased to announce the publication of our new article entitled "Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts" The article is open access using the following link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1771116 McGhee E, Sidorovskaia N, and Orbach DN (2026) Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) whistles and clicks across foraging contexts. Frontiers in Marine Science 13:1771116. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2026.1771116 Abstract: Common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) rely on whistles for group cohesion and coordination and on echolocation for prey detection and capture. In Texas bays, dolphins recurrently feed near shrimp trawlers and along seawalls, where they encounter different anthropogenic noises and prey availabilities. We used passive acoustic monitoring to compare whistles and click trains produced by dolphins foraging in these two human-modified habitats in the Texas Coastal Bend. Whistle sequences near trawlers exhibited greater contour diversity and complexity than those near seawalls, likely reflecting developmental and social influences within large mixed-age aggregations that included calves and young-of-year. Elevated group-level click and buzz activity near trawlers primarily reflected large group sizes rather than increased clicking by individuals, indicating collective echolocation effort. Higher proportions of buzz clicks and buzz-containing trains near trawlers indicate increased foraging effort and repeated prey-capture attempts when exploiting trawler-aggregated prey. Short, sparse, and more variable click trains near seawalls are consistent with exploratory echolocation in a less predictable foraging environment where the benefits of eavesdropping are reduced. The data show that social structure, prey resources, and habitat-specific noise shape communication and echolocation across the two foraging contexts. Best wishes, Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

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Exclusive Marine Mammal Science Program for Adults 55+
by SMMILE 03 Apr '26

03 Apr '26

Aloha! My name is Jessie Hoffman, and I’m reaching out on behalf of SMMILE (Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experiences), a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization focused on immersive marine science education. SMMILE for Seniors is a unique, three-week program designed for adults 55+ who are eager to deepen their understanding of marine mammals through hands-on, field-based learning. Blending academic insight with real-world experience, this program offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from PhD marine mammal scientists and graduate researchers in an intimate setting. Participants will attend three in-depth seminars (June 10, 17, & 24, 5:30-7:30pm) covering key topics in marine mammal science, conservation, and research methods. Beyond the classroom, the experience extends into the field with premium excursions, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (June 12 morning), a chartered marine mammal survey (June 20 morning), and access to the NOAA Inouye Regional Center facility (June 26 afternoon) — opportunities that are rarely available to the public. Participants will also have the option to join a bonus excursion to Kaʻena Point, where they can observe Hawaiian monk seals and learn how to safely view, identify, and report sightings alongside expert instructors. Designed as a mini field course rather than a casual workshop, SMMILE for Seniors emphasizes active participation, direct engagement with researchers, and meaningful exploration of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. Whether you are a lifelong learner, ocean enthusiast, or simply curious about marine science, this program offers an unforgettable and enriching experience. Register here by April 18, with discounted early bird and pair admission options available: https://smmile.betterworld.org/events/smmile-seniors More information about the course here: https://smmiles.org/upcoming-programs#page-2 -- Jessie Hoffman SMMILE Team smmilehawaii(a)gmail.com smmiles.org

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Survey on science communication interests and capabilities of marine mammal scientists
by Andrew Wright 02 Apr '26

02 Apr '26

Dear Marmam, A reminder that the Survey on science communication interests and capabilities of marine mammal scientists closes at 11:59pm, Eastern time 10th April. This is a voluntary, 10-minute survey designed to provide insight on the current interests in science communications of researchers, students, and other professionals who study wild marine mammals and other species, and elements of the reach and capabilities in this area. Data from the responses will be used to develop resources to help marine mammal researchers better communicate their work. Take the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/260396592566167. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me at Andrew(a)VocalEarth.com. Regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. Director Vocal Earth Conservation Marketing VocalEarth.com

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LAMLA V – 10th Anniversary Edition · Mar del Plata, Argentina (Nov 2026)
by Gisela Giardino 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the *5th edition of the workshop Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America (LAMLA V)* will take place *18–20 November 2026* in *Mar del Plata, Argentina*, as part of the *XX Argentine Congress of Acoustics (AdAA2026)*. This edition is particularly meaningful: *LAMLA celebrates its 10th anniversary* since the first workshop organized in Natal, Brazil, in 2016. Over the past decade, LAMLA has grown into the main regional forum dedicated to the study of *passive acoustic monitoring and bioacoustics of aquatic mammals* in Latin America. *LAMLA V will continue this mission*, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers working on the acoustic ecology, communication, monitoring, and conservation of cetaceans, pinnipeds, manatees, and other aquatic mammals across the region. Because this year’s event is hosted in *Mar del Plata*, a major marine research hub, LAMLA V will also benefit from stronger participation of groups working on *animal bioacoustics, hydroacoustics, and interdisciplinary sound-related projects*. All information regarding abstract submission, important dates, venue, and registration is available on the official AdAA2026 website: 🔗 *https://congresoadaa2026.web.app/ <https://congresoadaa2026.web.app/>* We warmly invite the MARMAN community to participate, share ongoing work, and celebrate a decade of building this collaborative network in Latin American marine bioacoustics. Please feel free to circulate this announcement within your teams and networks. Warm regards, *Gisela Giardino* On behalf of the LAMLA V and AdAA Coordination Team -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

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ECS 2026 workshop invitation - Mobilizing citizen science for marine education and conservation (Eleonora Barbaccia & Wiebke Homes))
by Eleonora Barbaccia 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the organizing team of the workshop Mobilizing citizen science for marine education and conservation(ID#19/20PM4) at European Cetacean Society (ECS) 2026, we warmly invite you to participate in our workshop, which will take place on Monday, April 20th from 14-17:30 in Dundee, Scotland. This workshop is designed as an interactive space for researchers and practitioners interested in exploring how citizen science can contribute to marine mammal research, public education, and conservation. The session will combine short presentations, participatory discussion, and breakout activities to reflect on current experiences, shared challenges, and future directions in the field of citizen science. We also hope this session will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify best practices and foster new collaborations among participants working in related areas. Provisional AGENDA: 14:00–14:45 – Welcome, participant introductions, and workshop overview (What even is citizen science?) 14:45–15:30 – Short presentations and case studies Speakers: Sofia Bonicalza, Lorenzo Gordigiani, and Emily Cunningham 15:30–15:45 – Plenary discussion 'Benefits and challenges in citizen science projects for marine mammal conservation' 15:45–16:00 – Coffee break 16:00–16:30 – Breakout group discussions on (1) data quality, (2) participant engagement, (3) ethics and (4) from data to conservation impact. 16:30–17:15 – Plenary synthesis and identification of best practices for effective citizen science 17:15–17:30 – Closing discussion and networking If you are interested in attending, we would be delighted to welcome you. You can find more information about the workshop and how to register on the website of the ECS Conference: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37. The deadline to register is April 10. We particularly encourage participation from colleagues working across different taxa, regions, and methodological approaches, as we believe that a broad exchange of perspectives will greatly enrich the discussion. Thank you very much for your attention. We hope to see many of you there. With best wishes, Eleonora Barbaccia (Politecnico di Milano, Italy) & Wiebke Homes (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany) Eleonora Barbaccia PhD Candidate Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) Politecnico di Milano Campus Leonardo, Ed/Bd 4 Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy eleonora.barbaccia(a)polimi.it | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleonora-barbaccia-0b294a230/> [https://www.areacre.polimi.it/logos/logo_polimi_135.png]<https://www.polimi.it/> [cid:7f891a99-a827-4da0-acfd-d5ba6fcf2694]

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