- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Classifying accuracy of fin whale range estimates from single seismic sensors
by Andreia Pereira 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new article introducing a classification framework to assess and filter fin whale range estimates derived from single seismic instruments: Pereira, A., Marques, C., Hilmo, R., Mellinger, D. K., Wilcock, W. S. D., Marques, T. A., Harris, D. V., & Matias, L. (2026). Classifying accuracy of fin whale range estimates from single seismic sensors. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 159(2), 1430–1445. ABSTRACT: Ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) are used increasingly often to track baleen whale signals, employing single-station ranging techniques such as the three-component (3C) method. By using the orientation of ground motion from OBS components, the 3C method provides robust range estimates of direct-path signals within a validity range that relates to instrument depth. Consequently, the method requires a classification process to determine whether a signal falls within the validity range. Fin whale tracks, composed of 20-Hz notes from six locations, were used to develop and evaluate three classification models: decision trees (DTs), generalized additive models, and neural networks. Models were trained using different data combinations and incorporated a comprehensive set of variables related to channel amplitude, signal quality, polarization, and estimated signal angles. The DT achieved the highest performance, reaching an accuracy of 0.94 on the test data. Key variables for predicting the validity of the 3C ranges included the difference between observed horizontal-to-vertical amplitude ratios and its theoretical value, polarization metrics, and the amplitude of one horizontally oriented OBS component (Y-channel). The resulting framework contributes to improving the utility of seismic data for biological studies, which are critical for marine mammal monitoring and conservation strategies. The paper can be found at <https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0042399> https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0042399. If access is an issue, please feel free to contact me at <mailto:afpereira@fc.ul.pt> afpereira(a)fc.ul.pt<mailto:afpereira@fc.ul.pt> and I can provide a copy.<mailto:afpereira@fc.ul.pt> Cheers, Andreia Pereira -- Andreia Pereira Research Fellow IDL - Instituto Dom Luiz <https://idl.ciencias.ulisboa.pt/>https://idl.ciencias.ulisboa.pt/ Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon Edifício C8 - Room 8.3.20 | Campo Grande | 1749-016 Lisboa | Portugal | +351966321466 Lisbon Dolphins <https://ecco-ocean.com/><https://lisbondolphins.com/>https://lisbondolphins.com/ Associação para as Ciências do Mar <https://cienciasmar.wixsite.com/associacao>https://cienciasmar.wixsite.com/associacao

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VAQS Stranding & Rehabilitation Technician Vacancy
by Erin B. Bates 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

The Virginia Aquarium is currently advertising for an Exhibits Technician II (Stranding & Rehabilitation Technician II). This position serves as a working lead within the Stranding Response Program team of staff, volunteers, and interns in assigned areas or during stranding response events involving live and dead stranded sea turtles and marine mammals. The primary area of responsibility will be rehabilitation as well as other programmatic needs at the time of hire. For more information regarding the position and to apply, please visit the job posting<https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VBGOV&cws=3…>. [Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center logo, linked to VirginiaAquarium.com] <https://virginiaaquarium.com/>

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New publication: Endangered bowhead whales might buffer climate change with individual variability in movement patterns
by Nowak, Benia 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent open access publication: Nowak, B.V.R., Lydersen, C., Heide-Jørgensen, M.P., Trites, A.W., and Kovacs, K.M. Endangered bowhead whales might buffer climate change with individual variability in movement patterns. Sci Rep 16, 6309 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-36908-1 Abstract: Assessing the vulnerability of species to global climate change and their capacity for resilience is a central challenge in ecology. Responses are variable and difficult to predict but understanding the resilience of intrinsically vulnerable species is necessary for management of natural populations. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) have recovered from historical over-exploitation in several Arctic regions. However, the East Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea (EGSB) population remains endangered, with little known about their habitat use, foraging ecology, or potential resilience. We analysed location data from 38 EGSB bowhead whales instrumented between 2017 and 2021. We performed home range analyses, fitted a modified resource selection function, and estimated move persistence to assess the influence of environmental conditions on movement patterns using linear mixed-effects modelling. EGSB bowheads used an offshore, deep-water core area year-round. Movement patterns showed considerable individual variability and suggest this population is not migratory in a classical sense, likely reducing intraspecific competition. Depth, low sea surface temperatures, and sea ice were all influential on habitat use. Both static and dynamic environmental conditions were significantly associated with apparent foraging behaviour. Although the habitat use of EGSB bowhead whales is vulnerable to continued warming, intrapopulation variability in movements might provide a buffer to climate change. Cheers, Benia Nowak, on behalf of all co-authors

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ECS Conference February Newsletter
by Mariel tendoeschate 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Dear all, The decisions are out, and registration for the ECS conference in Dundee is now open! Please find the latest conference news here: February Newsletter<https://sway.cloud.microsoft/1fGsBdelebgnvABy?ref=Link> This, and all previous newsletters are also available on the ECS Conference website --> https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-2026 In this edition you will find important information about: * Pre-conference Workshops * First Keynote Announcement * Accommodation options * Exclusive low rates for rooms are available now, but might disappear in March - so book now to take advantage, this counts for both student and regular members! * Video night --> submit your videos now! * Exclusive offers from HWDT to join their research expedition prior to the conference, as well as things to do while you are in Dundee We recommend following the ECS social media channels for the most recent updates, including when registration opens: https://www.instagram.com/europeancetaceansociety/ https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCetaceanSociety We look forward to seeing you in Dundee, Scotland, in April 2026! Have a lovely weekend! Cheers, on behalf of the entire LOC for ECS 2026, Ailsa Hall, Jo Kershaw, Carol Sparling & Mariel ten Doeschate ECS chairs of the LOC. [cid:51eb8e79-d618-4254-9d84-3ed3944c1938]

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Research MSc advert ATU Galway City, Ireland
by Sinead Murphy 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Sorry for cross posting Hi All, ATU, Galway City, Ireland is recruiting a research MSc student for the following study 'Toxicological Profiling in Cetaceans: Linking Contaminant Burdens to Biological Health Metrics' The position is fully funded for 2.5 years, covering tuition fees and a student stipend. Application Deadline: Wednesday 18th February 2026, 5:00 pm For further details, please see link below. Thanks, Sinéad Postgraduate Research Vacancies - Atlantic Technological University<https://www.atu.ie/research/postgraduate-research-vacancies#toxicological-p…> Dr Sinéad Murphy, Lecturer Marine and Freshwater Research Centre Department of Natural Resources & the Environment School of Science and Computing Atlantic Technological University ATU Galway City, Old Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh OTA Cathair na Gaillimhe, Seanbhóthar Bhaile Átha Cliath, Gaillimh, H91 T8NW sites.google.com/view/sinead-murphy researchgate.net/profile/Sinead_Murphy2 mfrc-atu.ie marinebeacon.eu [cid:7b454ebd-b34f-4a26-a06e-c27a273f8b12] www.atu.ie Confidentiality Note: The information contained in this email and any attachments to it may be legally privileged and include confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately of that fact. Tá an ríomhphost seo faoi réir an tséanta seo leanas atá le fáil ag Séanadh Ríomhphost Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer> This e-mail is subject to the following disclaimer available at Atlantic TU Email Disclaimer<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer>

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New publication – Signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our recent publication in Mammalian Biology: Mosca, O., Methion, S. & Diaz Lopez, B. (2026) Calling out in the crowd: signature whistle production in bottlenose dolphins. Mammalian Biology https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00556-1 Bottlenose dolphins use signature whistles for individual recognition in fission-fusion societies, but contextual drivers remain unclear. We analyzed 1,119 acoustic samples from 15-year monitoring of two contrasting populations using GLMMs to assess effects of location, behavior, group size, and composition. Signature whistle production rose with group size (steeper increase in populations with smaller groups than those with larger ones), modulated by local ecology. Signature whistles were more common during social behavior than traveling, supporting coordination in dynamic interactions. Overall, this work highlights how the production of signature whistles varies with social structure and environmental setting, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of contextual communication in bottlenose dolphins. If you are interested in reading the full article, it is available here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-025-00556-1 or you can request it by email (bruno(a)thebdri.com) Best regards, Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI - www.thebdri.com Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain Tel. 0034 684248552 he/him/his https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0388-3289

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Frenchman Bay Ecosystem Monitoring Internship 2026
by Gary Fagan 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Acadian Boat Tours, Bar Harbor, Maine Frenchman Bay Ecosystem Monitoring Project Acadian Boat Tours is currently looking for an intern to join our team for our fifth research season monitoring the Frenchman Bay ecosystem in Bar Harbor, Maine, June 7 to September 15, 2026. This is an entry-level research position designed to offer experience for scientific individuals, and the ability to develop their professional careers in environmental monitoring and research. The project: This project includes monitoring various aspects of Frenchman Bay to gain a baseline understanding of the bay and to observe long-term changes in the Gulf of Maine. Historically, Frenchman Bay has been a productive hotspot supporting several major fisheries with reports of whales commonly within the Bay. Recent years have seen an absence of megafauna along with a shift in fish and plankton diversity. Multiple land-based sampling efforts have been utilized to observe the environment; this project plans to work in conjunction with those sampling efforts by providing a boat sampling platform. This project plans to utilize the presence data of marine mammals, pelagic birds, fish, and plankton commonly found in Frenchman Bay. Overview of the position: The successful intern will work on our commercial passenger fishing vessel and tour vessels, and when processing data, in our on-site ticket sales location. The majority of the intern’s time will be spent working as a deckhand and onboard scientist. The intern will also work with the scientific coordinator on data maintenance, quality control, and writing up a final report. Description of duties: Upon arrival, the intern will receive boat crew, naturalist, and research training. The successful candidate will be trained on vessel safety operations, vessel deck operations, and customer service in addition to project protocols. Some of the basic responsibilities include but are not limited to: preparing the vessel for the trips, assisting customers with fishing activities, cutting and gutting fish, daily vessel chores, excellent customer service, and ticket sales. As the onboard scientist, the intern will gain experience identifying fish, deploying a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth meter) and Secchi disk, and processing plankton samples. In addition to onboard duties, the intern is also expected to communicate with the State of Maine’s Department of Marine Resources (DMR) about fishing efforts and activities, and the general population of fish. Pay/Compensation: The successful intern will receive compensation based on the number of trips they crew aboard passenger vessels and the number of hours they work post-processing data in the ticket sales location. Plankton data post-processing will be completed at a partner facility and will be for college credit only. Shared seasonal housing may be available to the successful candidate, depending upon availability and compatibility with returning crew, and for a fee. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled in a biology, ecology, and/ or marine science program. Some prior experience with scientific study data collection is preferred but not necessary. While training is provided and no prior boat experience is required, time spent on a boat is also an asset. Customer service experience, while not required, is also highly valued. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew on board US commercial vessels (deckhands, naturalists, and science interns), must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status. Also due to USCG requirements, the intern will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program throughout the duration of the internship. Most importantly, applicants must exhibit a strong work ethic, stay positive and contribute positively to the dock community, remain flexible to changing schedules, demonstrate an ability to work independently, and be comfortable working on boats in a variety of sea states and weather conditions in the cold. To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume/ CV, and two letters of recommendation via email to Kaitlyn Mullen at acadianboattours(a)gmail.com with a subject line of “Frenchman Bay Monitoring Internship 2026”. Deadlines for applications is March 15, 2026.

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Emerging Bioacousticians Days 2026 - Call for Abstracts
by Sarah McCafferty 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Dear colleagues, I hope this message finds you well. I am delighted to invite you to submit abstracts for the *Emerging Bioacousticians Days 2026* (Journes des Jeunes Bioacousticien/nes, JJBA) from now until *April 3rd 2026*. This mini-conference, designed for and by early-career researchers, will take place from *June 16th to 18th in Besançon, France*. Continuing the tradition of previous editions, we invite early-career researchers (undergraduates, PhD students, postdocs or those who have been employed in research for less than five years) to submit their abstracts for the chance to present their research as a poster or oral presentation. Previous editions have seen diverse research from the field of marine mammal bioacoustics. We are proud to announce that the cost of food and hostel-style *accommodation will be covered*, with the registration fee set to *€25*. *Please find the abstract submission form here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdAxvGEtb3KNdV6wmr91C32a72bgXePBU…>.* To support continued popularisation of the field, research can be presented either in the standard *academic format* (oral or poster) or at a *special session dedicated to art* with free presentation format. All abstracts should be written in English, with a maximum of* 300 words. * Subjects covered will include the biological production and perception of sound, animal communication, passive acoustic monitoring, signal processing, propagation modelling, applied bioacoustics, the impacts of anthropogenic noise and more; across a wide range of taxonomic groups including birds, amphibians and cetaceans. Forms received after April 3rd, 2026 will not be accepted. Additional information is available on our website: https://jjbioacoustique.wixsite.com/jjba Thanks for your interest and hope to see you this summer in Besançon! Best wishes, Sarah McCafferty, on behalf of the JJBA organising committee -- Sarah McCafferty MSc in Marine Mammal Science Guest student at The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Secretary of the JJBA conference, 2026

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Applications Open - ORCA Ocean Conservationists - North Sea (Newcastle UK or IJmuiden (Netherlands))
by Kate Weston-McDowell 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

ORCA is looking for four dedicated Ocean Conservationists to join our team onboard DFDS ferries from April to October 2026. This role offers the opportunity to work at sea aboard either the King Seaways or Princess Seaways, sailing across the North Sea. - Departures will be from Newcastle (UK) or IJmuiden (Netherlands), with a 4-weeks-on, 4-weeks-off rotation (see the key dates document for full details). Who is 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. ORCA has partnered with DFDS for over 20 years, giving us a wealth of data and allowing us to inspire countless guests about the wonders of cetaceans. 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. However, you will be integrated into the DFDS entertainment team. For salary details and additional information, please refer to the person specification at the bottom of the vacancy page. 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* via the application form at https://orca.org.uk/vacancies/ocean-conservationist-north-sea - Deadline: Applications close on Monday 2nd March 2026 at 09:00 (GMT). Only complete applications will be considered. - Interviews: Anticipated to take place the week commencing 9th March 2026. - Contact: If you have any questions, please email Kate (Ocean Conservationist Manager) on info(a)orca.org.uk

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New publication: Orcas in Los Ríos Region, southern Chile
by "Keka" Henrike Niebaum 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of my co-author, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of our article on orcas in (southern) Chile in the journal Polar Biology. Citation Niebaum H, Muñoz García NE (2026) Orcas (Orcinus orca Linnaeus, 1758) in southern Chilean Los Ríos Region: a first report—with a discussion of the state of knowledge on the species along the Chilean coast. Polar Biology 49:21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03443-0 Abstract Along the Chilean coast, at least one type of orca (Orcinus orca Linnaeus, 1758) is documented for Patagonia throughout the subtropical North. Here, first land-based anecdotal observations (2014/2015) from Los Ríos Region, northwardly adjacent to the Subantarctic, were complemented by records from a casual citizen science network (2021–2023). The 32 sightings included in the analysis suggest that orcas stay for 1–4, possibly up to 12 days in regional waters, without apparent seasonal patterns. Observed groups consisted of 1–9 (mean: 4.03) individuals. As in northern Chile, predation on South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens Shaw, 1800) includes the facilitation of prey access through purse seiners, and hints on cultural transmission were found. Nonetheless, a larger prey spectrum is suggested, wherein pelagic/demersal species possibly play a role, whereas other cetaceans appear to represent at least no preferred prey. Play and/or training with a live seabird was recorded, but so far no predation on birds. The observations on diet, behavior, and sociobiology reveal similarities not only to orcas in northern through Patagonian Chile, but also to orcas in Argentinian Patagonia, and to Pacific orcas further north. These as well as differences found both within and beyond the region point to the need for intensified studies to examine orca types/type-relatedness, behavior, and ecology—foremost in light of conservation. The article is openly accessible, and the online version contains a supplementary video compilation by my co-author, marine biologist and documentary filmmaker Nicolás Muñoz. We would like to emphasize our gratitude to all the scientific and citizen contributors, without whom this work would not have been possible. Kind regards, -- "Keka" Henrike Niebaum (she/her) Dipl.-Biol., BSc Osnabrück, Germany

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