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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 02 Feb '26

02 Feb '26

Greetings, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the agency's Manatee Management Program. The Manatee Protection Plan Coordinator position is responsible for coordinating with federal, state and county partners during review and implementation of existing County-wide Manatee Protection Plans (MPPs) and the development of new Manatee Protection Plans. This position will assist with coordinating and executing manatee management data collection efforts, analyses of available data for implementation of MPPs and setting up state-wide MPP coordination meetings with county representatives. Responsibilities will also include oversight of the Section's Water-Control Structure and Navigational Locks program to reduce manatee deaths due to the operation of these structures. Coordination with agency representatives during manatee incident reviews as necessary and organizing the annual meeting of the Interagency Water-Control Structure Working Group will be duties of this position. Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-IV-77… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Manatee Management Program Coordinator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> 620 South Meridian Street - 6A Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 922-4330 Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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2026 Dolphin Fleet Seasonal Paid Internship (Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, Andrea Spence)
by Andrea Spence 02 Feb '26

02 Feb '26

Whale Watch Operations & Naturalist Support Location: Provincetown, MA Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, located in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is now accepting applications for Seasonal Paid Interns for the 2026 whale watching season. This 10-week, paid internship runs from late May through August (dates flexible) and offers immersive, hands-on experience aboard an active whale watch vessel while working alongside our experienced crew and naturalist team. This opportunity is open to college students, recent graduates, and anyone 18+ who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a team environment, and has an interest in marine science, ocean conservation, and public education. Applicants with strong interpersonal skills, confidence speaking with the public, and strong organizational abilities are especially encouraged to apply. ------------------------------ Position Overview Interns rotate through multiple onboard roles, gaining experience both on deck and in passenger education. The position averages 40 hours per week and includes weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings. Workdays can be long and physically demanding, especially during peak season, and require adaptability, energy, and a positive attitude. ------------------------------ Is This Right for You? This internship may be a great fit if you: - Enjoy long, active days and working outdoors in varying weather - Are comfortable being on the water and aboard a moving vessel - Work well as part of a close-knit team - Enjoy interacting with the public and sharing information - Can stay organized and focused in a fast-paced environment - Are eager to learn from an experienced maritime and naturalist crew ------------------------------ Responsibilities Deckhand / Galley (approximately 2 days per week): - Operate and manage the onboard galley - Assist with passenger needs, safety, and overall guest experience - Support deck operations as needed - Maintain organization and cleanliness in a busy onboard setting Naturalist Assistant (approximately 2 days per week): - Assist onboard naturalists with marine education and interpretation - Collect, record, and organize whale and marine mammal sighting data used in ongoing whale research efforts - Support behavioral observations and ensure data accuracy during trips - Engage with passengers and assist with public presentations - Optional: Assist with social media and digital outreach, such as capturing photos or short videos and sharing educational content - Develop public speaking, educational, organizational, and outreach skills while working closely with experienced naturalists Additional duties may include general vessel support and teamwork across departments. ------------------------------ Qualifications - Must be 18 years or older - Comfortable working on the water in varying weather conditions - Able to work long days and maintain professionalism throughout shifts - Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills - Interest in marine life, conservation, and education - Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings - Must pass a mandatory drug test ------------------------------ What We Offer - Pay: $16.00 per hour - Paid, hands-on experience in whale watch operations - Training and mentorship from an experienced crew and naturalists - Direct participation in data collection supporting ongoing whale research - Experience in public education and optional outreach - A dynamic, outdoor work environment on the water - Housing is not provided; applicants must secure their own housingoì - ------------------------------ How to Apply Ready to join our team? Please submit the following: 1. Cover letter, including a brief statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs) explaining why you’re excited about this internship and what you hope to gain 2. CV 3. Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional references preferred) Send all materials to: aspence(a)whalewatch.com - Use the subject line: “2026 Whale Watch Internship – [Your Name]” - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority review given to applications received within the first four weeks of posting. Optional: If you have experience with social media, photography, or educational outreach, feel free to include links or examples. -- *Andrea Spence* *Science Coordinator & Naturalist* *Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch*

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Invitation: Dietary Studies Workshop 37th ECS Conference
by Klemens Lisa 02 Feb '26

02 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, In view of the upcoming ECS Conference, I would like to draw your attention to the “Advances in Dietary Studies” Workshop focusing on the feeding ecology of marine mammals. The aim of this workshop is to further collaboration between researchers from various disciplines to present and discuss current research projects, methods, and findings regarding marine mammal foraging ecology. We will focus on traditional approaches and new, innovative methods, while trying to elaborate on their applicability in future research. We are planning an interactive workshop format in which participants can give short, informal presentations (approx. 5–10 minutes) on their ongoing or recently completed projects. These contributions are intended to serve as a starting point for a focussed discussion, particularly regarding: * Traditional methods such as stomach content and scat analyses * Biochemical and molecular approaches (e.g., stable isotopes, fatty acid analysis, DNA metabarcoding) * New technologies such as telemetry, drones, or passive acoustic monitoring * The integration of different data types to study spatial and temporal dietary patterns * Advantages and disadvantages of each method in specific research questions A central objective of the workshop is to identify and discuss methodological challenges, the comparability of studies, and knowledge gaps, especially in the context of climate change, fisheries interactions, and habitat changes. Everyone interested, regardless of career stage or methodological background, is warmly invited to participate. If you are interested in contributing a short presentation or simply joining the discussion, we look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Lisa Klemens & Michael Dähne

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 02 Feb '26

02 Feb '26

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 17th May to end of November 2026. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect scientific data on species, behavior, group structure and reaction to presence of vessel, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification methodology, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Use of UAV’s for marine mammals research. - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit organization. For more information on internship fees for the 2025 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork (5 days per week); - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English (mandatory); - Participate for minimum 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, AIMM Team [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 964464657 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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New publication on brucellosis in dolphins from the Mediterranean Sea
by Ignacio Vargas Castro 31 Jan '26

31 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our most recent publication. *Vargas-Castro I*, Andrés-Barranco S, Crespo-Picazo JL, Torre-Fuentes L, Jiménez-Martínez MA, Hernández M, Arbelo M, Álvarez J, Muñoz PM, Marco-Cabedo V, de Miguel MJ, López D, Muñoz-Baquero M, García-Párraga D, Barasona JA. *Towards integrated surveillance of marine brucellosis: diagnostic and phylogenetic assessment of Brucella ceti in stranded dolphins of the Western Mediterranean Sea*. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2026. You will find the open access publication at the link: https://doi.org/10.1155/tbed/2075116 *Abstract*: Reports of brucellosis in free-ranging cetaceans are increasing worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. To enhance diagnostic accuracy and epidemiological understanding of cetacean brucellosis in the Western Mediterranean Sea, we analyzed bacteriological, serological and molecular data from 30 cetaceans belonging to three different species stranded along the coast of the Valencian Community (Spain) between 2011 and 2021. *Brucella ceti *infection was confirmed by bacteriological isolation in 14 animals (46,7%) and by genus-specific qPCR in 15 cases (50%), with some discrepancies between methods. When feasible, serological analyses were performed using a commercial blocking ELISA and/or the Rose Bengal agglutination test (RBT). In absence of ELISA tests properly validated for its use in marine mammals, we assessed the optimum dilution and cut-off of this ELISA kit using panels of gold-standard sera from culture-positive and brucellosis-free dolphins. From a pathological perspective, 12 infected animals showed moderate to severe meningoencephalitis, or meningoencephalomyelitis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Additionally whole-genome sequencing enabled the identification of two sequence types, ST26 and ST49, indicating phylogenetic divergence. Our findings provide new insights into the phylogenetics of *B. ceti* and highlight the particular susceptibility of striped dolphins to this bacterium. The study also evidences the need for proper validation of the indirect diagnostic methods used for surveillance and seroepidemiological studies of brucellosis in marine mammals. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions you may have. Kind regards, Ignacio Vargas-Castro *Ignacio Vargas Castro *[image: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8721-3150] <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8721-3150> DVM, PhD Viral Immunology and Preventive Medicine Unit (SUAT) VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre & Animal Health Department Universidad Complutense Madrid Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n. 28040 Madrid. Spainignavarg(a)ucm.eswww.sanidadanimal.info <https://www.sanidadanimal.info/en/> This message is private and confidential and it is intended exclusively for the addressee. If you receive this message by mistake, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please inform the sender and delete the message and attachments from your system, as it is completely forbidden for you to use this information, according to the current legislation. No confidentiality nor any privilege regarding the information is waived or lost by any mistransmission or malfunction. The personal data herein will be collected in the file "Correoweb", under the ownership of the Vice-Rectorate for Information Technologies, in which those interested may exercise their right to access, rectify, erasure or right to object the contents (article 15-21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, General Data Protection Regulation). Before printing this mail please consider whether it is really necessary: the environment is a concern for us all.

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Quick Announcement ECS Dundee 2026
by Mariel tendoeschate 30 Jan '26

30 Jan '26

Dear all, We are working hard to curate a fabulous scientific programme for the conference, and are hoping to let authors know the outcomes of their abstract submissions no later than the 17th February. Please find the latest conference news here: Quick Announcement Letter<https://sway.cloud.microsoft/ICaGyOSZi8XBhbrN?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 for: * Students * Call for volunteers closes this Sunday 1st February 2026 * Exclusive low rate student accommodation now bookable * Exhibitors and sponsors * Those wishing to contribute to video night --> submit your videos now! 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 co-chairs of the LOC. [cid:image001.png@01DC91FB.239C31D0]

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New publication: Epigenetic Age Estimation for Hawaiian False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Absence of ‘Known-Age’ Individuals
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the online publication of the following paper: Martien, K.K., R.W. Baird, K.M. Robertson, M.A. Kratofil, S.D. Mahaffy, K.I. West, S.J. Chivers, and F.I. Archer (2026). Epigenetic age estimation for Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the absence of ‘known-age’ individuals. Molecular Ecology Resources, 26:e70099. Abstract: Epigenetic aging models hold great promise for enhancing many aspects of wildlife research and management. However, their utility is limited by the need to train models using known-aged animals, which are rare among wildlife species. We present a novel approach to developing methylation-based age prediction models that enables us to train models using samples from individuals whose chronological age is estimated with uncertainty based on photo-identification catalog data. Our approach incorporates this uncertainty into model training by representing the age of each individual with a probability distribution rather than a point estimate. We similarly represent the methylation profiles of individuals as binomial distributions and produce a distribution of predicted age for each sample that reflects the uncertainty in both its age and methylation profile. We compared age models trained using a wide range of parameterizations, training data sets, and analytical methods to determine how well they predicted the catalog-based age estimates. The resulting model has a median absolute error of 1.70 years, outperforming many published clocks trained with known-age samples. This approach significantly expands the range of species for which accurate methylation-based age models can be developed, particularly those of conservation concern where known-age samples are limited. By producing distributions of predicted age, it also enables researchers to accurately communicate the uncertainty in their age estimates to subsequent data users. The paper is Open Access at Molecular Ecology Resources and can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.70099. If you have any trouble accessing the PDF, please contact Karen Martien ( Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov) -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA 858-546-7058 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics *I sometimes work irregular hours, but I respect your work schedule and do not expect an action or reply outside of your working hours.*

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paid summer positions - Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program
by Vanessa Mintzer 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program in Texas, USA, is recruiting for two summer 2024 paid opportunities: Research Assistant - The Galveston Bay Foundation is seeking a temporary summer research assistant (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program. The Research Assistant will help with the collection, entry and analysis of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position will entail a combination of field and office work (both in-person and remote). They will also supervise and train citizen scientists. Previous marine mammal field research and photo-identification experience are required. Research Intern - The Environmental Institute of Houston is seeking a dedicated summer research intern (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program. The intern will help with the collection and management of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position consists of a combination of field and office work. Previous wildlife management and/or marine mammal coursework, field and photo-identification, and boat handling experience are highly desirable. Details for both positions are available here: https://galvestonbaydolphin.org/summer-2024-opportunities/. Applications are due March 8, 2024. Applicants must be a United States citizen or have permanent resident alien status. The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program is a collaboration between the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Visit galvestonbaydolphin.org to learn more. Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Director of Research Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Galveston Bay Foundation Direct: 352-359-5633 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565 vmintzer(a)galvbay.org<mailto:vmintzer@galvbay.org> galvestonbaydolphin.org

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New publication on passive acoustic localization and tracking of Rice's whales
by Ludovic Tenorio-Hallé 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication: Tenorio-Hallé, L., Frasier, K. E., Frouin-Mouy, H., Garrison, L. P., Gruden, P., Hildebrand, J. A., Nosal, E.-M., & Soldevilla, M. S. (2026). *A framework for passive acoustic localization and tracking using a wide-baseline array demonstrated with Rice’s whales (Balaenoptera ricei).* *The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 159*, 802–815. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0042189 *Abstract* Passive acoustic localization and tracking provide valuable information for characterizing the behavior of marine mammals. When using time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) localization on a wide-baseline array, certain factors such as stereotyped vocalizations from multiple callers and sparse array configuration, can make the call association problem challenging. A “track-before-detect” localization and tracking framework is presented in which this challenge is addressed by taking a hard-association approach and performing the tracking in the TDOA domain. The framework is demonstrated on low-frequency stereotyped calls produced by Rice's whales (*Balaenoptera ricei*) recorded along the shelf break offshore of northwest Florida. Using the framework, a total of 398 whale tracks were extracted between May and August 2021. A median inter-call interval of 5.8 min was estimated from the calls identified in each set of TDOA tracks. Analysis of 1731 h from 368 two-dimensional tracks showed that whales primarily swam along, rather than across, the continental shelf break, with a mean horizontal swim speed of 0.9 m/s (standard deviation ± 0.6 m/s). By providing quantitative estimates of Rice's whale behavioral parameters, these results illustrate the utility of the developed passive acoustic localization and tracking framework. If you would like a copy, please do not hesitate to reach out. Best regards, Ludovic Tenorio-Hallé, Ph.D. Associate Research Scientist | Marine Conservation Research

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Hybrid course: GLMMs & GAMMs for marine mammal research (March 2026)
by Alain Zuur 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, We’re happy to announce an upcoming hybrid course that is directly relevant to*marine mammal research and conservation*: Introduction to GLMMs and GAMMs with R - With applications to spatial, temporal, and spatial-temporal marine data 2–6 March 2026, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia (or join online via Zoom) This is a hands-on, applied course aimed at researchers working with marine mammal data who want to use GLMMs and GAMMs in practice, rather than get lost in theory or heavy maths. The focus is on understanding what these models are doing, how to fit them in R, and how to interpret and visualise the results in an ecological and conservation context. Throughout the course, we use*examples and exercises drawn from marine mammal research and related marine ecology*, including data structures commonly encountered in marine mammal studies: repeated observations of individuals or groups, spatially structured survey data, time series, and overdispersed count data. We start with a short refresher on multiple linear regression and generalised linear models, then move on to generalised additive models (GAMs), which are widely used in marine mammal science to model non-linear relationships with space, time, and environmental covariates. We then introduce mixed-effects models for grouped and repeated-measures data — for example, multiple observations from the same individual, pod, site, or survey — before bringing everything together in generalised additive mixed models (GAMMs). In the final part of the course, we apply these models to*spatial, temporal, and spatial-temporal marine data*, using realistic examples with different response types, including continuous measures and count data, as commonly used in marine mammal abundance, distribution, and activity studies. Across five modules, we cover: * How GAMs work, including model selection and smoother interactions, with marine examples * Linear mixed-effects models and Gaussian additive mixed models for repeated and grouped marine data * Hierarchical GAMs (the GAM equivalent of random-slope models), useful for individual- or site-level variation * Poisson and negative binomial GLMMs and GAMMs for count data (e.g. sightings, detections, events) * Applications to spatial and spatial-temporal marine data * Guidance on analysing binary, proportional, and continuous data relevant to marine mammal studies (time allowing) All analyses are done in*R*, mainly using the*mgcv*and*glmmTMB*packages. Each module includes practical exercises with real data and fully annotated R scripts. Before the course starts, participants also receive access to preparatory materials (short videos and exercises) covering linear regression, Poisson GLMs, model validation using DHARMa, and variograms. PDF copies of all theory slides are provided. As part of the course, we include a*free 1-hour one-to-one video meeting*, where you can discuss your own marine mammal data or analysis questions with one or both instructors. *Venue:*James Cook University, Townsville Campus, Australia (hybrid format) *Dates & times:*2–6 March 2026, 09.00–16.00 (local time) *Price:*£500 *Instructors:*Dr. Alain Zuur and Dr. Elena Ieno Registration: highstat.com Please feel free to share this with colleagues working in marine mammal research and conservation who may find it useful. Kind regards, Alain Zuur Highland Statistics Ltd.

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