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Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Courses Info 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/joint-species-distribution-modelling-jsdm01/ Delivered by Dr. Bastien Parisy, a community ecologist at the University of Helsinki whose research focuses on plant–soil interactions, community ecology, and environmental change. His work combines field ecology with advanced statistical methods, including Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs), Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC), and ecological network analysis. Learn how to analyse complex marine communities using Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) and Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) in R, with methods that are highly applicable to marine mammal research. Marine mammals exist within complex ecological communities influenced by oceanographic conditions, prey distributions, habitat characteristics, and interactions with other marine species. Traditional species distribution models analyse each species independently, often overlooking the ecological relationships that shape marine ecosystems. Joint Species Distribution Models provide a powerful hierarchical framework for modelling multiple species simultaneously, enabling researchers to investigate environmental responses, species co-occurrence, functional traits, spatial structure, and community dynamics. This course provides comprehensive, hands-on training in HMSC, one of the leading frameworks for analysing complex marine communities. What you'll gain * A thorough understanding of Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDMs) and the HMSC framework * Practical experience building hierarchical community models in R * Skills in incorporating environmental variables, species traits, spatial structure, and community-level responses into JSDMs * Understanding of species co-occurrence, residual associations, and community assembly processes * Confidence interpreting JSDM outputs and evaluating model performance Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on coding using real ecological community datasets * Interactive practical exercises throughout * Strong focus on applied, research-ready workflows Who is this course for? * Marine mammal researchers * Marine ecologists and conservation biologists * Researchers studying cetaceans, pinnipeds, and marine ecosystems * PhD students and quantitative marine scientists * Anyone interested in applying hierarchical community models to marine ecology Why take this course? Marine mammal conservation increasingly depends on understanding ecosystem-level processes rather than focusing solely on individual species. JSDMs enable researchers to investigate how oceanographic conditions, prey communities, habitat characteristics, and broader marine biodiversity jointly influence marine mammal distributions and ecological interactions. These models are becoming increasingly valuable for ecosystem-based management, biodiversity monitoring, habitat suitability assessments, and evaluating the impacts of climate change and human activities on marine ecosystems. This course equips you with the practical skills needed to construct, fit, interpret, and validate Joint Species Distribution Models using HMSC in R. Whether you're studying prey–predator relationships, marine biodiversity, habitat suitability, ecosystem responses to climate change, species co-occurrence, or conservation planning, you'll gain the analytical toolkit needed to confidently analyse complex marine communities using state-of-the-art hierarchical models. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Joint Species Distribution Modelling (JSDM) using HMSC: A Hierarchical Modelling Approach (JSDM01) https://prstats.org/course/joint-species-distribution-modelling-jsdm01/ Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Oliver Hooker Managing Partner [signature_68833404] Advanced Training for Researchers in the Life Sciences coursesinfo(a)prstats.org <http://oliver@prstats.org/> | www.prstats.org<http://www.prstats.org/>

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Introductory and Advanced QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (IQGI01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Courses Info 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Introduction to QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (IQGI01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-qgis-and-spatial-data-analysis-w… Delivered by Dr. Nick Bearman, an internationally recognised GIS specialist, educator, and consultant with extensive experience delivering spatial analysis training for universities, government organisations, and environmental researchers. Nick specialises in QGIS, spatial data visualisation, GIS workflows, and reproducible geospatial analysis. Learn how to use QGIS to visualise, manage, analyse, and communicate spatial data for marine mammal research and conservation. Spatial analysis plays a central role in modern marine mammal science, supporting studies of habitat use, movement ecology, migration, population monitoring, passive acoustic monitoring, and conservation planning. QGIS provides a powerful, free, and open-source platform for managing marine spatial data, integrating environmental datasets, producing publication-quality maps, and developing efficient GIS workflows. This course provides hands-on training in QGIS, with methods that are highly applicable to marine mammal research and marine conservation. What you'll gain * A solid foundation in QGIS and GIS principles * Practical experience working with vector and raster marine datasets * Skills in importing, managing, editing, querying, and visualising spatial data * Confidence producing high-quality maps suitable for publications and reports * Understanding of core spatial analysis workflows commonly used in marine ecology Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on practical exercises using real spatial datasets * Interactive demonstrations throughout * Strong focus on applied, research-ready GIS workflows Who is this course for? * Marine mammal researchers * Marine ecologists and conservation biologists * Researchers studying cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine vertebrates * PhD students and quantitative marine scientists * Anyone wanting to develop practical GIS skills using QGIS Why take this course? Marine mammal research relies heavily on spatial data collected from satellite telemetry, vessel surveys, passive acoustic monitoring, drones, aerial surveys, and environmental monitoring programmes. GIS has become indispensable for mapping distributions, analysing habitat preferences, assessing migration routes, identifying biologically important areas, and evaluating the effects of human activities such as shipping, fisheries, and offshore development. This course equips you with the practical skills needed to confidently work with marine spatial data using QGIS. Whether you're mapping cetacean sightings, analysing telemetry tracks, integrating oceanographic variables, visualising passive acoustic monitoring data, supporting marine spatial planning, or preparing publication-quality figures, you'll gain the GIS skills needed to build efficient, reproducible spatial workflows for marine mammal research. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Introduction to QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (IQGI01) https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-qgis-and-spatial-data-analysis-w… Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Advanced QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (AQGI01) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/advanced-qgis-and-spatial-data-analysis-workflow… Delivered by Dr. Nick Bearman, an internationally recognised GIS specialist, educator, and consultant with extensive experience delivering advanced spatial analysis training for universities, government organisations, and environmental researchers. Nick specialises in QGIS, spatial data visualisation, GIS workflows, and reproducible geospatial analysis. Develop advanced QGIS skills to analyse complex marine spatial datasets, automate GIS workflows, and support cutting-edge marine mammal research and conservation. Modern marine mammal research increasingly relies on sophisticated spatial analyses that integrate telemetry, passive acoustic monitoring, oceanographic variables, remote sensing, habitat models, and survey data. As datasets become larger and more complex, researchers need efficient, reproducible GIS workflows that extend well beyond basic mapping. This course provides advanced, hands-on training in QGIS, with methods that are highly applicable to marine mammal ecology, movement analysis, and marine conservation. What you'll gain * Advanced QGIS skills for analysing complex marine spatial datasets * Practical experience with advanced vector and raster analysis workflows * Skills in spatial joins, overlays, geoprocessing, automation, and advanced data management * Confidence integrating multiple environmental datasets into reproducible GIS workflows * Experience producing publication-quality maps and professional spatial outputs Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on practical exercises using real spatial datasets * Interactive demonstrations throughout * Strong focus on advanced, research-ready GIS workflows Who is this course for? * Marine mammal researchers * Marine ecologists and conservation biologists * Researchers studying cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine vertebrates * PhD students and quantitative marine scientists * Anyone with prior QGIS experience looking to develop advanced GIS skills Why take this course? Advanced GIS has become an essential component of marine mammal science. Researchers routinely combine satellite telemetry, vessel surveys, passive acoustic monitoring, environmental layers, bathymetry, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration, and other spatial datasets to investigate habitat use, migration, foraging ecology, species distributions, and the impacts of climate change and human activities. Efficient spatial workflows are also increasingly important for marine protected area design, environmental impact assessments, and conservation planning. This course equips you with the advanced GIS skills needed to confidently manage and analyse complex marine spatial data using QGIS. Whether you're modelling habitat suitability, analysing movement trajectories, integrating oceanographic datasets, supporting marine spatial planning, evaluating anthropogenic impacts, or creating high-quality maps for publications and reports, you'll gain the practical expertise to build efficient, reproducible workflows for marine mammal research. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Advanced QGIS and Spatial Data Analysis Workflows (AQGI01) https://prstats.org/course/advanced-qgis-and-spatial-data-analysis-workflow… Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Oliver Hooker Managing Partner [signature_68833404] Advanced Training for Researchers in the Life Sciences coursesinfo(a)prstats.org <http://oliver@prstats.org/> | www.prstats.org<http://www.prstats.org/>

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Path Analysis, Structural Equations, and Causal Inference for Biologists (PSCB04) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Courses Info 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Path Analysis, Structural Equations, and Causal Inference for Biologists (PSCB04) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/path-analysis-structural-equations-and-causal-in… Delivered by Prof. Bill Shipley, Professor Emeritus at the Université de Sherbrooke, internationally recognised for his pioneering work in causal inference, path analysis, and structural equation modelling in biology. He is the author of the widely used textbook Cause and Correlation in Biology and has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers. Learn how to use path analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), and causal inference to investigate complex ecological relationships in marine mammal research. Marine mammal ecology is shaped by intricate interactions between environmental conditions, prey availability, anthropogenic pressures, behaviour, physiology, and population dynamics. Traditional regression approaches often struggle to disentangle these interconnected relationships. Path analysis and structural equation modelling provide a rigorous framework for testing causal hypotheses, quantifying direct and indirect effects, and evaluating competing ecological models. This course provides comprehensive hands-on training in modern causal modelling using R, with methods that are highly applicable to marine mammal research and conservation. What you'll gain * A strong understanding of path analysis, structural equation modelling, and causal inference * Practical experience fitting piecewise and covariance-based SEMs in R * Skills in constructing, testing, and interpreting causal models using ecological datasets * Understanding of latent variables, d-separation, multigroup models, and model comparison * Confidence in applying causal modelling techniques to marine mammal research Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on coding with real-world biological datasets * Interactive practical exercises throughout * Strong focus on applied, research-ready workflows Who is this course for? * Researchers * Ecologists and conservation biologists * PhD students and quantitative scientists * Anyone interested in applying causal modelling to marine ecological research Why take this course? Marine mammal research frequently involves multiple interacting ecological processes that cannot be adequately captured using simple regression models. Structural equation modelling enables researchers to investigate how oceanographic conditions, prey availability, habitat characteristics, anthropogenic disturbance, physiology, and behaviour interact to influence survival, reproduction, movement, habitat use, and population dynamics through both direct and indirect pathways. This course equips you with the practical skills needed to construct, evaluate, and interpret causal models using modern R-based workflows. Whether you're studying habitat selection, foraging ecology, behavioural responses to disturbance, the impacts of underwater noise, population health, or conservation interventions, you'll gain the analytical toolkit needed to apply path analysis and structural equation modelling confidently to your own marine mammal research. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Path Analysis, Structural Equations, and Causal Inference for Biologists (PSCB04) https://prstats.org/course/path-analysis-structural-equations-and-causal-in… Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Oliver Hooker Managing Partner [signature_68833404] Advanced Training for Researchers in the Life Sciences coursesinfo(a)prstats.org <http://oliver@prstats.org/> | www.prstats.org<http://www.prstats.org/>

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Bioacoustics Data Analysis (BIAC06) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research
by Courses Info 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Bioacoustics Data Analysis (BIAC06) – Applications for Marine Mammal Research https://prstats.org/course/bioacoustics-data-analysis-biac06/ Delivered by Dr. Marcelo Araya-Salas, a behavioural ecologist, bioacoustics researcher, and developer of the widely used warbleR, Rraven, and baRulho R packages for acoustic analysis. Learn how to analyse marine mammal acoustic data in R, with methods that are transforming marine ecology, cetacean research, passive acoustic monitoring, and marine conservation. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has become one of the most important tools in marine mammal research, enabling scientists to detect, identify, and monitor whales, dolphins, porpoises, and pinnipeds over vast spatial and temporal scales. Advances in autonomous underwater recorders and analytical software have revolutionised our ability to study species distributions, migration, habitat use, behaviour, population dynamics, and responses to anthropogenic noise. This course provides hands-on training in modern bioacoustic analysis using R, equipping researchers with practical skills for processing, analysing, and interpreting marine acoustic datasets. What you'll gain * A strong understanding of marine bioacoustic principles and acoustic signal analysis * Practical experience processing and analysing acoustic recordings in R * Skills in generating and interpreting spectrograms and extracting acoustic measurements * Understanding of annotation workflows, quality control, and feature extraction using warbleR, Rraven, and related packages * Confidence in applying bioacoustic methods to marine mammal research and conservation Course format * Live, instructor-led online training * Hands-on coding with real-world acoustic datasets * Interactive practical exercises throughout * Strong focus on applied, research-ready workflows Who is this course for? * Marine mammal researchers * Marine ecologists and conservation biologists * Researchers using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) * PhD students and quantitative marine scientists * Anyone interested in analysing marine acoustic datasets using R Why take this course? Marine mammals rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation, foraging, and social interactions, making bioacoustic analysis fundamental to understanding their ecology and behaviour. Acoustic monitoring has become indispensable for assessing species occurrence, migration patterns, habitat use, behavioural responses, and the impacts of shipping, offshore development, and other human activities on marine ecosystems. This course equips you with the practical skills needed to analyse marine acoustic recordings using modern R-based workflows. Whether you're studying baleen whales, toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, or underwater soundscapes, you'll gain the analytical toolkit needed to process, quantify, visualise, and interpret acoustic data confidently for research, monitoring, and conservation. Learn more & enrol PR Stats course page for Bioacoustics Data Analysis (BIAC06) https://prstats.org/course/bioacoustics-data-analysis-biac06/ Questions? Email: oliver(a)prstats.org Oliver Hooker Managing Partner [signature_68833404] Advanced Training for Researchers in the Life Sciences coursesinfo(a)prstats.org <http://oliver@prstats.org/> | www.prstats.org<http://www.prstats.org/>

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New Publication: Semi-catastrophic moult in the Ross seal
by Alex Grabham 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I’m happy to announce our recent publication: Grabham, A.A., McIntyre, T., Bester, M., Bornemann, H., Lewis, C., Lübcker, N., Postma, M., van Tonder, A. & Wege, M. In Press. First photographic evidence of skin and hair molting as separate components in the Ross seal. Mar. Mammal Sci., e70241. (doi:10.1111/mms.70241) The paper is open access, available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70241 Summary: This study clarifies the molting sub-strategy of a data-deficient Antarctic phocid. Rather than undergoing a catastrophic molt, Ross seals exhibit a consistent epidermal shedding that aligns them with a subset of ice-associated phocids. This finding adds the semi-catastrophic molt as a sub-strategy of pinniped molting and calls for its assessment in other pinnipeds. Why epidermal molting occurs in a semi-catastrophic form and a catastrophic one may relate to thermal constraints. As ice habitats shift under the effects of climate change, understanding the diversity of molting strategies will be essential for predicting the vulnerability of ice-specialized pinnipeds. All the best, Dr Alex Grabham Postdoctoral Fellow: Joyful by Nature Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, New Zealand

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New publication: A super-group of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in a krill no take zone at South Georgia
by Jonathan Reid 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our brief report in Polar Biology documenting A super-group of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in a krill no take zone at South Georgia. Ryan, C., Reid, J., Coleman, J. *et al.* A super-group of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) in a krill no take zone at South Georgia. *Polar Biol* 49, 93 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-026-03534-6 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-026-03534-6 Abstract The Western South Atlantic humpback whale population is almost or completely recovered, following intensive whaling around South Georgia, chiefly between 1904 and 1916. One ofthe consequences of recovery is the formation of foraging super-groups of whales, which are challenging to count. Here, we counted a humpback whale super-group which was observed inside a krill No-Take Zone at Clerke Rocks off South Georgia in November 2025. A Poisson process was used to model the number of expected, apparently random visualcues (whale blows) which were photographed and filmed. Cor-recting for availability bias due to breath-hold diving, we estimated 710 (95% CI: 620–820) humpback whales.Estimating group size separately, by eye, under-counted by 36–53%. The super-group wasreminiscent of a pre-whaling account in 1904 by C.A. Larsen of an exceptionally largeaggregation of humpback whales at the same location. Although an iso- lated observation, it raises the possibility that progressive fisheries measures may be benefiting large krillpredators in a Southern Ocean No Take Zone which merits further investigation. We are happy to provide a pdf, please contact: Dr Conor Ryan miolmor(a)gmail.com Thanks, Jonathan Reid

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[NEW PUBLICATION] Categorizing Alternative Seismic Sources Based on Their Potential to Affect Marine Mammals
by Martin, Morgan J 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Hi All, On behalf of my U.S. federal government co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent publication titled "Categorizing Alternative Seismic Sources Based on Their Potential to Affect Marine Mammals". This article was recently published in a special issue on the Impact of Human Activities on Marine Life in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The article is published as open access and is freely available here: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/14/15/1379 Abstract: Seismic airguns generate high intensity noise that can affect marine life. Emerging alternative seismic sources offer promising opportunities to reduce acoustic impacts, yet their performance and integration into regulatory processes remain poorly quantified. We evaluated four recently developed alternative seismic sources to characterize their acoustic outputs, assess their relative impacts on marine mammals, and classify them within the tiered framework of the Operational National Mitigation Protocol for Geophysical Surveys—developed collaboratively by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). The assessment included three ultra low-frequency (ULF) pneumatic sources (Tuned Pulse Source [TPS], Gemini Source, and Harmony) and a representative marine vibroseis (MV) system. Using NMFS auditory injury and behavioral disturbance thresholds alongside a new (60 s M-weighted sound exposure level) metric, we found that all alternatives produced lower 60 s energy and smaller auditory injury zones than conventional high impact airgun arrays. ULF pneumatic sources concentrate energy below 10 Hz, contributing to reduced exposure at ecologically relevant frequencies. TPS and the Gemini Source align with moderate impact tiers, while Harmony is more similar to higher impact sources. For MV systems, single and dual element configurations are placed in a lower impact tier, though an 18-element array requires further characterization before classification. Remaining uncertainties, including limited behavioral data and incomplete source characterization, highlight the need for continued empirical research. By offering a science-based framework, this work contributes to regulatory modernization, advances efforts to reduce ocean noise, and enables the responsible adoption of emerging “quieter” seismic technologies within a more consistent and streamlined approach Citation: Caplinger, J. E., Martin, M. J., Conrad, A. S., & Staaterman, E. R. (2026). Categorizing Alternative Seismic Sources Based on Their Potential to Affect Marine Mammals. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 14(15), 1379. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14151379 This publication represents a major milestone for the Center for Marine Acoustics (CMA) team, developed in partnership with colleagues at NOAA. Over the past several years, industry has advanced several alternative technologies to traditional seismic airguns. These new sources have reached commercial readiness and, in many cases, demonstrate improved geophysical performance. Our analysis shows that many of these technologies also substantially reduce acoustic impacts on marine mammals. This means their use can lower mitigation requirements and streamline permitting in certain contexts. We are excited to see how this work will support continued innovation, quieter oceans, and more effective regulatory decision‑making. We welcome your feedback or any questions. Have a great day! Cheers, Morgan Martin Morgan J. Martin, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Center for Marine Acoustics<https://www.boem.gov/center-marine-acoustics> [cid:86d6109f-1e3e-4803-bc7d-1c4082cc822c]

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New Publication: Semi-catastrophic moult in the Ross Seal
by Alex Grabham 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

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Survey ECAMMS: Early Career Antarctic Marine Mammal and Seabird Researchers
by Renato Borras 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

DEAR EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS (ECRs), *does your research involve Antarctic or subantarctic marine mammals and/or seabirds? If *so, please continue reading! We have created a survey to identify and quantify ECRs who have conducted or are currently *conducting research on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic marine mammals and seabirds,* and to document the skills and expertise they have developed through their research. The survey aims to establish a stronger communication channel between ECRs and the SCAR Expert Group on Birds and Marine Mammals (EG-BAMM <https://scar.org/science/life/eg-bamm>) and explore options that bridge ECRs with EG-BAMM. Ultimately, it will also help create a platform connecting senior researchers with ECRs working on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic marine mammals and seabirds. You can access the survey HERE <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0gY38UvwcWB3ANgcfHS-tI0SaXM2mL4N…> The results of this survey will be presented to EG-BAMM at the SCAR conference in Oslo (August 2026), and likely published in a scientific journal. *Please do not complete this survey unless your research involves marine mammals or seabirds from Antarctic or sub-Antarctic regions.* The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The deadline for responses is August 3. *Survey responses will be processed anonymously. *However, if you would like to join the official ECAMMS email list, you may provide your name and email address at the end of the survey (section 5) and authorize their use solely for this purpose. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at: renato.borraschavez(a)uri.edu Thank you for your time and participation!! Best, Renato Borras-Chavez, PhD APECS representative at EG-BAMM Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Rhode Island -- Renato F. Borras-Chavez, Ph.D. (he/him/his) Marine Mammal Ecophysiology Postdoctoral Fellow | Kienle Lab | University of Rhode Island Council Member | Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) APECS Representative| EG-BAMM SCAR Group

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New Publication: Diving Behavior of Common Bottlenose Dolphins Around the Main Hawaiian Islands: Individual Variation and Responses to Diel and Lunar Cycles
by Annette Harnish 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to announce the publication of our new paper, “Diving Behavior of Common Bottlenose Dolphins Around the Main Hawaiian Islands: Individual Variation and Responses to Diel and Lunar Cycles”, in Marine Mammal Science. Please feel free to request a PDF copy from us via email at *aharnish(a)cascadiaresearch.org* <aharnish(a)cascadiaresearch.org>. You can find the abstract (in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) below, and at *https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70232* <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70232>. You can also download a copy of the supplemental materials at *https://cascadiaresearch.org/files/Harnish_etal_2026MMS_supplemental.pdf* <https://cascadiaresearch.org/files/Harnish_etal_2026MMS_supplemental.pdf> Annette Harnish Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective *www.cascadiaresearch.org* <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org> CITATION: Harnish, A.E., R.W. Baird, and M.A. Kratofil. 2026. Diving Behavior of Common Bottlenose Dolphins Around the Main Hawaiian Islands: Individual Variation and Responses to Diel and Lunar Cycles. Marine Mammal Science 42(3): e70232. doi: 10.1111/mms.70232 ABSTRACT: Marine mammals navigate their environment both horizontally and vertically, adding an additional layer of complexity to understanding their behavior and developing effective conservation strategies. Here, we use data from 14 tagged common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) from Hawai’i to explore how their diving behavior varies in response to temporal and demographic variables. Overall mean dive depth (for dives ≥50m) was 206m (max=896m), and duration was 5.9min (max=13.6min). However, individual variation was considerable and explained most of the variation in dive depths and durations. Dive rates varied between diel periods, with rates at night more than double those during the day. Dive depths and durations also varied between diel periods, with animals generally conducting their deepest and longest dives during dusk and their shortest and shallowest dives at night. Regular dives to or close to the seafloor occurred in depths of up to 800m, but animals spent the majority of their time in the top 50m of the water column. These findings represent the first baseline data on diving behavior for this species in Hawai’i and will be critical in evaluating potential impacts stemming from planned marine infrastructure development. HŌ‘ULU‘ULU MANA‘O: Hoʻokele nā māmala kai i ko lākou kaiapuni ma ka papakū me ka papamoe, a he kūʻonoʻono ke ʻano o ka maopopo ʻana i kā lākou lawena, i ko lākou ʻano, a pehea e hoʻolālā a hoʻomōhala aku ai i mau kaʻakālai maluō kūpono. I kēia pepa, kālailai aku mākou i ka ʻikepili mai ʻumikūmāhā mau naiʻa nuku poko (*Tursiops truncatus*) o Hawaiʻi i lepili ʻia i mea e kālailai aku ai i ke ʻano o ko lākou luʻu ʻana a pehea e loli ai i hāpane i nā kumuloli kaime a henua. ʻO ka ʻawelike hohonu o ka luʻu ʻana (no nā luʻu i ʻoi aʻe a like paha me ke 50m), he 206m (ka hohonu loa=896m), a ʻo ka lōʻihi he 5.9 minuke (ka lōʻihi loa=13.6 minuke). He nui nō naʻe nā ʻaui ʻana ma nā pākahi, a ʻo ia nō ke kumu nui o nā ʻaui ʻana ma ka hohonu a me ka lōʻihi o ka luʻu ʻana. Ua pā ka heluna o ka luʻu ʻana i ka lā, ʻoi aku, ma ka pālua hoʻi, ka nui o ka heluna luʻu ma ka pō ma mua o ke ao. Pēlā pū ka hohonu a me ka lōʻihi o nā luʻu ʻana, aia nō i ka māhele o ka lā, a ma ka maʻamau, helu ʻia nā luʻuna hohonu a lōʻihi loa ma ka mōlehulehu, a ʻo nā luʻuna pōkole a pāpaʻu loa ma ka pō. Helu ʻia nā luʻuna maʻamau i kokoke i ka papakū ma ka hohonu a hiki i ka 800m, noho naʻe ma kahi o nā 50m o luna o ke kolamu kai i ka hapanui o ka manawa. ʻO kēia mau hua nā ʻikepili kahua mua ma ke ʻano o ka luʻu ʻana no kēia lāhui ma Hawaiʻi, a he mau ʻikepili waiwai a koʻikoʻi nō ma ka loiloi ʻana i nā hopena e pā aku ana paha kēia ʻano kaiāulu i ke kūkulu kumuhana kai e hoʻomākaukau ʻia ana.

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