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New paper on bottlenose dolphin acoustic occurrence/behaviour near FADs and aquaculture structures
by Daniela Silvia Pace 25 Jan '26

25 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Patrizia Patti, Elena Papale, Giulia Pedrazzi, Viola Cossio, Michela Aquilina, Matthew Laspina Parisi, Jean Paul Schembri, Sofia Rinalduzzi & Daniela Silvia Pace (2026). Overlaps of marine predators, aquaculture, and fish-aggregating devices: Passive acoustics reveal site- and time-specific dolphin behavior. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 94, 104793. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2026.104793 Abstract Aquaculture facilities and fishing procedures using floating Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have recently gained increasing attention due to the intensifying practice and ecosystem concerns. However, uncertainty remains regarding the conservation issues for vulnerable megafauna attracted to them. Here, we investigated the acoustic occurrence and behavior of bottlenose dolphins in the proximity of these fishing facilities in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Data were collected between February and October 2024 through autonomous recorders deployed in two fish farms and one FAD along the Maltese island’s eastern coast. Almost 300 h of recordings were analyzed to detect dolphin vocalizations. Results showed that bottlenose dolphins occurred at all sites, with temporal (both seasonal and diel) and site–specific variability, and a higher presence in the FAD proximity compared to the fish farms. Furthermore, the different acoustic behavior displayed close to the FAD compared to the fish farms suggests that the feeding strategy adopted requires higher coordination. The outcomes highlight that fish artificial floating devices, both aquaculture cages and FADs, can represent an increased opportunity for food availability but might have a differential impact on bottlenose dolphin behavior in Maltese archipelago, that should be evaluated to determine the extent of this effect on the conservation of the species for implementing appropriate sustainable management plans of the fish industry that take into account marine mammal presence. Keywords: Fish farms, FAD, Marine megafauna, Bottlenose dolphin, Acoustic behavior, Central Mediterranean Sea Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions regarding our work. With very best wishes, Daniela Silvia Pace -- Daniela Silvia Pace, PhD National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa) Tor Vergata University of Rome Department of Biology - Ecology Lab Via Cracovia, 1 00133 Rome, Italy pace(a)conisma.it daniela.silvia.pace <danielasilvia.pace(a)gmail.com>@uniroma2.it <danielasilvia.pace(a)gmail.com> danielasilvia.pace(a)gmail.com pec: danielasilvia.pace(a)biologo.onb.it mobile: +39 346 1039652 skype: lagenorinco Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5121-7080 Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=it&user=RsYqB5QAAAAJ Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=26664770500 Associate Researcher Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS) National Research Council Via del Mare, 3 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP), Italy Editorial Board Member for BMC Ecology and Evolution https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/about/editorial-board BMC Marine Science https://link.springer.com/journal/44479/editorial-board

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Two New Papers and a Webinar!
by Kathleen Dudzinski 23 Jan '26

23 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to present our two recently published papers. · Themelin, M., & Dudzinski, K. M. (2025). Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) pair swimming positions in non-mother–calf dyads. Behaviour, 1–39. DOI:10.1163/1568539X-bja10333 In this paper, we explore the use of six pair swimming positions (PSP) in bottlenose dolphin dyads based on each partner’s sex and age. The patterns observed suggest each PSP could have different functions in dolphin social interactions. Themelin & Dudzinski (2025) is accessible here: https://brill.com/view/journals/beh/aop/article-10.1163-1568539X-bja10333/a… The second article is in-press and is scheduled to appear in the May issue of Animal Behavior & Cognition · Dudzinski, KM, Themelin, M, Manitzas Hill, HM (2026) The Influence of Dolphin Offspring to a Social Group. Animal Behavior & Cognition, in press We investigated whether presence of pre-weaned calves in a social group influenced activity level and engagement among group members, including but not limited to mother(s). When present, larger dolphin groups were observed with spacing among members dependent upon calf age; groups with younger calves exhibited tighter clusters whereas groups with older calves were loosely spaced. More diverse behaviors, inter-individual contacts, intensity of exchange(s), and number of individuals involved were documented for all groups with calves. These results support the notion that presence of one or more pre-weaned calves enhances the overall well-being and welfare of a dolphin social group. Please contact Dudzinski with questions or to read an in-press preprint. Join us on Monday Jan 26, 2026 @ 5:00 PM ET (NYC/Miami) for a webinar on the pair swimming position paper! DCP Deep Dive: Dolphin Pair Swimming Positions Talk: Dolphin pair swimming positions outside of the mother-calf dyad DCP’s researchers will share their last paper’s results, and more! You’ll learn that not only mother and calf use pair swimming positions (PSPs), but also males with other males or adults with adults. There are at least 6 PSPs that dolphins use in different contexts throughout their lives. Join live to hear more and ask questions! This Deep Dive is geared toward ages 14+, but all are welcome. The recording of this talk will be posted on DCP’s website, YouTube channel, and Vimeo. Live: Monday 26 January 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET (New York, Miami) Zoom Meeting ID: 826 6017 4980 *Password Required* Contact DCP (info(a)dcpmail.org <mailto:info@dcpmail.org>) Kind regards, Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Director, Dolphin Communication Project kathleen(a)dcpmail.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Aquatic Mammals issue 52.1 published and available
by Kathleen Dudzinski 23 Jan '26

23 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM Subscribers. The first issue of volume 52 (52.1) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and was published Thursday, January 15th. We added optional graphical abstracts for articles. Check them out! You will see the new issue on the home page of the journal web site (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>). Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Issue 52.1 contents (** denotes open access): **Takashi Iwata, Taichi Matsumoto, Mayu I. Ogawa, Tomonari Akamatsu, Takahide Araki, and Satoko S. Kimura. (2026). A Possible Example of the Coexistence of Dolphins and Marine Economic Activity in Osaka Bay, Japan. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 1-7. Wanxin Liu, Yipei Wen, Yao Qian, and Lina Tang. (2026). Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Exposure in Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from Ingesting Fish in the Waters of Xiamen Bay. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 8-19. **Alex Vallejo-Ham, Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, and Ana L. Pinel. (2026). Fatal Asphyxiation with Plastic Debris in a Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra, Gray, 1846) off the Coast of Honduras, and First Record of the Species for the Country. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 20-26. Louise Heitzmann, Pablo Pezzino, Aurélie Célérier, Ana Rubio-Garcia, Jean-Yves Barnagaud, and Sylvia Campagna. (2026). Behavioural Response of Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pups in Captivity to Food-Related Chemical Cues. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 27-32. **Nicole L. Sears, Stephen D. McCulloch, Holli C. Eskelinen, and Brian C. Balmer. (2026). Seasonal Distribution, Occurrence, and Site Fidelity of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in the Upper Florida Keys. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 33-46. **Patricia Gozalbes Aparicio, Raúl Míguez-Lozano, Juan Antonio Raga, Jose Luis Crespo Picazo, Francisco Muñoz, Mariana Saubidet, Emma Plá González, and Francisco Javier Aznar. (2026). Spirit in Motion: A Flukeless Bottlenose Dolphin Survives for Over Two Years in the Western Mediterranean. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 47-53. **Irina S. Trukhanova, Alexey V. Altukhov, and Vladimir N. Burkanov. (2026). Spotted Seal (Phoca largha) Abundance and Size Composition at Summer Haulouts in the Southwestern Bering Sea. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 54-69. **Jessica N. Lewis, Heidi Lyn, Lindsey E. Johnson, Drew T. Suffoletta, Kailey M. Pamperin, Rachel M. Giordano, and Moby Solangi. (2026). Instances of Human Interaction in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 70-78. Yoshihiro Tanaka. (2026). Right Whale Remains from the Holocene (Quaternary) of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Northern Japan. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 79-83. Nicolás E. Álvarez-Herrera, Dalia C. Barragán-Barrera, Camilo E. Ortiz-Vásquez, Ann Carole Vallejo, Nohelia Farías-Curtidor, Edwin Gonzáles Murillo, Luis Antonio Lloreda, Yerson Gonzáles Murillo, Alan Giraldo, and Jennifer Bachmann. (2026). Using Community Science and Photo-Identification to Assess Cetacean Skin Health in the Northern Colombian Pacific. Aquatic Mammals, 52(1), 84-99.

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Global Policy and Conservation of Marine Mammals (Study Abroad Course New Zealand)
by Jennifer Lewis 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

WANT TO PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS FROM EXTINCTION? THEN TAKE THIS CLASS! GLOBAL POLICY AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS (New Zealand Summer 2026) Watch video: New Zealand Marine Mammals https://vimeo.com/1157117005 Hosted through George Mason University (Virginia, USA), this 6-credit course will take place in summer 2026 (July 4-Aug 1) on the South Island of New Zealand. It can be taken as undergraduate or graduate course (from any institution), and at any stage of your career (students or professionals). WHAT WILL YOU GET? 1. Significant practice in critical thinking for brainstorming solutions. The class is structured to teach about all marine mammals listed as endangered by the IUCN. Students become familiar with each case in detail, including the laws that are available to protect each, the historical and current situations, the stakeholders involved in each case, and what has been done to date. Students are led in discussion-based problem solving for each species case, and brainstorm about what worked, what did not, and what more could be done. Leave with practice on many very different situations, with a tool kit of ideas. Prepared for solution development in species or resource management. 1. Gain field experience learning how to fully investigate conservation issues. Conservation solutions require a detailed understanding about the species, the issues facing them, and the people involved. And the only way to gain that knowledge is by examining firsthand. As a part of this class, students will be trained to research and to collect data relevant for conservation questions focusing on the species off the coast of New Zealand (including sperm whales, Hector’s dolphins and the NZ fur seal). This will be at sea (for cetaceans) and on land (for pinnipeds). Field exercises will also involve learning about stakeholders for these species and the social, cultural and economic aspects that are important to consider in conservation (e.g., learning from the indigenous Māori about their ecotourism business on sperm whales). 1. Networking with world renown managers, lawyers, researchers, and other experts. Joining us in person or over zoom, students will learn from the people working right now to save marine mammals from disappearing forever. 1. Practice developing action plans. As a final project we work as a team to research one specific conservation problem in New Zealand or elsewhere, collecting information on the issue. Students then develop a detailed action plan to give to resource managers. BONUS 1: IT’S IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!! One of the most gorgeous spots on the globe, perfect for people who love exploring the outdoors from the sea to the land. Picked as the location to film LOTR for a good reason. It is off the charts in natural beauty. BONUS 2: Dr. Lewis will work with all students enrolled to locate a suitable internship pre or post trip. Might as well get the most bang for your buck! Think NZ, Australia or even SE Asia. This is not part of the class (and is optional). But something very cool to consider. BONUS 3: July is THE migration season month. Meaning we will get the most species sightings, on TOP of what we will be going to target for the class projects. This can include humpbacks, southern right whales, pilot whales and more. AND….its the end of pupping season so all age classes of the pinnipeds will be present on the haul outs. Who doesn’t love a baby animal? Locations visited will be on the South Island NZ, in Christchurch, Kaikoura and Akaroa. The course is structured to give 3-day weekends at each location so exploring during the trip is easy and HIGHLY recommended. Students can also arrive early or stay late to explore more (also highly recommended). Cost (4995USD). This total cost includes payment for tuition for six credits (at in-state rate for everyone 2598USD). The remaining 2397USD covers lodging for the entire trip (one month), all ground transportation (taxis and buses to locations), and our trips to sea (4 trips), trips to monitor and observe fur seals, and the cost of lecture halls. Lodging at all three locations is in apartments (2- 3 students to an apartment, each with separate beds and sometimes bedrooms) with kitchens to help cost savings for students. Payments not due until summer semester begins for George Mason University (and these can be divided into multiple payments). Airfare is not included in this total. Dr. Lewis will work with all students to get the best flight deals possible (sharing all her travel hacks) and prices may be lower than usual because it is the off season for NZ. Financial aid can be applied to this, including GI benefits. If you are a student, and if you consider that you likely spend 2K a month for rent and bills and transport and fun (if in USA), then why not pay a cheaper tuition amount (in state rate for everyone) and spend the living expense cash in a MUCH more amazing space on the adventure of a lifetime. Cap at 16, so grab your spot now and reserve with a deposit (200USD) that is applied to final balance. Application deadline March 1. Be aware the class fills quickly and has had a waitlist the past two years. If you are interested, complete the application now. O To apply go to the following link and click APPLY NOW: https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngula… To learn more, contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis through email (jlewis33(a)gmu.edu<mailto:jlewis33@gmu.edu>) or WhatsApp: +17039752661 You can also join an upcoming information session: THURSDAYS (Feb 5, 12 and 19) @19:00EST (time zone = Washington DC) https://gmu.zoom.us/j/94744549530 Jennifer Lewis, PhD Department of Environmental Science and Policy George Mason University

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Response Volunteer Manager - Applications Open! (The Marine Mammal Center)
by Sarah Tatum 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Greetings all, The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Response Volunteer Manager at our Sausalito location! Please see the details and the link to apply, below: We’re Hiring! Response Volunteer Manager, NRO Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: Northern Range Operations Senior Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: * This is a full-time position. * Regular onsite work is required. * Work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday. * Days and hours of work may vary according to the needs of The Marine Mammal Center. * Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required as job duties demand. * Travel within California is expected for this position. Compensation Range: $70,720 - $76,897 annual Benefits: * Holidays * Sick Time * Vacation * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * Long Term Disability Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * Employee Assistance Program Job Summary: The Response Volunteer Manager, NRO is responsible for leading volunteer-driven marine mammal response operations and strengthening volunteer capacity across The Marine Mammal Centers Northern Range Operations (NRO) from San Mateo County through Mendocino County, in support of Field Operations and Response (FOR) program readiness. They oversee volunteer onboarding, training, scheduling, retention, and readiness, leading and supporting more than 200 volunteers in various roles engaged in assessment, rescue, and transport. Working in close partnership with the Northern Range Operations Senior Manager, this role ensures consistent volunteer capacity, operational alignment, and continuous improvement of operational practices, and leads community engagement and outreach activities that increase public awareness, responsible reporting, and an increased volunteer pipeline. Through this work, the Response Volunteer Manager, NRO directly advances the Center’s mission and strategic priorities. Click Here to Apply!<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3849001/Marine-Mam…> OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Specialist TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Response Apprentice - Applications Open! (The Marine Mammal Center)
by Sarah Tatum 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Greetings all, The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Response Apprentice at our Castroville location! Please see the details and the link to apply, below: We’re Hiring! Response Apprentice Location of Position: Castroville, California Reports to: Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: * This is a temporary, hourly position. * This position is 20 hours per week, for a 6-month fixed term, approx.: March - September 2025. * Days of work are generally Saturday to Wednesday. * Evening and weekend work are required. * Some travel within California may be expected for this position. Compensation Range: $20.00 - $21.00hr. Benefits: * Sick Time * 401k Retirement Plan * The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program) Job Summary: The Response Apprentice will contribute meaningful support to the response & animal care of marine mammals at our Castroville Operations at The Marine Mammal Center.  The 6-month apprenticeship provides a high-level view of community powered conservation while supporting the advancement of the mission and strategic priorities of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs. Click Here to Apply!<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3837325/Marine-Mam…> OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Specialist TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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IMMS Stranding Internship
by Callie Austin 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Hello, My name is Callie Austin and I am the internship coordinator for the Stranding department at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, located in Gulfport Mississippi. The IMMS Stranding Department is currently accepting applications for our Summer internship program. This program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable hands-on stranding experience. As an intern, you will be involved with all aspects if marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation and stranding response, as well as veterinary care if the opportunity arises. IMMS Stranding interns will may also have the opportunity to participate in sea turtle nesting surveys starting in late April. These surveys run throughout the summer months. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including shadowing staff in our research, aquarist, reptile care, and animal care departments. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine animal stranding and rehabilitation. Interested applicants will find full details and how to apply on our website https://imms.org/internship/ (Deadline is March 1st). Please feel free to distribute this information as you see fit and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thanks, Callie Austin Stranding Technician Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503

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The Mammal Society’s UK Seal Monitoring and Research Initiative
by Niru Dorrian 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Supporting The Mammal Society’s UK Seal Monitoring Initiative The IMarEST Marine Mammals Special Interest Group (MMSIG)<https://www.imarest.org/group/marine-mammals.html> is part of The Mammal Society’s Seals Research Working Group and is supporting the development of a United Kingdom nationally scalable, year-round citizen science framework for grey and harbour seal monitoring across the UK. We are sharing this invitation on behalf of Afrika Priestley and The Mammal Society and encourage MARMAM members involved in seal research, monitoring, or management to contribute. Many thanks, Niru Dorrian MMSIG Co-Chair Message from Afrika Priestley (The Mammal Society): Hello, The Mammal Society’s<https://mammal.org.uk> Seals Research Working Group is developing a nationally scalable, year-round citizen science framework to strengthen the consistency, coverage, and comparability of grey and harbour seal monitoring across the UK. This work is designed to build on and connect the strong statutory and regional programmes already in place, bringing efforts together where it is useful and adding value by improving understanding of population change, seasonal haul-out use, and movement ecology of UK seals. Through this, the aim is to strengthen evidence-based conservation practice and future research, support public engagement and stewardship, and inform conservation management and policy decisions. By improving coverage across seasons and regions, particularly outside pupping and moulting periods, the project aims to increase confidence in trend and impact assessment over a three-to-five-year timeframe. To support this work, a short questionnaire is being shared to build a clearer picture of seal monitoring activity and priorities across the UK, and to understand where shared standards, support, or clearer data pathways could strengthen and connect existing efforts. This is a practical scoping exercise to help The Mammal Society gather the context needed to develop the framework in a way that is useful, realistic, and shaped by the people already doing the work. As a small thank-you for completing the questionnaire, we will be running a prize draw (winners selected at random): * Three Wild Seal Supporter and Adoption Scheme Packs with quarterly online updates for a year (Seal Alliance Trust) * Three signed A5 grey seal art prints by Alicia Hayden (limited edition of 50 created for The Mammal Society) * One £20 National Book Token voucher Responses are welcome from local UK monitoring groups, NGOs, academics, statutory bodies, consultants, and relevant industry partners who are currently involved in monitoring seals in the UK or planning to do so. Completing the questionnaire does not commit you to any future involvement. Questionnaire link: Mammal Society – UK Seals Research and Monitoring Initiative – Fill in form<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JGpXruDqzEywiGZytGMbQG6…> The questionnaire will close on 16 February 2026. A webinar will be held on 1 May at 12:00 to share key findings and provide an update on proposed next steps for anyone who opts in to future contact. If you have any questions, please get in touch at Afrika(a)mammal.org.uk Afrika Priestley (she/her) Data & Research Officer Mammal Society https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JGpXruDqzEywiGZytGMbQG6… … [IMarEST] Niru Dorrian CMarSci CSci FIMarEST FBES Ambassador to the UN Ocean Decade IMarEST 1 Birdcage Walk London, SW1H 9JJ Tel: +44 7888747719 Ocean.Decade(a)imarest.org [cid:15523328112614373449.jpg]<https://t.xink.io/Tracking/Index/coECAM-KAgDX_4AB0>

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Volunteering/Academic Internship Opportunity
by inma＠circe.info 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Good morning, This message for the marmam mailing list is in two languages: Volunteering/Academic Internship Opportunity Cetacean Research and Conservation Immediate start An association dedicated to scientific research applied to cetacean conservation is inviting applications from undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in academic volunteering and/or training internships, with direct participation in marine research projects. Areas of collaboration: • Support in field research campaigns and cetacean observation. • Systematic collection of scientific data (sightings, behaviour, photo-identification, environmental parameters, passive acoustics). • Management, cleaning and preliminary analysis of scientific databases. • Collaboration in the preparation of technical reports, scientific reports and specialised dissemination material. Required profile: • Undergraduate or postgraduate students in Biology, Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Oceanography or other related disciplines. • Interest in scientific research applied to conservation. • Ability to work in a team, methodological rigour and responsibility in data management. • Immediate availability and minimum commitment to be agreed upon. • Previous experience in research, fieldwork and/or navigation is an advantage. We offer: • Practical training in scientific methodologies applied to the study of cetaceans. • Integration into active research teams. • Possibility of academic recognition according to the regulations of the institution of origin. • Certificate of internship or volunteer work. Interested parties should send their application indicating their academic level, availability and area of interest. Oferta de Voluntariado / Prácticas Académicas Investigación y Conservación de Cetáceos Incorporación inmediata Asociación dedicada a la investigación científica aplicada a la conservación de cetáceos abre convocatoria para estudiantes universitarios y de postgrado interesados en realizar voluntariado académico y/o prácticas formativas, con participación directa en proyectos de investigación marina. Áreas de colaboración: • Apoyo en campañas de investigación de campo y observación de cetáceos. • Toma sistemática de datos científicos (avistamientos, comportamiento, foto-identificación, parámetros ambientales, acústica pasiva). • Gestión, depuración y análisis preliminar de bases de datos científicas. • Colaboración en la elaboración de informes técnicos, memorias científicas y material de divulgación especializada. Perfil requerido: • Estudiantes de grado o postgrado en Biología, Ciencias del Mar, Ciencias Ambientales, Veterinaria, Oceanografía u otras disciplinas afines. • Interés en investigación científica aplicada a la conservación. • Capacidad de trabajo en equipo, rigor metodológico y responsabilidad en el manejo de datos. • Disponibilidad inmediata y compromiso mínimo a acordar. • Valorable experiencia previa en investigación, trabajo de campo y/o navegación. Se ofrece: • Formación práctica en metodologías científicas aplicadas al estudio de cetáceos. • Integración en equipos de investigación activos. • Posibilidad de reconocimiento académico según normativa de la institución de origen. • Certificado de prácticas o voluntariado. Las personas interesadas deberán enviar su candidatura indicando nivel académico, disponibilidad y área de interés.

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New publication: Deriving probabilistic age estimates using photo-ID information in Hawaiian false killer whales
by Michaela Kratofil 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Kratofil, M.A., Mahaffy, S.D., Martien, K.K., Archer, F.I., West, K.L., Chivers, S.J., & Baird, R.W. (2026). Deriving probabilistic age estimates using common photo-identification catalog information: An application to endangered Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Marine Mammal Science, 42(1), e70080. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70080 Abstract: Age is important for studying population dynamics, but it is difficult to obtain reasonably accurate age estimates and associated uncertainty of free-ranging individuals, especially for cetaceans. We developed a protocol for deriving probabilistic age estimates using information commonly curated in marine mammal photo-identification catalogs and applied the approach to 81 biopsy-sampled and genetically sexed false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) from the endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular population. The protocol integrates qualitative evidence into a quantitative framework for deriving age estimates and plausible age ranges. Confidence ratings reflecting the strength of available evidence were developed to account for uncertainty. Estimates were then translated to statistical distributions to depict probabilistic age estimates that can be used in further analyses. Age estimates ranged from 3 to 40 years (minimum: 1–33; maximum: 5–65) and were strongly influenced by the estimated age when first seen and length of sighting history. Sensitivity analyses show that population-level age distribution estimates are robust to age class misclassifications and lack of auxiliary information, including sex. This protocol may provide a guide for aging individuals of some species from photo-identification catalogs and for which other aging methods from biological samples are not yet feasible or available. Please feel free to reach out with questions or for a PDF copy of the paper. Best, Michaela Michaela A. Kratofil Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective Olympia, WA Learn more<https://cascadiaresearch.org/> <https://cascadiaresearch.org/> | Support our work<https://cascadiaresearch.org/donations/> [cid:image001.png@01DC8AAD.624D4A40]

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