- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PhD position - Marine Structures and Marine Mammals - Aberdeen
by rebecca＠vonhellfeld.de 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

We are looking for a PhD candidate to join our team at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland, UK) on an exiting project on "Quantifying the ecosystem services disbenefit of residual mercury contamination and the benefit of its removal". The successful candidate would be placed in Aberdeen, but with some time spent at collaborators in Glasgow and Plymouth. This is a very interdisciplinary project and we are open to applicants with a range of skills that fit some or all of the activities we intend to conduct during the project. We are open to international applicants and are keen to work with engaging and enthusiastic researchers. Find more details here: www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=0&type=200&url=%2fsearch%2fpr…<http://www.findaphd.com/common/clickCount.aspx?theid=0&type=200&url=%2fsear…>

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Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public
by Andrew Wright 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Dear Marmam, *Have you ever wondered why some people seem so opposed to conservation measures that are necessary to save a species?* *Have you ever been frustrated when all the science points at a real problem unless certain changes are made – but the warnings fall on deaf ears?* *Are you seeking new ways to be more efficient in your efforts to achieve lasting conservation success?* If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the following workshop might be for you. Marine mammal scientists and advocate for conservation social science, Andrew Wright and Sandra Ploeg, are seeking expressions of interest for a workshop titled “*Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology*” to be held in Dundee, Scotland, on the 19th April 2026, ahead of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference. It is expected to run 11:00-18:00 to cater to anyone arriving for the ECS conference that begins the following day. The costs will depend upon the level of attendance, but they are expected to be under EUR 50 (coffee breaks, but not lunch, included). Accommodations for discounted rates may be possible on a case-by-case basis. *Overview of the Workshop:* Achieving conservation goals often hinges on the adoption of new behaviours by one or more groups of people. This can be hard to secure through regulatory changes for marine mammals as data on their distributions and the full extent of the threats and associated risks are lacking, enforcement can be tricky, especially when regulated activities are offshore, and public awareness is low because many problems are hidden far away under the waves. To overcome this, it is not uncommon that more data is sought. However, such efforts rarely secure immediate conservation successes. Conservation projects often focus on evidence about the protected species and its environment, and evidence about human psychology is often underrepresented in the conservation efforts. Instead, securing behavioural changes in the species under management, humans, requires the application of tailored tools and techniques that have been designed based on an understanding of their social structures and motivations, as well as the psychological factors driving both. This is the prevue of the conservation social sciences. Many conservation biologists are thus being forced to venture into the relatively new and rapidly developing field of conservation social science, developing interventions and campaigns based on experience, intuition, and human understanding. While some of these interventions work out perfectly, some interventions may fail to have the desired impact due to a lack of understanding of human psychology and how this may influence the effectiveness of the tools being used. Importantly, some social science tools are counterintuitive, but incredibly effective when implemented correctly. Similarly, others can feel more intuitive but can be counterproductive in many situations. This workshop is meant to highlight a variety of social science tools and their proper use for encouraging pro-conservation behaviour. This full-day workshop will combine lectures, discussions and brainstorming sessions to: 1) introduce marine mammal scientists and managers to the human psychological factors that may hinder or strengthen their conservation efforts; 2) provide an overview of tools that can be applied to overcome some of these various challenges to incite pro-conservation behavioural changes necessary for achieving greater success in the conservation of marine mammals; and 3) explore the potential application of those tools to some of the conservation problems brought forward by participants. *Expressions of Interest:* Interested parties and those with any questions should reach out to Andrew Wright at marinebrit (at) gmail.com no later than 30th January. *Spaces will be limited*, so allocation will be on a first-come-basis. We are currently exploring hybrid options, but can make no guarantees at this point. Andrew & Sandra Andrew Wright is a marine mammal biologist by training with experience in the conservation social sciences, as well as domestic and international environmental management and policy. He co-founded the Conservation Marketing and Engagement Working Group of the Society for Conservation Biology in 2015 and remains active within that community after leaving the Board in 2019. Sandra Ploeg is social psychologist and conservationist. She is currently working as a project leader for conservation of several species, focussing on citizen science, community led conservation and behaviour change.

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UF CVM Assistant/Associate Professor in Aquatic Animal Medicine
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Hi All, I wanted to share with everyone a job posting we currently have open in the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. We are seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor in Aquatic Animal Medicine to join our Aquatic Animal Health Program. Activities will include extension, teaching, clinical service, and research in support of aquatic animal health with our many programmatic stakeholders and collaborating facilities. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee the existing ACZM-accredited residency program in aquatic medicine and provide clinical teaching opportunities for DVM students. Some marine mammal stranding response may be required. You can find the full details of the job posting at: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538185/clinical-assistantassociate-p… The posting is currently set to close January 31, 2026. Sincerely Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DC8AB9.176610A0] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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New publication: The diffusion of cooperative and solo bubble net feeding in Canadian Pacific humpback whales (Eadin OMahony)
by Éadin O'Mahony 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are thrilled to share our new publication in Proceedings of the Royal Society B titled “The diffusion of cooperative and solo bubble net feeding in Canadian Pacific humpback whales”. The article is Open Access and available at: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article/293/2063/20252409/479678/Th… Citation: Janie Wray, Eadin N. OMahony, Grace Baer, Nicole Robinson, Archie Dundas, Oscar E. Gaggiotti, Luke Rendell, Eric M. Keen; The diffusion of cooperative and solo bubble net feeding in Canadian Pacific humpback whales. Proc Biol Sci 21 January 2026; 293 (2063): 20252409. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2409 Abstract: Animal culture, information and behaviours acquired and shared by social learning are a form of biodiversity with intrinsic and practical value. Cooperative foraging, a mutualistic resource acquisition behaviour observed across diverse taxa, is strongly connected to social networks via behavioural states, cues and often social learning, as it typically involves high interaction rates. Understanding the distribution, diffusion and learning mechanisms of such cooperative behaviours is an important but understudied aspect of nonhuman culture. Bubble net feeding ("bubble netting") is a specialized foraging technique practised by certain humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations globally. Over 20 years in the northern Canadian Pacific, we observed the diffusion of two forms: cooperative group and independent (or “solo") bubble netting. Network-based diffusion analysis - a tool to test for social learning - finds strong evidence for social learning of bubble netting when the overall social network is used, even after accounting for traits such as site fidelity and sex (10.6 x 10^3 to 35.4 x 10^3 times more support for social versus asocial learning; p < 0.0001). A homophily check using pre-acquisition association data returned ambiguous results, likely due to the inherent sociality of this cooperative foraging behaviour. Nonetheless, the rapid diffusion of bubble netting is clearly important for population viability and should inform conservation planning for this threatened population. Warm wishes, Eadin OMahony — Dr. Eadin N. OMahony (she/her) Postdoctoral Researcher | Molecular Ecology Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland Research Consultant | Marine Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Population Genomics, North Coast Cetacean Society, British Columbia, Canada email: eadin.omahony(a)atu.ie bluesky: @eadinomahony.bsky.social I sometimes send emails at unconventional times—please feel no obligation to read or respond outside your usual working hours.

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Suggestions for TDR GPS tags (not smru or wildlife computers)
by Jessica Harvey-Carroll 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Hi Marmam! We have previously been using SMRU and wildlife computer tags for seals. Do you have any suggestion for tags that transmit TDR and and GPS location data other than these companies that would be suitable for pinnipeds? Many thanks! Swedish Museum of Natural History

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Research Grant Posting Request
by Susan Hopp 20 Jan '26

20 Jan '26

American Cetacean Society - SF Bay Research Grant Announcement https://www.acs-sfbay.org/research-grant-application *APPLICATION WINDOW: DECEMBER 10, 2025 – FEBRUARY 15, 2026* *AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: MARCH 2026* *The San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society is pleased to announce the 2025 research grant of $2500 [in honor of marine biologist Isidore Szczepaniak]. We are seeking proposals for research on cetaceans on the following geographic area and topics:* *Area of interest*: The California Current Ecosystem and adjacent waters of San Francisco Bay. Marine Protected Areas included in this scope and of special interest are The Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. *Key Topics of Interest*: Research on the behavior, biology, and distribution of one or more cetacean species living in, migrating through, or dependent on the Area of Interest for biologically important needs such as foraging, mating, calving, or raising young. Proposals can also include topics related to conservation of any species or groups of species being impacted by anthropogenic threats such as ship strike, entanglement, noise, or pollution. Work involving federally Endangered, Threatened, or Depleted species is welcome. A conservation nexus for any proposed work is encouraged but not required as is research involving cetaceans of the Area of Interest and climate change. Research involved that involves museum based studies, reviews and analysis of information in existing databases, and stranded animal studies are also encouraged as they were of special interest to Isidore "Izzy" Szczepaniak. Funding can be used for salaries, equipment, consumable supplies, laboratory supplies and costs, boat fuel and rental, publication and conference fees, software, institutional overhead for any listed expense and travel. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question about allowable expenditures you would like to include in your proposal. -- Susan Hopp, ACS Chapter Board Member / Speaker Program Development https://www.acs-sfbay.org/events *"What we're doing to the oceans, we are doing to ourselves... we need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do."* Sylvia Earle

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New publication: A framework for age estimation of marine mammal teeth using killer whales (Orcinus orca)
by Kelly Bowen 20 Jan '26

20 Jan '26

Hello all, If interested, please see below for details about our open-access publication in ICES Journal of Marine Science. My co-author, Dr. Carolyn Kurle, and I examined growth layer group characteristics and age estimation interpretation for killer whale teeth, with the hope that our approach might be useful for other researchers studying marine mammal teeth as well. Bowen KR, Kurle CM. A framework for age estimation of marine mammal teeth using killer whales (*Orcinus orca*). ICES Journal of Marine Science. 2025 Dec;82(12):fsaf202. https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/82/12/fsaf202/8382240 Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Best regards, Kelly Bowen -- Kelly R. Bowen (Flanders) Ph.D. Candidate - Kurle Lab Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution - Biological Sciences University of California San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093

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new pub on Macroscopic Markers of Dolphin Healing at Sea Linked to Immunity and call for papers
by Ann Weaver 20 Jan '26

20 Jan '26

HI MarMammers, Before my 2 quick announcements, I thank the researchers who put our MarMam network together back in the day. Your continuing willingness to host this site has contributed to our mutual collaborations in countless ways. We all share a cause. I much appreciate your continued devotion to it. *New publication on free-ranging dolphin healing linked to immunity. *Published in the Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins, special edition in the journal Animals. *Abstract* Wound healing has been studied extensively in humans and lab animals, but not in dolphins. Severe human wounds require extensive medical intervention to avoid infection. Yet severe wounds on free-ranging dolphins heal without infection in microbial-infested seas, a compelling distinction. An eye-witnessed shark attack on a yearling bottlenose dolphin yielded 8 years of macroscopic markers on a live recuperating dolphin by known days of healing. In total, 106 healing histories were generated from the author’s 20-year ethological study of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in St. Petersburg, FL, USA. Results show that unaided wound healing at sea involves two consecutive macroscopic pigment patterns, wounds form preliminary seals by 4–8 weeks, and most heal to atrophic scars that remodel for years. Macroscopic markers in live recuperating dolphins show strong matches with macroscopic wound patterns in stranded Fraser’s dolphins (*Lagenodelphis hosei*), demonstrating links between macroscopic markers and immune activities. This is the first study to link macroscopic markers visible as healing-related pigment patterns to immunity. Macroscopic markers are conservation tools for tracking anthropogenic impacts on increased susceptibility to infection at sea and could lead to novel therapies in veterinary and human regenerative medicine. [paper attached] Weaver, A. 2026. Macroscopic Markers of Dolphin Healing at Sea Linked to Immunity. *Animals **2026*, *16*, 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020305. *Call for papers. * I am looking for dolphin researchers who can join us on the special issue entitled the Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins in the journal Animals. This edition would be enhanced with specific articles but I am open to suggestions. One article would focus on “a day in the life” of a dolphin of any species. This would be a time budget-type of paper to show what appears to be very important and less important in terms of how dolphins invest their time at sea. What is important to them? A second article would focus on dolphin social complexity. Consider the many provocative comparisons of dolphins and apes. There are two sides to such questions… How do we currently position the comparisons? What advancements have we discovered about dolphins through acoustic and cognitive research? A third article would focus on anecdotes. Dolphin researchers like you and I have seen many intriguing moments that do not qualify as data because they are too infrequent. Many of us “were raised” on the anecdote from back when everyone smoked and you could smoke in public venues like aquariums: A young captive dolphin calf watched a zoo visitor exhale cigarette smoke as he gazed at the dolphins through a viewing window in a tank/pool. The young dolphin left, got a mouthful of milk from its mother, and returned to blow milk back to the smoker at the window. Stimulus enhancement? Imitation? Such observations do not yet qualify as data but are nonetheless profound sources of hypotheses for the future. PLEASE send me your anecdotes to annstats54(a)gmail.com. A fourth article would address new technologies in stranding studies. For example, how do the new forensic filters on cameras impact our work tracking stranded dolphins? A fifth article would describe the current computer programs for matching identifying photos and how AI may change that…. How far have we come but where are we going? Ann Weaver *Upon seeing the shore, the little wave cried, **"We're going to crash!"* So the sea whispered back, "*Don't you know you are not a wave, little one? **You are part of the ocean."* *Ann* Ann Weaver, Ph.D. Dolphin Behaviorist & Biostatistician annstats54(a)gmail.com *Discreet, Friendly Data Analysis - Even Friendlier Prices! * GoodNaturedStatistics.com <http://goodnaturedstatistics.com/> *Website: *https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/ *MDPI/Guest Editor: Biopsychosocial Nature of Dolphins https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/X3D9H45O45 <https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/X3D9H45O45>* *Book: in press. Dolphin Healing at Sea without Medical Intervention: The Art & Science of Skin as the Faithful Canvas* *Book: Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile – 25 Amazing Things Dolphins Do (* https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/store/) *Book: Why Dolphins Jump - A Picture Book of the Acrobats of the Sea (* https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/store/) *Book: Good-natured Statistics in Everyday Language with Animal Behavior *( http://www.goodnaturedstatistics.com/) *Book: Clinical Biostatistics and Epidemiology Made Ridiculously Simple *( https://www.medmaster.net/book-category/basic-sciences/)

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New publication: Chronic entanglement of an immature bottlenose dolphin in fishing gear in the northern Adriatic Sea, with intervention implications
by Tilen Genov 20 Jan '26

20 Jan '26

Dear colleagues I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in *Diseases of Aquatic Organisms*: Genov T., Paller T. (2026): Chronic entanglement of an immature bottlenose dolphin in fishing gear in the northern Adriatic Sea, with intervention implications. *Diseases of Aquatic Organisms* 165: dao03890. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03890 ABSTRACT Bycatch in fishing gear is one of the main threats to cetaceans globally. It is often immediately fatal, particularly for small cetaceans, but animals sometimes escape with parts of fishing gear still attached to them. Chronic entanglement is well documented in large whales, but less so in small cetaceans. We describe year-round entanglement of an immature common bottlenose dolphin, combining in-field observations and post-mortem investigations. The dolphin survived a full year without deterioration in body condition, but was subsequently fatally entangled in another gear. The 2 entanglements appeared unrelated. Necropsy confirmed good body condition and suggested the chronic entanglement could have resolved on its own. Given the scarcity of published records and its long-term nature, this case provides useful insights into the impacts of chronic entanglement and potential prospects of survival. Finally, we evaluate the appropriateness of potential intervention attempts, with implications for response decisions for small cetaceans. The paper is available at: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v165/dao03890. Alternatively, if you don't have access, feel free to email me for a PDF. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have questions. Best wishes, Tilen ______________________________________________________________________ Tilen Genov, PhD Assistant Professor | Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society <http://www.morigenos.org/en> | | Department of Biodiversity, FAMNIT, University of Primorska <http://www.famnit.upr.si> | | European Cetacean Society <http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu> | | Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin <http://www.sousateuszii.org> | | IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group <https://iucn-csg.org/> |

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Hiring a Machine Learning/AI Model Developer
by Amy Whitt 19 Jan '26

19 Jan '26

Azura is seeking a full- or part-time skilled analyst to advance machine learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) models to support the Protected Species Division (Conservation Ecology Branch) of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This role supports image-based line transect abundance estimates for marine mammals and sea turtles derived from imagery collected during crewed aerial surveys. The successful candidate will be responsible for training, refining, and testing ML/AI models for animal detection. This role also includes contributing to the development of the data management and processing workflow, starting from the point of data collection. Experience with VIAME, an open-source computer vision software platform for do-it-yourself artificial intelligence, is highly preferred, as images have already been annotated within this platform. Consideration may be given to candidates with experience in alternative model development platforms. *Position:* Machine Learning Model Developer *Work Schedule:* Full time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) or part time *Location: *Remote or NEFSC lab in Woods Hole, Massachusetts *Link to Full Job Announcement:* https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/azura-consulting-llc-machine-learning-model… *Application Deadline:* January 31, 2026 Azura Consulting LLC (Azura) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position. Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. We specialize in protected species research, conservation, and management. Please see our website for more information: azuraco.com -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com

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