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New publication: Humpback whale genomes reflect the increased efficiency of commercial whaling
by Per Palsbøll 08 Jan '26

08 Jan '26

Humpback whale genomes reflect the increased efficiency of commercial whaling Science Advances vol. 11, issue 51 (2025) Fabricio Furni, Martine Bérubé, Marcos Suárez-Menéndez, Eduardo R. Secchi, Randall R. Reeves, Jooke Robbins, Camilla F. Speller, Per J. Palsbøll Genetic diversity is declining globally, a trend that may particularly affect exploited populations that must adapt to rapid environmental change and other threats. Estimated genomic changes in effective population size mirrored known whaling history and shifts in technology. In the Southern Ocean, a comparison of genomes from historical and contemporary populations indicated that the contemporary genomes have less diversity and an elevated realized mutation load for moderately deleterious mutations, likely due to the effects of whaling. Our results demonstrate that the relatively recent, brief, and marked depletion of humpback whale populations by whaling likely had subtle but discernible, negative, and lasting effects on the whales’ genomes. Thus, even as some humpback whale populations are now recovering to pre-exploitation numbers, they likely do so with a diminished adaptive capacity in the face of future conditions and threats. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ady7091

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New publication: Effects of duty cycle on passive acoustic monitoring metrics
by Mathilde MICHEL 08 Jan '26

08 Jan '26

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: “Effects of duty cycle on passive acoustic monitoring metrics: The case of odontocete vocalizations” Mathilde Michel, Julie Béesau, Maëlle Torterotot, Nicole Todd, Flore Samaran Published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2025) Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring is critical for long-term odontocete monitoring using autonomous recording devices. However, technical constraints such as storage capacity and data processing limitations often require temporal subsampling. This study investigates how varying duty cycles (50%–10%) and listening periods (1 min to 6 h) affect the detection of delphinid whistles and clicks, and harbor porpoise clicks. Two types of instruments were used: broadband recorders for whistles and F-PODs for clicks. As each device offers different configuration options, subsampling schemes were tailored to each signal type. The impact of duty cycles on seasonal patterns was evaluated using daily detection positive minutes and hours, while diel patterns were assessed using hourly positive minutes and daily detection positive minutes ratios. Results indicate that higher duty cycles (50%) better preserve temporal pattern representations, particularly in high-activity sites, across both instruments and signal types. Lower duty cycles reduce the quality of data representation, especially in low-activity areas. Short listening periods (5–30 min) most closely approximate metrics from continuous recordings. These findings highlight the importance of adapting subsampling strategies to instrument capabilities and site-specific acoustic activity levels to accurately represent odontocete acoustic presence. The article is available at: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0039925 Best regards, Mathilde Michel Mathilde Michel Doctorante en bioacoustique sous-marine et écologie quantitative PhD student in marine bioacoustics and quantitative ecology Tel. : +332 21 09 58 89 ________________________________ ENSTA | Institut Polytechnique de Paris 2 rue François Verny 29806 Brest cedex 9 - France --- Lab-STICC - UMR CNRS 6285 www.labsticc.fr

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New publication: Sociality of Marine Mammals and Their Vulnerability to the Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Guido Parra Vergara 07 Jan '26

07 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all authors, I am pleased to share our new publication in Mammal Review: Nicholls, C. R., Cantor, M., Möller, L., & Parra, G. J. (2026). Sociality of Marine Mammals and Their Vulnerability to the Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review. Mammal Review, 56(1), e70020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/mam.70020 ABSTRACT Introduction: Social structure plays a crucial role in shaping the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases within animal populations, yet its influence remains understudied in marine mammals. Aims: This review investigates links between marine mammal sociality and disease vulnerability, focusing on social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission. The study aimed to (1) identify patterns in disease transmission, (2) map gaps in current knowledge to inform strategic directions for future investigation and (3) discuss implications for conservation and disease management. Methods: Through systematic database searching, 14 studies were identified that investigated social network metrics and their influence on disease transmission in marine mammal social networks. Results: Results show that stronger associations and greater social connectivity increase disease prevalence, although this relationship varied across species. Central individuals acted as 'super-spreaders', facilitating disease spread to conspecifics and vaccination efforts targeting these individuals are a recurrent proposed mitigation strategy. At the population level, network fragmentation reduced disease burden, while highly connected subgroups facilitated pathogen transmission. Research is concentrated on few key species, revealing significant gaps in taxonomic and geographic representation. Additionally, studies were geographically biased toward North America and Australia, with limited collaboration across research clusters, highlighting the need for broader representation and interdisciplinary partnerships. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches integrating epidemiological modelling, social network analysis and conservation strategies to better predict and mitigate disease risks in marine mammal populations. Future research should expand species coverage and incorporate ecological and environmental variables to develop targeted disease management frameworks. The article is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/8KZTSFH8WEWJVDATJPPA?target=10… All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Associate Professor | College of Science and Engineering Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=7YisEoAAAAAJ> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-j-parra-093217183/> Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia Tel: +61 8 8201 3565|email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please consider the environment before printing this email

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Call for participants – parents and caregivers in marine mammal science feature
by Anaïs Remili 07 Jan '26

07 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, The Society for Marine Mammalogy Communications Committee is currently working on a feature piece highlighting the experiences of parents and caregivers in marine mammal science. The aim of this piece is to bring visibility to the diverse realities, challenges, and opportunities involved in balancing research, fieldwork, travel, and caregiving within our community, across career stages, family structures, identities, and lived experiences. The final article will be published in three parts and will weave together quotes and reflections from several researchers in order to encourage understanding, connection, and broader conversations about support, inclusion, and care in our field. To help ensure a wide range of perspectives are represented, we are especially hoping to hear from people who may be underrepresented or whose caregiving experiences are less often visible, including: - Someone who became a parent during their undergraduate or Master’s studies, - An Indigenous researcher who is also a parent or caregiver, - Someone who is a caregiver to a family member or loved one (for example a parent, sibling, partner, or other relative), whether or not they are also a parent. If you see yourself in any of these descriptions we would be very grateful to hear from you. Participation involves completing a short interview-style questionnaire (approximately 30 minutes). You are welcome to answer in as much or as little detail as you wish. Quotes may be used in the final article, and we will always check with you before publication if any editing is needed for clarity or length. If you are interested in participating, or if you would like to suggest someone else who might be interested, please feel free to contact us either via any of the Society for Marine Mammalogy social media platforms, or by email at communications(a)marinemammalscience.org. Thank you very much for considering sharing your experience, we recognize that this is personal, and we deeply appreciate your time, trust, and openness. With gratitude, Anaïs Remili, PhD Chair, Communications Committee Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New paper: "Machine Learning Methods for the Detection of Antarctic Minke Whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in East Antarctica and Western Australia"
by Aimee Kate Darias-O'Hara (Student) 07 Jan '26

07 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am delighted to share our new publication in Marine Mammal Science, titled "Machine Learning Methods for the Detection of Antarctic Minke Whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in East Antarctica and Western Australia" (https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70118) Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring is a cost-effective means of studying marine mammals that inhabit remote and poorly accessible habitats. Since the 1970s, the mysterious “bio-duck” sound has been reported throughout the Southern Ocean. In 2014, this was attributed to the Antarctic minke whale and has since been retrospectively categorized into different variants of bio-duck calls by multiple studies across a wide geographic range. To date, more than 20 different bio-duck variants have been identified, with intra-and inter-regional variation. Our study presents a bespoke convolutional neural network (CNN) detector trained to identify bio-duck call variants across sites in East Antarctica and Western Australia. The detector achieved high recognition performance across nine geographically distinct datasets, demonstrating strong generalization. Detector performance differed among sites, with the highest performance reported for the Antarctic sites and poorer performance in the Pilbara region of the Australian Northwest Shelf. These differences were explored, comparing the target-signal (bio-duck) levels to ambient noise levels. Variation in performance was likely driven by variable signal-to- noise ratios across testing datasets. This work presents an advancement in the acoustic monitoring of Antarctic minke whales, providing a tool for assessing their acoustic presence across diverse marine soundscapes. Warm regards, Aimee.

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ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM Course in Turkey - March 18th and 23rd
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 07 Jan '26

07 Jan '26

Dear all, We are now taking applications for the DMAD ACCOBAMS course 2026 to run March 18 to 23 inclusive in the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara, close to Istanbul, Turkey. Course to cover 4 days of classroom sessions to cover ACCOBAMS Mitigation, Marine Mammal Observation (MMO 1 day in class), Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM 2 days in class) and QGIS (1 day in class). Additionally there will be a minimum of two boat based days with a towed array and visual watches where dolphins and porpoises are expected to be encountered. Course enquiries and to reserve a place to patrick.lyne(a)dmad.org.tr and please give details of prior experience (30 days minimum required) with marine mammals to ensure qualification for the course. Course cost will be €720 without accommodation or meals. Deposit (€200) required in January will full payment in March prior to attendance Course organisers: Patrick Lyne Chartered Marine Scientist (ImarEST), involved in ACCOBAMS training since 2018 and JNCC training since 2021 with a strong interest in acoustics for mitigation and baseline data. Email: patrick.lyne(a)dmad.org.tr Aylin Akkaya Scientific director of DMAD and MDR, involved in ACCOBAMS training since 2018 with a strong interest in visual and acoustic animal behaviour and spatial mapping. Email: aakkaya(a)dmad.org.tr All the best, *Maisie Kirkland* *Volunteer/Intern Supervisor of Montenegro Dolphin Research* *Researcher of Montenegro Dolphin Research* *WhatsApp +447426064534* *maisie(a)dmad.org.tr <maisie(a)dmad.org.tr> * *____________________________________________________________* *General* *info@d <info(a)dmad.org.tr>m <info(a)dmad.org.tr>ad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *https://montenegrodolphinresearch.org/ <https://montenegrodolphinresearch.org/> * *https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature>* *https://www.instagram.com/nvo_mdr/ <https://www.instagram.com/nvo_mdr/>* *https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

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New publication: Whole Mitochondrial Genome Analysis of Killer Whales Reveals the Presence of Resident and Transient Ecotypes Around Hokkaido
by suzuki.momoka.75k＠st.kyoto-u.ac.jp 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, Hello, I am Momoka Suzuki, PhD student in Kyoto University, Japan. We, my co-authors and I, are pleased to inform you that we could reveal the ecotypes of killer whales around Hokkaido, Japan. Here is the publication: Momoka Suzuki, Mami Kawai, Takashi Hayakawa, Yuki F. Kita, Yu Sato, Miho Inoue-Murayama, Akira Shiozaki, Shin Nishida, Shimpei F. Hiruta, Hiroshi Ohizumi, Fumio Nakahara, Shigeo Saino, Yoshikazu Uni, Ayaka T. Matsuda, Takashi F. Matsuishi, Yuko Tajima, Masao Amano, Tadasu K. Yamada, Motoi Yoshioka, Yoko Mitani. (2025).Whole Mitochondrial Genome Analysis of Killer Whales Reveals the Presence of Resident and Transient Ecotypes Around Hokkaido. Marine Mammal Science, 42, e70107. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70107. We are sorry, this article is not open acess. However, here is the link for press release in English. https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/research-news/2025-12-26-0 ABSTRACT In the North Pacific, there are at least three genetically different ecotypes of killer whales (Orcinus orca), referred to as resident, offshore, and transient. A previous study suggested that killer whales around Hokkaido belong to fish-eating (resident and/or offshore ecotypes) and mammal-eating (transient ecotype) groups. These results were supported by haplotypes based on the combination of 1193?bp of cytochrome b and 420?bp of the control region in mitochondrial genomes. However, this analysis was not sufficient to discriminate between resident and offshore ecotypes because of the short sequence lengths. In this study, we analyzed whole mitochondrial genomes of 25 killer whales sampled around Hokkaido to clarify the ecotypes and mitochondrial genome haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of resident and transient ecotypes around Hokkaido. The whales identified as residents shared an identical haplotype, which is the most common haplotype in the western North Pacific. In contrast, the transients around Hokkaido exhibited eight haplotypes, including seven novel ones among the 19 individuals, and their haplotype richness was the highest among the North Pacific populations. This result suggests that the Hokkaido coast served as a refugium for transient killer whales during the Last Glacial Maximum. Sincerely, Momoka Suzuki ******************************************************************************** Doctoral course, Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University Primatology and Wildlife Science leading graduate program Kyoto University Division of Graduate Studies, SPRING Program 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8203, Japan Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University E-mail: suzuki.momoka.75k(a)st.kyoto-u.ac.jp ********************************************************************************

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New publication on scale-dependent foraging behaviour of grey and harbour seals
by Matt Carter 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new study on scale-dependent foraging behaviour and habitat associations of grey and harbour seals. The study examines the existence of multiple scales of area-restricted search (ARS) in >400 animals tracked in the North Sea and identifies regional and scale-specific habitat associations. We outline important considerations when inferring behaviour from tracking data using hidden Markov models (HMMs), highlighting that overlooking scale-dependence can lead to vast underestimation of foraging activity. Carter et al. Scale-dependent foraging behaviour and habitat associations of two sympatric marine top predators. Landscape Ecology. Link to paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10980-025-02281-z Abstract: Theoretical research has considered how animals should optimise foraging strategies to maximise fitness, adapting search scale to exploit different habitats and minimise competition. Empirical studies have described multi-scale area-restricted search (ARS) strategies for some species, but the physical and biological mechanisms underpinning such behaviour are rarely studied. Our objectives were to quantify the presence, prevalence, and habitat associations of scale-dependent foraging for two sympatric seal species, accounting for regional variation across the seascape. We analyse a GPS telemetry dataset of 116 grey (Halichoerus grypus) and 325 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) tracked throughout the North Sea. We test the existence of multi-scale ARS, comparing hidden Markov models (HMMs) with two ARS states against more conventional HMMs (one ARS state). We quantify regional variation and examine the scale-dependence of foraging habitat associations using post-hoc "use-encounter" models. Both species exhibited nested broad-scale and focussed ARS. Accounting for scale resulted in increases of up to 25% and 46% in inferred ARS for grey and harbour seals respectively. The prevalence and habitat associations of different ARS scales varied in a regional species-specific manner. We demonstrate the first application of HMMs to capture multi-scale ARS from animal-borne tracking data. Overlooking scale-dependence may mask individual variation and underestimate ARS, with consequences for ecological understanding and conservation applications. We hypothesise that seals employ different search scales for different habitats, competition levels and/or prey types. We call for further research to elucidate the prevalence and ecological significance of this phenomenon in other aquatic predators. Best wishes, <http://intheloop.newsweaver.com/intheloop/17cae036ofohmxeaknevkb/external?a…>Dr Matt Carter Research Fellow Sea Mammal Research Unit School of Biology University of St Andrews KY16 8LB

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New publication : Successful Rescue of a Juvenile Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Trapped Upstream of the Rance Tidal Power Station, Brittany, France
by Oihana Olhasque - Association AL LARK 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent open-access publication in Animals reporting a successful rescue operation involving a juvenile humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) trapped upstream of a tidal power station in Brittany, France. Olhasque, O., Carpentier, L., Duchemin, M., Jung, J.-L., Dars, C., Boucard, F., Labrut, S., & De Weerdt, J. (2025). Successful Rescue of a Juvenile Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Trapped Upstream of the Rance Tidal Power Station, Brittany, France. Animals, 15(23), 3503. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233503 The full article is available in open access at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/23/3503 ABSTRACT Rescue operations involving baleen whales trapped in dammed environments are difficult to perform successfully, yet increasingly relevant under growing coastal development. We report on a two-day (9–10 February 2023) rescue of a juvenile humpback whale trapped upstream of the Rance Tidal Power Station (TPS) in Brittany, France, providing rare peer-review evidence on response strategies in highly engineered estuaries. A collaborative, non-invasive strategy was implemented by adjusting water levels and creating artificial tidal currents to prevent the whale from stranding and to guide the individual back to open water. Approximately 100 people were mobilized as part of the rescue operation. This paper describes a detailed spatiotemporal account of the whale’s movements and a chronological record of the actions taken by the rescue team. After several attempts to guide it out, rescue efforts enabled its successful exit from the estuary on the second day of operations, and it was not subsequently reported stranded along the French coast. This case demonstrates the value of rapid multidisciplinary coordination between the French National Stranding Network (composed of marine scientists, veterinarians and local correspondents), local organizations, the local marine biology station, international marine mammal experts, national institutions, authorities and a tidal energy operator. Beyond documenting an unusual event, this paper provides operational lessons, highlighting (i) the adaptative management of a TPS as a guidance tool, (ii) the prioritization of animal welfare and responders’ safety, (iii) the effective public and media management and (iv) the involvement of trained volunteers during the rescue, promoting environmentally responsible behavior. These insights are transferable to other cases to inform future baleen whales rescue protocols in anthropogenic environments. All the best, Oihana Olhasque Scientific director - Association AL LARK PhD student at La Rochelle University/CNRS - Observatoire PELAGIS - UAR 3462 [cid:f00225e1-7c0e-4c15-ad58-d722a25fb87f][cid:cb5e0120-db97-4c16-82bd-93942fe4c10e] Association AL LARK Découverte du milieu marin, étude des cétacés et échouages en Ille et Vilaine. 50, rue Pierre et Marie Curie 35260 Cancale www.al-lark.org<http://www.al-lark.org/> contact(a)al-lark.org<mailto:contact@al-lark.org> 02.57.64.04.40 ou 06.78.71.41.09 Association loi 1901 reconnue d’intérêt général concourant à la défense de l’environnement naturel, Association éducative complémentaire de l’enseignement public agréée par l’académie de Rennes, Association agréée Jeunesse et Éducation populaire, Membre de France Nature Environnement Bretagne.

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Field Interns for 2026 Summer Bahamas Ecotourism Trips
by Denise L Herzing 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Field Interns for 2026 Summer Bahamas Ecotourism Trips 5 Full Scholarships Available Join our team at the Wild Dolphin Project for a rare and immersive 9-day field trip at sea, studying wild Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas alongside experienced researchers. This internship provides hands-on training in marine field methods while living and working aboard a research vessel. The vessel departs and arrives back at Riviera Beach, FL. This year, thanks to the new “Stubby Memorial Scholarship Fund”, five undergraduate/recent graduate interns will be selected to participate at no cost. Additional internship positions are available for students who wish to join with their own funding or external support. About the Internship Field Interns will participate directly in the daily operations of a marine mammal research project. Training and responsibilities include: ● Wild dolphin observation & documentation ● Photo-ID photography using DSLRs and underwater camera systems ● Equipment prep, cleaning, and organization ● Data logging & research note-taking ● Individual presentations at sea Accepted applicants will be invited to one of our 9-day trips. Trip dates are between May and July. Exceptional applicants may be invited to participate in two back-to-back trips. However, housing will not be provided for the 5-day interim and will be the responsibility of the intern. Scholarship Information Thanks to donor support, five interns will receive full funding, including: ● All program and expedition fees ● Field training, onboard accommodations, meals ● Research equipment use Travel costs to and from the vessel in Riviera Beach, FL will not be covered and are the responsibility of the intern. Applicants not selected for the scholarship may still participate if they can self-fund or obtain independent support. Eligibility Applicants must: ● Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate majoring in Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related field OR be a recent graduate ● Hold a valid passport (international students accepted) ● Demonstrate interest in marine science or conservation ● Be comfortable swimming and snorkeling ● Be able to live and work cooperatively in close quarters on a research vessel Application Requirements Applicants must submit: ● Resume ● Unofficial transcript ● Letter of recommendation (academic or professional) ● A short essay (pdf format, Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced) ○ In ~500 words, explain why you are interested in participating in our summer Field Internship and how this opportunity supports your academic, personal, or career goals in marine science or conservation. Discuss your experience, including but not limited to swimming, research, and field work. Please be specific and reflective in your answer, drawing from your experiences, values, and aspirations. Scholarship finalists may be invited for a brief virtual interview. How to Apply Submit your application materials to Alexandra Rose, Research Assistant, at alexandra(a)wilddolphinproject.org. For any questions, visit www.wilddolphinproject.org, email, or call 561-746-9193. ● Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 ● Acceptance Notification: February 13, 2026

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