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Bayesian Modelling with R-INLA
by Oliver Hooker 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Bayesian Modelling with R-INLA *Five-Day Intensive Online Course* Marine-mammal research increasingly relies on advanced statistical tools to analyse complex ecological data: spatial surveys, detection-non-detection datasets, telemetry tracks, abundance estimates, behavioural data, and multi-level hierarchical structures. *Bayesian Modelling using R-INLA (BMIN03)* provides a comprehensive, practical introduction to modern Bayesian methods that are directly applicable to these challenges. This five-day live-online course is designed for ecologists and conservation scientists who want to apply *efficient Bayesian modelling* to their data, using the R-INLA framework. Why Marine-Mammal Scientists Benefit from R-INLA - *Spatial and spatio-temporal modelling* are central to marine-mammal ecology; INLA excels at these models due to its efficient latent Gaussian approach. - *Large datasets* from aerial surveys, eDNA transects, passive acoustic monitoring, or satellite telemetry can be modelled more efficiently than with traditional MCMC. - INLA supports *complex hierarchical structures*, allowing you to combine environmental covariates, survey design effects, behavioural information, and individual variation within a unified Bayesian framework. What You Will Learn - The core ideas behind *Bayesian inference* and how INLA provides fast, accurate approximations ideal for large ecological datasets. - How to build and fit *generalised linear, mixed-effects, spatial, and spatio-temporal models* commonly used in marine-mammal population analysis. - How to incorporate *latent effects*, custom priors, random fields, and structured dependencies — useful for modelling habitat use, movement, distribution, and abundance. - How to analyse *line-transect and distance-sampling-style data*, telemetry data, occupancy models, and hierarchical datasets with individual- or site-level effects. - How to interpret posterior outputs, generate predictions, map spatial distributions, assess uncertainty, and communicate Bayesian results effectively. Course Format - *Five days*, 7 hours per day, combining theory, practical coding exercises, and guided model-building. - *Live online* sessions with full recordings provided. - Full access to teaching materials plus *30 days of post-course support*. Who Should Attend - Marine-mammal ecologists, conservation biologists, environmental statisticians and analysts who work in R. - Researchers involved in *abundance estimation, density surface modelling, telemetry studies, habitat modelling, impact assessment, or long-term monitoring*. - Scientists familiar with basic statistical modelling (e.g., GLMs, mixed models) but who want to move into Bayesian approaches. *Next course date:* 23–27 February 2026 (live online) *Course fee:* £500 Advance your ability to model complex ecological systems and produce defensible, transparent, and uncertainty-aware analyses. Learn more or register: https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-modelling-using-r-inla-bmin03/ <https://prstats.org/course/bayesian-modelling-using-r-inla-bmin03/?utm_sour…> -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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MMO/PSO/PAM Training Courses
by Enquiries 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Advance Your Career with Ocean Science Consulting Limited's (OSC) Training Courses, upcoming course dates and more information below! Go to MMO & PAM Training Courses <https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> for more info and to sign up today - we have limited spaces available for our next course beginning 9 December, so sign up now to secure your place! Next course dates, December 2025 Tuesday 9th MMO Wednesday 10th (0.5 day) - PSO Wednesday 10th (0.5 day) to Friday 19th - PAM What you will learn Species Identification: Identifying species by their unique traits and behaviours. Underwater acoustics theory: Understand how sound travels underwater and the basics of marine acoustics. PAM systems: Set up, operate, and troubleshoot PAM equipment for optimal performance. Regulations & guidelines: Gain in-depth knowledge of critical frameworks like the JNCC Guidelines and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Observation techniques: Hone your skills with professional tools like binoculars and rangefinders and learn precise reporting protocols. Mitigation procedures: Learn how proven techniques like soft starts, shutdowns, and exclusion zones are used to protect marine mammals. Data collection: How to use tools and software to log sightings and create conservation-focused reports. Why choose OSC Our courses are led by instructors with over 30 years of experience, including the authors of the industry-renowned MMO and PAM Handbook. You'll gain unparalleled expertise and hands-on skills from professionals actively working on offshore projects worldwide. Extra benefits: Discounted Marine Binoculars and Tripod Mounts from Opticron. Small class sizes (maximum of 10 participants) for individualised attention. Reduced rate of 770 GBP when you attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Kickstart your marine conservation career by joining one of our world-class training sessions. Courses are available throughout the year, with our next sessions commencing at the beginning of 9 December, and running from the OSC office in Dunbar, Scotland. Click here: MMO & PAM Training Courses<https://www.osc.co.uk/training/> to sign up, and for more information. OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com Enquiries Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk W: www.ocean-science-consulting.gr W: www.osc-nz.co.nz Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR. Scotland, UK MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Cetacean Research Assistant Course and Drone Course
by Info Edmaktub 03 Dec '25

03 Dec '25

Dear Colleagues, We are delighted to announce that in April 2026 EDMAKTUB will once again offer Cetacean Research Assistant Courses and a Drone Course. The application is now open, and spots are limited! 1. Research Assistant Course: This course is recommended for anyone looking to enter the field and learn about the techniques and methods of marine mammal research. No prior experience is needed to participate. The course places strong emphasis on boat-based field work, and is complemented by theoretical and practical classes. Being designed to adapt to the level and interests of each participant. It covers multiple research domains, including: - Distribution and abundance - Photo-identification - Behavioural studies - Use of drones for cetacean research - Morphometrics & body condition - Oceanography - Statistics, data treatment and modelling - Zooplankton & microplastics - Collision risk & marine traffic - Acoustics - Biological sampling - Citizen Science - Conservation Participants may choose to join 1, 2, or all 3 weeks of the course: - 1st week: 30th March – 5th April 2026 - 2nd week: 6th – 12th April 2026 - 3rd week: 13th – 19th April 2026 The detailed course outline and application form can be found on our website: https://edmaktub.org/en/rac/ <https://edmaktub.org/en/participate/> 2. Drone Course: This one-week course is designed to provide comprehensive training in drone operation and its application in cetacean research. It will be taught by experts with more than 10 years of experience in the field, ensuring participants receive high-quality instruction and guidance. The course is suitable for beginners, no prior experience with drones or marine research is required, but it is an advantage. The curriculum covers current drone regulations, safe and responsible operation, and ethical considerations involved in working with marine wildlife. Participants will gain experience in a wide range of applications in cetacean research, including: - Aerial photo-id - Population studies - Behavioural analysis - Morphometrics and body condition assessment - Sample collection. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in expanding their expertise in modern marine research techniques and contributing to cetacean conservation efforts. Course dates: 20–26 April 2026 The detailed course outline and application form can be found on our website: https://edmaktub.org/en/drone-course/ <https://edmaktub.org/en/drone-course/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBf…> The courses will take place near Barcelona, Spain. The course fee includes accommodation and basic provisions. For more information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, EDMAKTUB Team

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December 10: Decoding whale communication and its implication for Rights of Nature, with Project CETI - online learning session of the Co-creation with the More-than-Human sandbox
by Renilde Becque 02 Dec '25

02 Dec '25

December 10, at 6 pm CET | 12 pm ET | 9 am PT: What Whales are saying <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-creation-with-the-more-than-human-what-whal…> – online learning session of the Co-creation with the More-than-Human sandbox A quiet revolution in understanding the More-than-Human world is underway. On 10 December, our ninth and last Co-creation with the More-than-Human learning session of 2025 (with more coming in 2026!) goes into territory that feels both scientific and quietly revolutionary: Decoding whale communication — and what it means for Rights of Nature. Project CETI is a global research initiative working to decode sperm whale communication using advanced AI, machine learning and field linguistics. Their work is revealing a communication system of stunning complexity, suggesting these ocean giants may have one of the most sophisticated languages in the animal kingdom. This in turn invites us to challenge long-standing assumptions about agency, personhood, and the foundations for recognising legal rights beyond the human. In this online session, we’ll go in dialogue with Dr. David Gruber, Founder & President of Project CETI and a National Geographic Explorer, exploring the science, the implications, and the door it opens for a different kind of relationship with the oceanic world. If you’re curious about what this frontier looks like in practice, you’re welcome to join us on 10 December at 6 pm CET | 12 pm ET | 9 am PT REGISTRATION LINK (EventBrite, free & quick to register): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/co-creation-with-the-more-than-human-what-whal… Alternatively, to receive the email announcements for when we resume the monthly learning sessions in 2026, register for the mailing list (no newsletter): https://stats.sender.net/forms/dL926D/view?utm_campaign= <https://stats.sender.net/forms/dL926D/view?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&u…> &utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

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New publication: Mediterranean Gate Sanctuary for the Protection of Cetaceans
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 02 Dec '25

02 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our recently published open-access article in *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*: *Mediterranean Gate Sanctuary for the Protection of Cetaceans* by Joan Giménez, Ana Cañadas, and Renaud de Stephanis https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70255 *Summary:* The Alboran Sea, located in the western Mediterranean, hosts a rich and ecologically important cetacean community, including endangered species such as the Mediterranean common dolphin. Current marine protected areas (MPAs) in the region are limited and fail to address the wide-ranging needs of these species. In this study, we: - Synthesized existing national and international conservation initiatives in the Alboran Sea. - Applied a spatial prioritization framework using species distribution models and threat-based cost analyses. - Identified critical areas requiring enhanced protection and proposed the creation of a large-scale marine sanctuary—the *Mediterranean Gate Sanctuary*—to connect existing MPAs and safeguard cetacean habitats. The proposed sanctuary emphasizes a *threat-based, species- and space-oriented approach*, fostering transnational collaboration and stakeholder engagement to ensure effective conservation and sustainable marine management. The full article is available here: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.70255 We hope this work contributes to ongoing discussions on marine spatial planning and cetacean conservation. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. Best regards, Joan Giménez -- [image: image.png]

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New paper on spatial bycatch analysis of marine mammals and seabirds in Alaskan waters
by Simone Tava 02 Dec '25

02 Dec '25

Dear MARMAM community, Me and my co-author are pleased to share our new published Open Access article focusing on the spatial patterns and drivers of marine mammal and seabirds bycatch in Alaskan waters. This study applies Open Access data, Machine Learning algorithms and GIS-based spatial analysis and manually digitized historical records to overcome data accessibility challenges, offering a comprehensive view of bycatch risk across regions and taxa. Title: A Closer Look at Seabird and Marine Mammal Bycatch Data in Alaska’s Longline Groundfish and Pacific Halibut Fisheries: A Reassessment with Open Access and Machine Learning Ensembles Explicit in Space and Time Shows Deficiencies. Authors: Simone Tava & Falk Huettmann Abstract: Bycatch, the capture of non-target species during fishing operations, causes significant ecological, physical, and socio-economic impacts. Despite widespread Open Access policies worldwide, effective bycatch assessment using Open Access data remains obstructed by cultural barriers, data deficiencies, and insufficient data sharing practices. This study evaluated Open Access datasets in the context of estimated bycatch in Alaskan EEZ fisheries, an underutilized approach in fisheries policies aimed at improving transparency. We used Machine Learning and GIS data to evaluate longline fisheries’ impacts on marine populations by analyzing ten key species and producing replicable results. We reassessed accuracy and quality of existing bycatch estimation in Alaskan longline groundfish fisheries. Our findings revealed data aspects related to greater impacts on bycatch species than previously reported, with potential ecological effects extending beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Spanning 1995–2001, we included projections for 2050, identifying systemic underestimations in current fisheries law and data policy. Our assessment raises concerns about governance and sustainable certifications within US fisheries, especially under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (lacking effective bycatch data/policies) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) without mandatory Open Access or software standards. The current data practices are outdated and require revision, they hinder professional performance, progress, trust, and accountability in validating sustainable fisheries governance in the US and its role as a global model. Our results favor adopting documented Open Access workflows explicit in space and time as best practice enhancing transparency and sustainability and improving fisheries management, addressing sustainability gaps in current practices. Journal: Data Science Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2025-034 We hope this contribution will support ongoing research and conservation efforts aimed at reducing bycatch in the North Pacific and Arctic ecosystems. If you have any questions and would like to discuss the work further or are working on similar topic and would like to explore opportunities to collaborate then please get in touch. Best regards, Simone Tava, University of Southampton Email: tavasimone(a)gmail.com

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New publication: Seasonal and Diel Diversity in Foraging Behaviour of Harbour Porpoises Within Their Distributional Range in the Northeast Atlantic
by Jasmine Stavenow Jerremalm 01 Dec '25

01 Dec '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share our new open-access paper entitled: “Large‐Scale Passive Acoustic Monitoring Data Shows Seasonal and Diel Diversity in Foraging Behaviour of Harbour Porpoises Within Their Distributional Range in the Northeast Atlantic”, published in Ecology and Evolution Authors: Stavenow Jerremalm, J., Beesau, J., Carlström, J., Eriksson, P., Jessopp, M., Kavanagh, A., Loisa, O., Michel, M., Owen, K., Rasmussen, M. H., Samaran, F., Todd, N. R. E., & Rogan, E. Abstract: Latitudinal gradient can influence ecosystem dynamics and species distribution, yet the influence on some aspects, such as intraspecific diversity, is less well understood. The large-scale distribution of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Northeast Atlantic, indicates that ecological adaptations within the species might be greater than currently recognised. This study investigates variation in foraging behaviour using long-term passive acoustic monitoring data collected between 2009 and 2023 from Iceland, Sweden, Ireland, and France. In each area, Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) were used to investigate the influence of large-scale environmental variables (water temperature, salinity, primary production, diel phase and daylength) on foraging behaviour. Our results show variability and complexity in foraging and differences in temporal patterns between areas. In the northernmost regions, with the largest variation in daylight, foraging behaviour was related to diel phase, with primarily nocturnal foraging recorded during the year, but with predominantly diurnal foraging in Iceland during late fall. In the southernmost regions, less effect of diel phase on foraging was found. Harbour porpoises in Sweden and Iceland exhibited increased day-round foraging during calving periods, highlighting the role of reproductive energetics in behavioural adaptations, and the complexity and importance of foraging during different seasons. Our findings underscore the influence of environmental drivers in shaping foraging strategies, supporting the concept that harbour porpoises optimise these based on local conditions and prey availability. Using long-term datasets, spanning broad geographical and temporal scales, this study contributes to the wider ecological understanding of animals with extensive latitudinal distributions, highlighting intra-species variance and the need for region-specific conservation and management It can be found open-access here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72566 Best wishes, Jasmine Jasmine Stavenow Jerremalm PhD researcher School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences | University College Cork MaREI Centre | Sustainability Institute - Beaufort Building | University College Cork Email: jstavenow(a)ucc.ie | Web: www.marei.ie<http://www.marei.ie/> | www.ucc.ie/en/bees/<https://www.ucc.ie/en/bees/>

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New Research Topic Open for Submissions!
by Rebecca Boys 01 Dec '25

01 Dec '25

Dear MARMAMers, Apologies for cross-posting. Dr. Yann Henaut (ECOSUR Conservation and Biodiversity) and I are pleased to announce that our Research Topic in Frontiers in Ethology 'Advancing Marine Mammal Welfare Through Ethological Insights: Behavioral Responses to Stressors in Wild, Rehabilitation, and Managed Care Settings' is now open for submissions! Here's a link to find out more about the project https://www.frontiersin.org/researchtopic/75704. If you are interested in potentially submitting a paper for this Research Topic please let us know. Thank you very much, Rebecca and Yann ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Affiliate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand [cid:ef72834b-5c9d-48a8-bf28-98bc089b6b1d]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:a00c8134-2d35-4701-af64-34311e33c725] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:93e543b3-8e13-49bf-9c96-a6888f63c5a1] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:6cd89dc2-f1a7-4caf-84a0-e7d59d66cf05] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:97c08c2f-cef4-45db-8a26-43e210d1cfad] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:bc62822b-6b32-4155-a0d9-455a4cc255a8] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:2d0919f2-e231-4b26-932d-dedfd01d7309]

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Position
by Erin B. Bates 01 Dec '25

01 Dec '25

The Virginia Aquarium is currently hiring an Exhibits Technician as part of the Stranding Response Program. The Stranding Response & Research Technician is expected to have foundational skills and a working knowledge of the stranding field and may be assigned a primary area of responsibility based on experience and skill level. Duties include - fielding calls from the public regarding stranded animals and coordination of response under the guidance of senior staff, documentation and data collection for stranding events, participation in live animal stranding events, assistance with post-mortem exams (necropsies), and providing for the needs of patients undergoing rehab at the Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center. To learn more and apply for the position, please visit the City of Virginia Beach Career Page<https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=VBGOV&cw…>. The position closes Tuesday December 2 and I apologize for the quick turn-around but it looks like my initial email may have been lost in the shuffle of the holiday season.

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New publication: The times they are a changin’: Temporal patterns in small cetacean abundance in the northeast Atlantic
by Oriol Giralt 30 Nov '25

30 Nov '25

Dear colleagues, In behalf of my coauthors, I am glad to share with you the publication “The times they are a changin’: Temporal patterns in small cetacean abundance in the northeast Atlantic”. Authors: Oriol Giralt Paradell, Ashley Bennison, Meike Scheidat, Mick Mackey, Helder Araújo, Steve C.V. Geelhoed, Dimitar Popov, Patricia Breen, Mark Jessopp, Ana Cañadas and Emer Rogan Abstract: Conserving marine species effectively requires spatially and temporally explicit knowledge of their abundance and distribution for assessing potential impacts (e.g., from fishery bycatch, anthropogenic sound, ship strikes) over different spatial and temporal scales. We used aerial surveys and distance sampling to estimate abundance of seven frequently encountered small cetacean species in the northeast Atlantic and examine seasonal and interannual variations. Five surveys were carried out over the Irish EEZ in summer 2016, 2021 and 2022 and winter 2016–2017 and 2022–2023. Seasonal and annual variations in abundance were seen across species. Harbour porpoise showed a steady decrease in abundance, with estimates ranging from 38,260 (CV: 23.7) individuals in summer 2016 to 6,604 (CV: 40.8) in winter 2022–2023. Similarly, bottlenose dolphin numbers ranged from an unprecedented 212,646 (CV: 15.5) individuals in the winter of 2016–2017 to 11,328 (CV: 42.4) in summer 2021. In contrast, common dolphins increased from 13,192 (CV: 75.2) individuals in winter 2016–2017 to 594,293 (CV: 28.2) in summer 2021. Other species, such as Risso’s, Atlantic white-sided, white- beaked and striped dolphins were seen more sporadically and in lower numbers. The recent decline in harbour porpoise abundance is concerning and merits further investigation. Results provide the first measure of seasonal and interannual variability in abundance, possibly reflecting large scale movement patterns and population change and allow for the seasonal assessment of potential anthropogenic impacts. The article can be freely accessed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X25013998 Thanks, Oriol Giralt Paradell

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