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Bio-acoustics workshop on December 11th
by Testori Camilla 28 Nov '25

28 Nov '25

Interested in underwater bio-acoustics? On December 11th, at 14:30CET, within the ending event of the TursioNet project funded by the Pelagos Initiative, you are invited to a webinar about the operator-based quick acoustic classification procedures developed within the project. A reference acoustic dataset and several software tools will be shared. Here is the registration link: https://forms.gle/mqPm6kg2UNKgVTFp6 Registration will remain open until December 9 at 11:59 p.m. Best regards, Camilla Testori S.S. Laboratorio Neuropatologia Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna 148 - 10154 TORINO Italy e-mail: camilla.testori(a)izsplv.it tel: 0112686296 **Please consider the environment before printing** Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio sono riservate, confidenziali ed a uso esclusivo del destinatario ed è vietata la loro diffusione. Qualora riceveste il presente messaggio per errore e non ne siate destinatari, vi preghiamo di darcene notizia via e-mail di astenervi dal consultare il messaggio stesso e gli eventuali files allegati e di cancellare il messaggio dal vostro sistema informatico. Costituisce comportamento contrario ai principi del Dlgs. 196/2016 e del Regolamento UE 679/2016 il trattenere il messaggio, diffonderne il contenuto, inviarlo ad altri soggetti, copiarlo in tutto o in parte, utilizzarlo da parte di soggetti diversi dal destinatario. L'IZSPLV, titolare del trattamento, garantisce la massima riservatezza dei dati da voi comunicati ; gli stessi saranno trattati in ottemperanza alle normative vigenti. L'interessato può esercitare i propri diritti di soggetto interessato dandone comunicazione all'indirizzo e- mail Dpo(a)izsto.it . Le dichiarazioni contenute nel presente messaggio nonché nei suoi eventuali allegati devono essere attribuite esclusivamente al mittente e non impegnano l'IZSPLV, nei confronti del destinatario o di terzi. L'istituto non si assume alcuna responsabilità per eventuali intercettazioni , modifiche o danneggiamenti del presente messaggio e-mail.

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PR stats Python and Bioinformatics Courses
by Oliver Hooker 27 Nov '25

27 Nov '25

*PR stats has several Python and Bioinformatics courses that may be of interest.* *Deep Learning Using Python* Live online course that teaches neural networks, deep learning model building, optimisation and practical applications in Python. https://prstats.org/course/deep-learning-using-python-dlup01/ If you work with marine mammal data — such as acoustic recordings, drone imagery, photo-ID photos or satellite/aerial images — this course helps you harness deep learning to automate detection, classification and pattern recognition. You will learn to build, train, and evaluate models capable of identifying whales or dolphins from images, classifying call types in passive-acoustic data, or spotting individuals in large imagery datasets. This allows you to scale up surveys, reduce manual workload and uncover ecological patterns more efficiently. Perfect for marine-mammal researchers, post-graduates or conservation practitioners keen to apply machine learning to real-world data challenges in ecology and conservation. *Python for Data Science & Statistical Computing* Live online course covering core Python programming, data analysis and reproducible scientific computing. https://prstats.org/course/python-for-data-science-and-statistical-computin… If you work with marine mammal data — such as telemetry tracks, acoustic detections, prey-field surveys, population counts, or environmental covariates — this course gives you the Python-based tools to ingest, clean, analyse and summarise these data in a reproducible, efficient workflow. You’ll learn statistical computing, data manipulation and scripting skills that make it easier to explore movement patterns, population trends and ecological relationships. This course is ideal for marine mammal researchers, analysts or students aiming to streamline data-heavy workflows and produce robust, reproducible results. *RNA-Seq Analysis* Live online course covering design, QC, alignment, gene-expression quantification, differential expression, visualisation, and downstream functional analysis. https://prstats.org/course/rna-seq-analysis-rnaa01/ If you study marine mammals and are interested in physiology, health, adaptation, or responses to environmental stressors (e.g. pollution or climate change), this course gives you the tools to turn raw RNA-Seq data into meaningful biological insights. You’ll learn how to process sequencing data from raw reads through to differential expression analysis and functional interpretation — enabling you to examine gene expression changes in tissue samples, understand stress or disease responses, or investigate adaptation at the molecular level. Ideal for marine mammal researchers and conservation scientists seeking to integrate transcriptomic data into their work. *Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis* Live online course covering quality control, normalization, clustering, cell-type or state identification, differential expression, and biological interpretation of single-cell transcriptomic data. https://prstats.org/course/single-cell-rna-seq-analysis-scrn02/ If you study marine mammals — for example investigating immune responses, tissue-specific effects of pollution, stress responses, or disease at the cellular level — this course equips you to process and analyse single-cell RNA-Seq data from raw counts through clustering and interpretation. You’ll gain the skills needed to detect heterogeneity in cell populations (e.g., immune, epithelial, or neural cells), compare responses among individuals or conditions, and draw meaningful biological conclusions about cellular diversity, health, or environmental impact. Ideal for researchers seeking to apply cutting-edge transcriptomic methods to marine mammal biology and conservation. *Introduction to Processing and Analysis of Spatial Multiplexed Proteomics Data* Live online course covering the processing, analysis and visualisation of spatially resolved proteomics datasets. https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-processing-and-analysis-of-spati… If you study marine mammals and are interested in tissue-level biology — for example investigating effects of contaminants, disease, or environmental stress on organs like skin, blubber, liver, or immune-related tissues — this course provides powerful tools to map protein expression across tissue sections. You’ll learn how to process complex spatial proteomics data, visualize patterns of protein abundance, and interpret spatial variation across cells or tissue regions. This can help reveal cellular- or tissue-level responses to pollutants, disease, or climate change — offering deeper insight into physiological health and pathology in marine mammals. *Introduction to Python for Biologists* Learn to code for biological data analysis in this live online course. https://prstats.org/course/introduction-to-python-for-biologists-ipyb01/ Designed for biologists and life scientists, this practical course teaches you how to use Python to clean, organise, analyse and visualise biological data. Ideal for beginners, it gives you the confidence to move from spreadsheets to reproducible, code-based workflows, helping you work faster, reduce errors, and produce more reliable, publication-ready results. *Advanced Python for Biologists* Take your computational skills further with this live online course. https://prstats.org/course/advanced-python-for-biologists-apyb01/ Ideal for researchers who already know the basics of Python, this course helps you build efficient, well-structured code, automate complex data workflows, and manage large biological datasets. You’ll learn how to integrate multiple data sources, perform advanced analyses, and produce reproducible, publication-quality outputs — boosting productivity and analytical power for modern biological research. *Python for Biological Data Exploration & Visualization* Master how to wrangle, analyse, and visualise biological data using Python — all in a live online course. https://prstats.org/course/python-for-biological-data-exploration-and-visua… This course teaches you how to load, clean and explore biological or ecological datasets, perform relevant statistical analyses, and produce publication-quality visualisations that clearly communicate patterns, trends, and insights. It’s designed for biologists or life-science researchers who want to move beyond spreadsheets and create reproducible, interpretable analyses and graphics with confidence. Please email oliver(a)prstats.org with any questions -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR stats

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New Paper on Trace Elements in Harbour Porpoises
by Rosie Williams 27 Nov '25

27 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am very pleased to share our new (open access) paper entitled: “Temporal Increases in Mercury Concentrations are Associated with Increased Risk of Death by Infectious Disease in Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena Phocoena)” https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.5c08346 Abstract: Trace elements, particularly heavy metals like mercury, pose significant risks to marine ecosystems due to their toxic and bioaccumulative properties. Concentrations in some marine species show concerning temporal increases, yet spatiotemporal trends in UK marine mammals have not been comprehensively assessed for nearly two decades. Marine mammals serve as sentinel species for ocean health due to their long lifespan and high trophic level, making them vulnerable to bioaccumulative pollutants. Monitoring trace elements, in highly exposed populations, is critical for assessing trends and indices of health, like infectious disease. Using liver tissue samples of 738 UK-stranded harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) collected between 1990 and 2021, we found mercury and selenium concentrations have increased, in contrast to declines in cadmium and lead. Spatial analyses revealed that mercury concentrations are highest at lower latitudes, while cadmium increases northward. Levels of zinc, mercury, selenium, and cadmium are significantly associated with infectious disease mortality risk. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring trace elements in sentinel species to inform conservation efforts and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution mitigation policies such as the Minamata Convention. Increasing mercury levels, despite emission reductions, underscores the urgent need for improved measures to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. Authors: Williams, R. S.; Curnick, D. J.; Baillie, A.; Barber, J. L.; Barnett, J.; Brownlow, A.; Deaville, R.; Davison, N. J.; ten Doeschate, M.; Penrose, R.; Perkins, M.; Spiro, S.; Warford, L.; Williams, R.; Cunningham, A. A.; Johnson, A. C. If you have any questions about our findings or are carrying out similar research and would like to explore opportunities to collaborate then please get in touch. My email address is Rosie.Williams(a)ioz.ac.uk<mailto:Rosie.Williams@ioz.ac.uk> Best wishes, Rosie Dr Rosie Williams The Zoological Society of London is incorporated by Royal Charter - Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 208728. Principal Office England - Company Number RC000749 - Registered address Regent's Park, London, England NW1 4RY This e-mail has been sent in confidence to the named addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or distribute it in any form, and you are asked to contact the sender immediately. Views or opinions expressed in this communication may not be those of The Zoological Society of London and, therefore, The Zoological Society of London does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. The recipient(s) must be aware that e-mail is not a secure communication medium and that the contents of this mail may have been altered by a third party in transit. If you have any issues regarding this mail please visit: https://www.zsl.org/about-us/contact-us

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 25 Nov '25

25 Nov '25

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to at least one month. We conduct our work year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. Longer-term applicants are encouraged to apply. We are looking for people to join as soon as possible, as we have current openings December 2025 - February 2026 and beyond. *What to expect?* Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted areas of conservation including social media management and ecological research. We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set, and length of stay. Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation. While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety of ways and become immersed in science and local life. Project activities: · Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour and anthropogenic impact monitoring: - Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities - Land surveys · Post fieldwork activities: - Photo-identification - Data entry and proofing · Community involvement and capacity building - Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events - Social media and content creation - Education and outreach in local schools - Beach clean-ups - Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting - Citizen science training for community members · Current Projects: - Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the opportunity to become involved with the following: - Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) - Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) - Ghost net removal - Acoustic deterrent device implementation - University collaboration - Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Internship training includes: · Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · Marine mammal identification and behaviour training · Marine vessel identification training · Field data collection and data entry training · Grant writing workshop · Weekly Khmer language lessons Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.co <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>m

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New Poen Acces Publication:: Evolution of dolphin vertebral morphology
by María Constanza Marchesi 25 Nov '25

25 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am very pleased to share our new (open access) paper on the evolutionary trends of dolphin vertebral morphology. Marchesi MC, Pereyra SEE, Coscarella M & R González José (2025) Evolutionary trends in the vertebral morphology of extant Delphinidae. BMC Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.1186/s12862-025-02457-w Abstract: Vertebral morphology in cetaceans is linked to various functional abilities that promote ecological diversity and adaptive radiation. While morphometric studies have examined vertebral shape evolution, few have quantified evolutionary trends in a phylogenetic framework. Here, we used three-dimensional landmark configurations and phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate how the vertebral morphology of Delphinidae is influenced by phylogenetic constraints, ecological adaptation, and allometric effects and how these influences vary along the vertebral column. Phylogenetic ordination methods revealed that species with particular habitat requirements differ greatly from their closest relatives, exhibiting biomechanically advantageous vertebral shapes. A comparison of the orientations of these ordination methods, phylogenetic ANOVAs and phylogenetic signal tests revealed that vertebral morphology is affected by overlapping allometric, ecologic, and phylogenetic signals, with their relative importance differing across regions, phylogenetic levels, and dimensions of shape. In the anterior thorax, the posterior thorax, and the synclinal point, diversification was associated primarily with size and habitat, resulting in low phylogenetic signals. Conversely, the mid-torso and tail stock retain strong phylogenetic signals, reflecting subfamily level conservatism. Notably, in the Tm region, the ecological demands for fast swimming remain highly relevant to vertebral morphology, emphasising the functional significance of this region. Vertebral morphology in Delphinidae may reflect a complex interplay of ecological, allometric and phylogenetic influences, with distinct regions evolving under different combinations of selective and historical constraints. These region-specific patterns highlight the modularity of the vertebral column and provide new insights into the adaptive radiation of oceanic dolphins. Further studies, including evolutionary modelling and considering intraspecific variation, will be essential to fully understand macroevolutionary trends in vertebral morphology and their implications for axial locomotion. Best regards, Maria Conztanza Marchesi (marchesimc(a)gmail.com <http://gmail.com/>) Dra. María Constanza (Kata) Marchesi Investigadora Asistente / Assistant Researcher Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA) Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET) Blvd. Brown 2915 U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina Phone: +54 280 488-3184/488-3185 (ext 1332) www.lamama.com.ar <http://www.lamama.com.ar/> Women in Marine Mammal Science (WIMMS) https://wimms.weebly.com <https://wimms.weebly.com/> Research Gate Profile: www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Constanza_Marchesi “Shoot to the Moon! Even if you fail, you’ll end up among the stars” My work hours may be different from yours. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside of your normal working time.

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New publication on the functioning of European strandings networks
by Marie Petitguyot 25 Nov '25

25 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new paper on optimising the functioning of stranding networks in Europe in ICES Journal of Marine Science: Petitguyot, M. A. C, Fariñas-Bermejo, A., Brownlow, A., Ahola, M. P., Álvarez Neches, E., Arbelo, M., Authier, M., Balsera Riesgo, R., Berrow, S., Bjørge, A., Brackmann, J., Brasseur, S., Carreira, G., Cervin, L., Claver, C., Covelo, P., Crespo-Picazo, J. L., Dabin, W., Dähne, M., Davison, N. J., Deaville, R., ten Doeschate, M. T. I., Domingo Álvarez, M., Escribano Cánovas, F., Evans, P. G. H., Fayos Martínez, M., Fernández, A., Fernández, R., Fernández-Maldonado, C., Freitas, L., Galatius, A., García de los Ríos, A., Garrido Sánchez, L., Geut, M. I. M., Gilles, A., Gozalbes Aparicio, P., Grilo, M., Haelters, J., Halldórsson, S. D., Hamm, T., Havermans, J., IJsseldijk, L. L., Jacinto, D., Jussi, M., Kamminga, P., Kåre Jensen, T., Kavanagh, A. S., Keijl, G., Leopold, M., López, A., Marçalo, A., Marques, N., Martínez Cedeira, J. A., Mikkelsen, B., Miodonski, J., Monasterio Iglesias, J. M., Montes Gómez, J. E., Neimanis, A., Neves, F., Pardal, S. I., Pawliczka, I., Peña Pascucci, I., Petersen, H. H., Plikshs, M., Puig-Lozano, R., Raga, J. A., Robalo, J. I., Roos, A., Ruiz Sancho, L., Saavedra, C., Sigurðsson, G. M., Simião; S., Solomando Marti, A., Stavenow Jerremalm, J., Stejskal, O., Survilienė, V., Thøstesen, C. B., van der Hiele, J., Varas, J., Verdaat, H., Verheul, D., Víkingsson, G. A., Villalón, J., Williams, R.S., Woodlock, J., and Pierce, G. J. 2025. European stranding networks as a tool for monitoring marine mammal populations (Part I): towards optimising the functioning of networks. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 82(11):1-27. The paper is open access and available online at: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/82/11/fsaf194/8339597 Abstract: The study of stranded animals is a valuable aid to monitoring marine mammals globally. However, the utility of strandings data depends on their quality and representativeness, which is affected by various biological, physical, social and economic factors. An analysis of how stranding networks work could help understand limitations in the data collected and facilitate correcting for or even eliminating them. In 2021, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea’s Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology carried out an expert consultation using a questionnaire to provide insight into the contribution of European stranding networks as a monitoring tool in European countries with Northeast Atlantic and adjacent coasts (hence also including some networks operating along the Mediterranean coast). A key aim was to identify ways to improve data on mortality of marine mammals due to fishery bycatch. The present paper is the first of a two-part series based on the responses to the questionnaire by 45 organisations from 19 countries, and focuses on characterising the activities and capacities of the stranding networks surveyed, identifying differences within and between countries, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and providing recommendations to enhance the value and credibility of the information collected. The second paper will focus on the information specifically related to mortality due to fishery bycatch. Stranding networks provide extensive spatio-temporal coverage of European coastlines, but their activities may be constrained by limited resources as well as limitations imposed by the stranding process. There is a need for better coordination and standardisation of the collection and analysis of data and samples and increased spatial coverage to fill gaps. To improve data quality, in particular to support assessment of impacts of threats such as bycatch, more necropsies and associated sample analysis are needed. It would also be advantageous to collect more information from less fresh animals, record search effort, and give greater attention to pinnipeds and non-marine mammal taxa. We also highlight the need to make information available and the potential value of a common database. Streamlining the reporting of results at the European level and providing systematic funding to stranding networks in accordance with their needs are necessary steps to optimise their role as a tool for the long-term monitoring of marine mammals and other marine megafauna in Europe. Best wishes, -- Marie Petitguyot & Andrea Fariñas-Bermejo Institute of Marine Research - Spanish National Research Council Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas - IIM-CSIC C/ Eduardo Cabello, 6 CP 36208 Vigo (Pontevedra) Spain

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MARMAM Publication: Programmed unmanned aerial vehicles show great potential for monitoring marine megafauna in specific areas of interest
by Dinah Hartmann 25 Nov '25

25 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM community, We have a new publication to share on estimating density of marine megafauna using drones (UAVs). Title: Programmed unmanned aerial vehicles show great potential for monitoring marine megafauna in specific areas of interest Abstract: Targeted conservation measures are contingent on robust knowledge of spatio-temporal animal distribution in areas of interest. We explore unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transect monitoring as a novel method for standardized digital aerial surveys of marine megafauna by investigating the fine-resolution spatio-temporal distribution of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in a Swedish nature reserve along with drivers of this distribution and potential biases. Biweekly UAV video data were collected along pre-programmed strip transects over 17 weeks from June to September 2023, totalling a survey area of 3.37 km2, thereby providing porpoise monitoring data covering 89% of a special area of conservation for the species. All UAV video data were manually reviewed by a primary observer, and 25% of the UAV footage was also reviewed by a second, unexperienced observer to identify observer bias and learning effects. No significant observer bias or learning effect was found, but increased sea state affected porpoise density negatively. From the monitoring data, we were able to calculate relative density estimates, identify small-scale spatio-temporal differences and detect negative effects of recreational boat activity on porpoise presence. We further demonstrate that within this restricted area, porpoises are found in higher relative densities outside a designated conservation area, compared to within the conservation area, providing important knowledge to guide fine-scale local conservation actions. We highlight advantages and areas of improvement of UAV transect monitoring as an accessible, versatile and adaptable method to survey marine megafauna in spatially restricted specific areas of interest. We conclude that this method constitutes a promising and valuable tool for wildlife monitoring, especially as it can be easily adapted and modified for specific contexts and species. Hartmann, D., Palmqvist, V. and Stedt, J. (2025), Programmed unmanned aerial vehicles show great potential for monitoring marine megafauna in specific areas of interest. Remote Sens Ecol Conserv. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70043 [rse270043-toc-0001-m.jpeg]<https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70043> Programmed unmanned aerial vehicles show great potential for monitoring marine megafauna in specific areas of interest<https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70043> doi.org<https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.70043> Do reach out if you would like to learn more or have any questions. Best, Dinah

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New publication: Allied male dolphins use synchronous displays to strengthen social bonds in a cooperative context
by Sam Hill-Cousins 24 Nov '25

24 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share a new (open access) paper on dolphin motor synchrony: Allied male dolphins use synchronous displays to strengthen social bonds in a cooperative context (https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00603-z) Abstract From fireflies to fiddler crabs and anurans to apes, males from across the animal kingdom perform synchronous displays in the mating context. Most do so in competition for mates, but few species synchronise signal production cooperatively. For example, synchrony in humans is cooperative; where interpersonal synchrony increases affiliation, cooperative ability, and group cohesion. Interestingly, multi-level alliances of male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia, also engage in cooperative synchrony. Adult males form pairs or trios to cooperatively herd single oestrus females, during which males perform elaborate synchronous displays. These displays comprise synchronous turns, leaps, and surfacing bouts around the female, but the function remains equivocal. Here, we used drone mounted video coupled with 40 years of behavioural data to investigate what social factors influence the performance of these synchronous displays by male dolphins. We found that males perform synchronous displays for longer after engaging in affiliative contact behaviour, and that those with weaker social bonds engaged in more precise synchrony with each other. Aligning with recent research on vocal synchrony in this population, we provide evidence that male dolphins use synchrony to both maintain and strengthen their social bonds. These findings suggest that dolphins have converged with humans on the use of synchronous displays to sustain multiple social bonds in nested, complex social systems. Citation: Hill-Cousins, S., Chereskin, E., Allen, S.J., Connor, R.C., Krützen, M., Papageorgiou, D., King, S.L. Allied male dolphins use synchronous displays to strengthen social bonds in a cooperative context. Mov Ecol 13, 84 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-025-00603-z All the best, Sam Hill-Cousins M.Sc. Email: sam.hill-cousins(a)hotmail.com

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Job Opportunity: The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program Summer 2026 Vessel Operator/Educator
by Erin Casellas 24 Nov '25

24 Nov '25

Job Opportunity: The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program Summer 2026 Vessel Operator/Educator Dear MARMAM Community, The Whale Museum is seeking one vessel operator/educator to join the Soundwatch Boater Education Program for the 2026 summer field season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. The Soundwatch program mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, particularly the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch is looking for vessel operators/educators to carry out program objectives; educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave the shore; reinforce the learning experience in the actual context where disturbances take place; develop and evaluate community-based voluntary guidelines; and provide a scientific platform to monitor vessel activities around marine mammals. To learn more, please visit our website <https://whalemuseum.org/pages/soundwatch-boater-education-program> and read Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications. Vessel operators/educators will conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise <https://www.bewhalewise.org/> guidelines and regulations, and collect data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered killer whales and other marine wildlife. The data are used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. Vessel operators/educators report to the Soundwatch Program Coordinator and work cooperatively with other museum staff, program interns, and volunteers. This position is classed as Seasonal Field Work Contractor, May-September. The hourly wage for this position is commensurate with experience and starts at $25.00/hour. VESSEL OPERATOR/EDUCATOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Seasonal field operations: Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. Holiday work required. Conduct full- or half-day on-the-water educational patrols and monitoring of vessel activity and whale behavior May-September. Possibility for extension into October. Maintain daily boat patrol protocols and data collection procedures on whale watching and marine wildlife viewing trends, regulation and guideline compliance measurements, and educational materials distribution. Prevent wildlife disturbance by intercepting boaters before they are within close vicinity of wildlife. Maintain equipment and collection materials. Work directly with Soundwatch volunteers and interns, leading daily operations. Dictate data collection to other crew members to record. Small Vessel operations: Operate 17’-20’ outboard vessels. Perform routine maintenance and minor boat/engine repair, maintain vessel/engine/operation and safety equipment, communicate with coordinator and/or mechanic for troubleshooting advice, provide vessel operation briefing to interns and volunteers. Education/Outreach on marine stewardship: Distribution of educational materials on-the-water, at regional boating facilities and to specific organizations. Communicate with the public and boaters while underway. Participate in local education and outreach events. Soundwatch field data-entry: Assist with field season data entry. Assist with training of volunteers and interns. Keep track of volunteer activities for future reporting. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in marine/wildlife sciences. Valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license (for the entirety of their position) and CPR/First Aid certification. Strong situational awareness and attention to detail. Ability to lead effectively and demonstrate professionalism in demanding environments. Capable of lifting 40 lbs, standing and being outside on a small vessel for over 8 hours. Familiarity with recovery priorities related to endangered SRKW. Minimum requirement: Washington state boater license. Minimum requirement: 3 years of small vessel operation with experience operating around marine wildlife. Soundwatch operates under a NOAA NMFS research permit which requires vessel operator candidates to have relevant field experience. The successful candidate must be approved for operation by NMFS as a condition for hiring. HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, your CV, and contact information for three references. Please include any hard start/end dates and passport status. Submit application materials via email as one PDF. Please include in your subject line: Soundwatch 2026 Vessel Operator Application (Last Name). Soundwatch Vessel Driver/Educator should plan to be on San Juan Island by May 1, 2026 (Exact start date negotiable). Active review of submitted applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. PLEASE SEND INQUIRIES AND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org <alanna(a)whalemuseum.org> *Erin Casellas (she/her)* *Field Operations Coordinator* The Whale Museum - Friday Harbor, WA (360) 378-4710 ext. 1035 www.whalemuseum.org

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Job Opportunity: The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program Summer 2026 Internship
by Erin Casellas 24 Nov '25

24 Nov '25

Job Opportunity: The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program Summer 2026 Internship Dear MARMAM Community, The Whale Museum is seeking three interns to join the Soundwatch Boater Education Program for the 2026 summer field season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a nonprofit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. The Soundwatch program mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, particularly the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea region of Washington State, USA and British Columbia, Canada. Soundwatch is looking for three interns to help conduct vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise <https://www.bewhalewise.org/> guidelines and regulations, and record data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program characterize vessel activity trends around endangered killer whales and other marine wildlife. This data is used to inform and update marine mammal management strategies including state, federal, and international vessel regulations. To learn more, please visit our website <https://whalemuseum.org/pages/soundwatch-boater-education-program> and read Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications. This internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing and their own mode of transportation on San Juan Island. This position includes a stipend to offset housing costs. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist interns in locating suitable housing options. INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES: - Perform a variety of tasks related to data recording and photography in the field aboard small research vessels. - Perform a variety of tasks related to data entry and photo filing in a research office setting. - Participation and staffing of public outreach and education events throughout the field season. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: - Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September. - Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. Holiday work required. - At least 18 years of age, able to lift 40 lbs., able to swim, and not easily susceptible to seasickness. This position requires extensive boating aboard small vessels and is not suitable for those prone to seasickness. - Ability to spend long hours on the water aboard a small vessel, sometimes in demanding seasonal conditions. Field days occur four to five times a week and may exceed eight hours per day. - Exhibit strong communication skills, professionalism, and diplomacy. - Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) and Google Workspace. - US passport, enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EID) is required. Documents must be valid through December 2026. - Up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. - Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. - Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident killer whales is preferred but not required. - A state boater license or equivalent safe boating card is preferred but not required. - Wildlife photography experience is a plus but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please provide the following: 1. Letter of interest including your start/end date and passport/ID status 2. Your resume/CV 3. Contact information for three references Submit application materials via email as one PDF if possible. Please include in your subject line: Soundwatch Internship Application (Last Name). Active review of applications will begin immediately and continue until 31 Dec 2025, or until positions are filled. Final selections made before 15 Feb 2026. PLEASE SEND INQUIRIES AND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Soundwatch Program Coordinators *Soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org <alanna(a)whalemuseum.org>*

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