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New Paper: Dolphins ‘Orient-Against-Current’: Foraging in Dredged Channels
by Eliza Mills 18 Nov '25

18 Nov '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Oceans as part of the Special Issue Marine Mammals in a Changing World, 3rd Edition: Mills, E.M.M., Piwetz, S., & Orbach, D.N. (2025). Dolphins ‘Orient-Against-Current’: Foraging in Dredged Channels. Oceans, 6(4), 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans6040078 ABSTRACT Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) are opportunistic foragers with global distributions that utilize diverse feeding tactics based on environmental factors, habitat features, prey behavior, group dynamics, and genetics. We describe a unique foraging tactic regularly observed in the confluence of dredged shipping channels with high anthropogenic disturbance, and explore potential abiotic (temporal, tidal, habitat) drivers of the behavior. A shore-based digital theodolite was used from 2021 to 2022 to observe common bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus) foraging within a current in a technique we term Orient-Against-Current (OAC). During OAC, dolphins position themselves facing into the flow of a current, swimming at a speed to maintain a stationary position within the current, and feed while prey move with the current towards them. Orient-Against-Current occurred in all seasons and throughout daylight hours, particularly during the winter and spring. Dolphins engaged in OAC during ebb tides and intermediate current speeds (1–2 knots), but not during slack tides. As OAC occurred closer to shoreline structures (i.e., seawalls, concrete blocks) than to mangroves and natural seagrass beds, it appears that hard human-engineered structures aid in prey capture during OAC. Knowledge of dolphin foraging techniques can aid in understanding behavioral plasticity shaped by anthropogenically altered environments in industrialized coastal areas. The article is open access and freely available: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/6/4/78 Best regards, Eliza Mills Associate Consultant | Federal Health & Sciences Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) Vienna, VA, USA eliza.m.mills(a)gmail.com

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Job Opportunity: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Stranding Response & Operations Manager
by Heidi Whitehead 17 Nov '25

17 Nov '25

STRANDING RESPONSE & OPERATIONS MANAGER Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) Location: Galveston, Texas Position: Full-Time, Exempt Estimated Start Date: Jan 2026 About the Role: TMMSN is seeking a dedicated and versatile Stranding Response & Operations Manager to join our small, mission-driven team. This unique hybrid position combines marine mammal response leadership with organizational operations management, recognizing the unpredictable nature of stranding work. The manager will oversee daily stranding operations, supervise our stranding biologist(s), and serve as primary responder for live animal emergencies. When live animals strand, this position will involve intensive rescue and/or rehabilitation. In addition to stranding response and rehabilitation, the manager provides essential ongoing operational management and administrative support. Adaptive Workload Model: Unlike traditional positions with fixed responsibilities, this role flexes between emergency care and stranding response leadership, and operational management based on organizational needs. You'll experience: * Leading marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation operations * Managing stranding response staff and daily operations * Contributing to organizational effectiveness and growth * Diverse responsibilities that keep every day interesting * Direct impact on both individual animals and organizational capacity Primary Responsibilities (summary below - see detailed role description linked at the bottom of this post): · Lead marine mammal rescues and rehabilitation operations · Supervise stranding staff and response volunteers · Oversee necropsies, NOAA compliance, and data management · Manage equipment, vehicles, and facility maintenance · Support grant reporting, education programs, and communications · Coordinate with partner organizations and veterinarians Key Qualifications (summary below - see detailed role description linked at the bottom of this post for a full list of minimum and preferred qualifications): · Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology OR related field or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered · 3-5+ years staff level experience in marine mammal (cetaceans preferred) rescue/rehabilitation · Previous supervisory experience · Necropsy and marine mammal handling expertise and technical writing · Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs and work in demanding conditions · Valid driver's license and 24/7 on-call availability · Vehicle & Boat handling experience and water safety competency · Familiarity with life support systems and water quality · Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills Visit www.DolphinRescue.org/join-the-team<http://www.DolphinRescue.org/join-the-team> for the full details of the position and how to apply. To Apply: Email cover letter, brief responses to specific questions (read full posting carefully), resume, and three references to Heidi Whitehead, TMMSN Executive Director, at hwhitehead(a)tmmsn.org<mailto:hwhitehead@tmmsn.org>. Application Deadline: Position open until suitable candidate is identified. Learn more about TMMSN: www.DolphinRescue.org<http://www.DolphinRescue.org> TMMSN is an equal opportunity employer. -------------------- Heidi Whitehead Executive Director Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 409-740-2200 4700 Avenue U. Galveston, TX 77551 Email: hwhitehead(a)tmmsn.org<mailto:hwhitehead@tmmsn.org> www.DolphinRescue.org<http://www.dolphinrescue.org/>

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Master’s in Marine Mammal Science program at New College of Florida
by Athena Rycyk 17 Nov '25

17 Nov '25

Hello! We'd like to introduce you to our research-based Master of Science in Marine Mammal Science program at New College of Florida. Our program is a two-year interdisciplinary, lab and field-based course of study that culminates in a thesis. We invite you to visit our website (ncf.edu/mimms) for more detailed information, including curriculum pathway, course descriptions, faculty profiles, and application requirements. You can explore current graduate student projects here <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1It7O-niR5PavZfRVfQtv2miPJTCA_kfm/view?usp=…>. *Our application cycle for Fall 2026 is now open!* Applications for the program opened November 1st, with an early action deadline of December 1st and a regular application deadline of February 1st. The final application deadline is June 15th (April 1st for international students). The program admits students on a highly competitive, rolling, space-available basis. If you have questions about the program and/or your preparation, please contact our Assistant Director Nicole Vanderberg at nvanderberg(a)ncf.edu. We are happy to answer any of your questions! Sincerely, The Marine Mammal Science Team (Peter Cook, Heidi Harley, and Athena Rycyk) New College Florida ncf.edu/mimms Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state employees regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

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new publication - The role of touch in marine mammal society: a review and future directions
by Ana Eguiguren 17 Nov '25

17 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are very happy to share our new open-access publication: "The role of touch in marine mammal society: a review and future directions." Highlights: - Touch is involved in mediating social relationships across terrestrial species. - We review the knowledge and gaps on the social role of touch in marine mammals. - Touch mediates a range of relations and is often associated with social structure. - However, most studies have focused on only a few species or captive populations. - New technologies allow us to study social touch in previously hard-to-access taxa. Citation: Eguiguren A., Walmsley S., Feyrer L.J., Zwamborn L., Whitehead H. (2025). The role of touch in marine mammal society: a review and future directions. Animal Behaviour 230:123387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2025.123387 Best regards, Ana Eguiguren PhD candidate Whitehead Lab - Dalhousie University email: aneguibur(a)gmail.com

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New paper on demographic dynamics in estuarine bottlenose dolphins
by Fernando Félix Grijalva 16 Nov '25

16 Nov '25

I’m pleased to inform on the recent publication of the article “Felix, F. 2025. Fusion of communities, the response of estuarine bottlenose dolphins to population decline in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 12(4): 521-547.” Abstract Changes in the social structure of two neighboring communities of estuarine bottlenose dolphins in Ecuador were assessed over 14 years (2011–2024). During this period, 632 surveys were conducted, covering a cumulative distance of 23,171 km. A total of 133 distinct individuals, representing all age and sex classes, were recorded. The annual abundance of dolphins decreased from 50 in 2014 to 24 in 2024, coinciding with a decline in the proportion of non-resident individuals, from 35% to 0%. Changes in the social structure were analyzed across three periods: 2011–2015, 2016–2019, and 2020–2024. Pairwise cluster analyses revealed two distinct communities (El Morro and Posorja) in the first two periods, which merged into a single community in the third period. Significant social changes were observed during this process as the two communities adapted by sharing spaces and resources, altering spatiotemporal patterns, and increasing their time together to benefit from the fusion. Female mixed groups increased from 0% to 77.8%, the inter-community association rate rose from 0.04 to 0.74, and the average group size grew from 8.07 to 11.48 dolphins/group. Reproductive parameters, including calf survival rates and the fertility of Posorja females, improved following the fusion. These findings reveal a high degree of social flexibility within this population, suggesting that even though inshore bottlenose dolphins typically form discrete social units, these structures can adapt and reorganize under certain demographic or social pressures. Given the historical and emerging threats to this population, understanding the drivers of these social dynamics is critical for the long-term conservation of this endangered population. The article can be reach through this link: https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.12.04.04.2025. Fernando Felix

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SUBJECT - Survey: Understanding the Struggles and Needs of Marine Mammal and Other Conservation Professionals
by Andrew Wright 15 Nov '25

15 Nov '25

Dear Marmam, At this time of many changes and global economic restructuring, it is important to be as efficient in our conservation efforts as possible. The offshore, wide ranging, and cross-jurisdictional nature of marine mammals means that resources are often spread especially thin for these species. To investigate ways to maximise our limited time and funding, we are exploring the challenges faced by conservation professionals and what they believe is needed to achieve more lasting conservation success. Your insights will help deepen understanding of the professional, institutional, and emotional dimensions of marine mammal and other conservation work. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The survey should take about 15–20 minutes (depending on your answers). Participants who complete the survey can opt-in to a draw for a US$50 (or equivalent) gift card to a vendor of their choice. You can find the survey here: https://form.jotform.com/253136544813254 The survey will be open until 23:59 Pacific Time, Monday 1st December. Many thanks in advance! Andrew

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New Paper on Short-Finned Pilot Whale Energetics in Hawaii
by William Gough 15 Nov '25

15 Nov '25

On behalf of my co-authors, I'd like to share our new publication in the Journal of Experimental Biology aimed at quantifying the daily energy budgets of short-finned pilot whales in Hawaiian waters using a combination of biologging tag data (high-resolution CATS and satellite), UAS-photogrammetry, and stomach content analysis. *Title:* Daily energetic expenditure and energy consumption of short-finned pilot whales *Authors:* William T. Gough, Brijonnay C. Madrigal, Augusta Hollers, Jens J. Currie, Robin W. Baird, Kristi L. West, Andreas Fahlman, Frank E. Fish, Lewis Evans, Martin van Aswegen, Brian Stirling, Aude Pacini, Grace L. Olson, Stephanie H. Stack, Ashley M. Blawas, William A. Walker, Lars Bejder *Abstract:* Diving is one of the most important behaviors undertaken by marine mammals. Pilot whales (Globicephala spp.) are oceanic dolphins that regularly forage at extreme depths (∼600–1000 m) and maintain body sizes similar to beaked whales. They are also listed as data deficient, with little known about their population dynamics. To help fill this knowledge gap, we estimated their energetic demands through a combination of multiple data streams (e.g. unoccupied aerial systems photogrammetry, high-resolution accelerometry tag data, stomach content analysis and long-duration dive data from satellite tags) from short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in Hawaiian waters. We estimated and compared pilot whale field metabolic rates from breathing frequency against a more granular cost of transport method developed from morphometrics and swimming kinematics, finding that these methods gave similar estimates of energetic expenditure during foraging dives. We then combined expenditure and intake estimates into an exploratory model of daily net energetic balance. Using an estimate of prey size derived from squid beaks collected from a stranded animal, we found that an average of 142±59.8 squid day−1 (52,000±21,800 squid year−1) is enough for an average adult short-finned pilot whale to reach a neutral net energetic balance. This species has an estimated population abundance of ∼8000 individuals in Hawaiian waters, suggesting that the population as a whole would require 416±175 million squid (at an average of 559±126 kJ squid−1) or approximately 88,000±37,000 tonnes of squid annually, assuming similar energetic requirements for each animal. *Article Link:* https://journals.biologists.com/.../doi/10.1242/jeb.249821 *Blog Link:* https://www.mmrphawaii.org/post/new-publication-daily-energetic-expenditure… If you have any questions about our work, please feel free to reach out to myself or any of my co-authors. Thank you, Will -- *William Gough* Post-Doctoral Researcher Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Kaneohe, HI 96744 phone: 585-281-0788 email: wgough(a)hawaii.edu web: https://www.wgough.com/

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New publication on Hawaiian monk seal underwater sound production
by Kirby Parnell 14 Nov '25

14 Nov '25

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am excited to share our recent open-access publication in Royal Society Open Science. Parnell K, Smith C, Diaz A, Fertitta K, Thompson P, Patton PT, Charrier I, Robinson SJ, Pacini A, Bejder L. 2025 Underwater sound production of free-ranging Hawaiian monk seals. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12: 250987. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250987 Abstract: Hawaiian monk seals (HMS; *Neomonachus schauinslandi*) are endemic and endangered with a population of ~1,600 individuals. While research has provided extensive information on HMS biology, movements, and population ecology, its underwater vocal behavior remains largely undocumented, with previous descriptions limited to two individuals in human-care. To broaden our understanding of sound production in free-ranging seals, we deployed passive acoustic recorders at five sites across the Hawaiian Archipelago. From >4,500 hours of recordings, we manually detected and classified >23,000 underwater vocalizations. A discriminant function analysis of 10 call types yielded an average correct classification rate of 63%. We identified 25 call types, including five published elemental calls and 20 novel calls. Nineteen of the novel call types were combinational calls—an undocumented communication strategy in pinnipeds. The novel *Whine*, captured via biologging tag- and citizen-scientist videos, provided a rare example of context-specific call use in pinnipeds. Vocalizations were low-frequency (<1 kHz), short-medium duration (<7 sec), with 66% occurring in bouts. Calls were detected throughout the day at three of five sites, with peaks at night and late afternoon. These findings establish a baseline for HMS vocal behavior and emphasize the importance of acoustic communication in future research and conservation efforts. Please reach out if you have any questions: keparnel(a)hawaii.edu Cheers, Kirby Parnell -- Kirby Parnell, M.Sc. (Citizen, Cherokee Nation/ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ; she/her) Ph.D. Candidate, Marine Biology Graduate Program Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa *https://www.mmrphawaii.org/kirbyparnell <https://www.mmrphawaii.org/kirbyparnell>*

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Aquatic Mammals Issue 51.6 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Nov '25

14 Nov '25

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, The 6th issue of volume 51 (51.6) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and officially published Saturday, November 15th. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Issue 51.6 contents (** denotes open access): Cátia Freitas, Micaela Costa, Marta Dias, Laura Redaelli, Rita Ferreira, Filipe Alves, and Filipe Moura. (2025). First Sighting of the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) in the Madeira Archipelago: A New Northern Range in the East Atlantic Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 417-420. **Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Laura Van Acoleyen, John M. Terhune, Timothy Van Renterghem, and Dick Botteldooren. (2025). By Lifting Their Heads Above Water, Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) Can Reduce Their Exposure to Underwater Sounds Below 8 kHz. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6),421-437. **Cecilia Martínez Cantera, Sergio Díaz González, Ana María Fidalgo de las Heras, and Susana María Sánchez Rodríguez. (2025). Descriptive Analysis of the Social Network of South African Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) and California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) in Managed Care. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 438-447. Romyna A. Cruz-Vallejo, Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Arturo B. Enríquez-García, Claudia J. Hernández-Camacho, Juan Carlos Herguera-García, Rodrigo Moncayo-Estrada, Arturo Tripp-Valdez, and Tenaya Norris. (2025). Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Variation of Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) Guard Fur and Underfur: Implications for Ecological Interpretations. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 448-456. Carla Cadena-Valdivia and Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse. (2025). Validation of a Glucometer for Serum Glucose Quantitation in Wild California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) Pups. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 457-463. **Janmanee Panyawai, Milica Stankovic, Eduardo Infantes, Damboia Cossa, Kanyanat Kaewutai, and Anchana Prathep. (2025). RGB and Multispectral UAV Mapping of Dugong Foraging Hotspots and Seagrass Beds in Thailand and Mozambique. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 464-481. **Hiroyuki Ozawa, Takahiro Yoshihama, Taro Hosokawa, Harumi Kami, and Ming-Shiou Jeng. (2025). The Japanese Dugong (Dugong dugon) Is Still Alive. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 482-484. **Kailey M. Pamperin, Heidi Lyn, Drew T. Suffoletta, Jessica N. Lewis, Rachel M. Giordano, Lindsey Johnson, and Moby Solangi. (2025). Staying Close to Home: Assessing Site Fidelity Patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 485-497. **Laura R. Perry, Frank Cipriano, Silvio Marchini, James Danoff-Burg, and Lorenzo von Fersen. (2025). Case Study: The Human Dimensions of Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) Conservation. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 498-514. **Paul Best, Lise Habib-Dassetto, Jules Cauzinille, Thierry Legou, Fabienne Delfour, and Marie Montan. (2025). Opportunistic Observation of Long-Finned Pilot Whales Interacting with a Solitary Humpback Whale in the Gascogne Gulf (Northwest Atlantic). Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 515-520. **M. Tim Tinker, A. Keith Miles, Allie Weill, Jim Bodkin, and Terrie Williams. (2025). In Memoriam: Jim Estes. Aquatic Mammals, 51(6), 521-526. Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Director, Dolphin Communication Project kathleen(a)dcpmail.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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PSO Certification Course on December 6th and 7th
by Angela Bostwick 13 Nov '25

13 Nov '25

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on December 6-7, 2025. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical survey exploration for oil and gas or other resources in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is required for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and the monitoring and objective reporting that is required for submission to regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of the different protected species, as well as the key visual cues which can enable location of protected species in a dynamic and rapidly-changing environment. The course also includes discussions on how to prepare and pack for life offshore. The live, interactive discussions for this course provide a personalized approach to learning as we discuss how to identify protected species and how to document impacts to the animals. The interactive discussion in this course will also include best practice methods for living and working with other PSOs and vessel crew within a collaborative team environment, in order to effectively advise on the regulatory measures required to document and reduce impacts to protected species. By monitoring for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, advising on the mitigation measures that are required, and documenting impacts through impartial and unbiased reporting, PSOs serve a crucial role in the conservation of protected species during industry operations. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Angela Bostwick Founder & CEO Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com BOEM/BSEE/NMFS-Compliant Provider of Protected Species Observer Certification

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