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October Training courses Environmental and Sonar Systems - Devon UK
by Zoe Wright 21 Jul '26

21 Jul '26

Join us this October in Okehampton, Devon for two specialist training courses delivered by industry-leading experts Course Option 1 🔹 UASS – Underwater Acoustics & Sonar Systems 📅 12–16 October 2026 📍 Okehampton, Devon, UK 💷 £2,000 + VAT This course is relevant to marine mammal researchers and practitioners. This course provides training in underwater acoustics, sound propagation, ambient noise, hydrophone measurements, and acoustic monitoring techniques that are widely used in marine mammal detection, passive acoustic monitoring, behavioural studies, and the assessment of anthropogenic noise impacts on marine species. With a strong emphasis on practical acoustic measurement and analysis methods, the training is directly applicable to marine mammal research and conservation. Underwater acoustics is a vital tool in the marine environment, supporting ecosystem monitoring, underwater noise assessment, offshore operations, and improving our understanding of how sound affects marine species and habitats. Designed for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals working with sonar and acoustic systems, this intensive four-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to underwater acoustics and sonar technology. Delivered by internationally recognised experts Dr Paul Lepper, Stephen Robinson and Professor Victor Humphrey, the course combines fundamental theory with practical industry applications. ✔ In-depth, practical learning ✔ Expert-led sessions ✔ Ideal for those working with sonar and acoustic systems Summary * Introduction to Acoustics and Underwater Acoustics * Units, Logs and Decibels * Acoustic Propagation * Reflection and Transmission at Boundaries * Waveforms, Spectra and Source Levels * The Ocean Environment * Ambient Noise and Reverberation * Acoustic Transducers and Transducer Modelling * Hydrophones * Transducer Beam Patterns * Bandwidth, Rise Time and Spatial Resolution * International Underwater Standards * Calibration and Measurement * Propagation Modelling – Principles * Propagation Modelling – Methods * Marine Life Sounds * Marine Life Hearing and Response * Marine Life Deterrents * Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) * Navigation and Positioning * Acoustic Communications * Sonar Systems * Sonar Systems Detection * Sonar Systems – Overview of the Design Process * Naval Strategies Course Option 2 🔹 UAME – Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment 📅 12–15 October 2026 📍 Okehampton, Devon, UK 💷 £1,950 + VAT Underwater noise is an increasingly important topic, with growing concern around its impact on marine life and tightening regulatory requirements. This course is ideal for professionals working in environmental, research, policy, and regulatory roles, providing the knowledge needed to understand and act on acoustic data and environmental legislation. Delivered by experts including Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey, this course covers: ✔ Marine noise and its environmental impact ✔ Regulatory frameworks and compliance ✔ Practical interpretation of acoustic reports Summary • Introduction to acoustics and underwater acoustics • Units, logs and decibels • Basic acoustic propagation • Reflection and transmission at boundaries • The ocean environment • Waveforms, metrics, spectra and source level • Ambient noise and reverberation • Hydrophones • Practical ocean noise measurements • Ambient and radiated noise measurements • Vessel-radiated noise • International standards • Propagation modelling: principles • Propagation modelling: methods • Man-made noise in the ocean • Biological sources of sound • Seismic sources • Hearing response of marine wildlife • Impacts of noise on marine wildlife • Methods for assessing impacts • Environmental regulation and Environmental Impact Assessment • Mitigation of the effects of sound on marine wildlife • Emerging studies 💡 Why train with Seiche? Seiche is a recognised expert in underwater acoustics, providing solutions to industry, defence and research sectors across mitigation, monitoring, and modelling. 📩 Interested in attending? To receive full course details and booking information, please contact: 👉 training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E:z.wright@seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Underwater Acoustics and Sonar Training August - September Remote
by Zoe Wright 21 Jul '26

21 Jul '26

Join us this August & September for our specialist remote underwater acoustics training course, delivered live via Microsoft Teams by leading industry experts. 🔹 UASS – Underwater Acoustics & Sonar Systems 📅 27-28 August & 3-4 September 2026 🕘 09:00-17:00 (UK time) 📍 Remote Delivery via Microsoft Teams 💷 £1,600 + VAT This course is relevant to marine mammal researchers and practitioners. This course provides training in underwater acoustics, sound propagation, ambient noise, hydrophone measurements, and acoustic monitoring techniques that are widely used in marine mammal detection, passive acoustic monitoring, behavioural studies, and the assessment of anthropogenic noise impacts on marine species. With a strong emphasis on practical acoustic measurement and analysis methods, the training is directly applicable to marine mammal research and conservation. Underwater acoustics is a vital tool in the marine environment, supporting ecosystem monitoring, underwater noise assessment, offshore operations, and improving our understanding of how sound affects marine species and habitats. Designed for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals working with sonar and acoustic systems, this intensive four-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to underwater acoustics and sonar technology. Delivered by internationally recognised experts Dr Paul Lepper, Stephen Robinson and Professor Victor Humphrey, the course combines fundamental theory with practical industry applications. Key Topic Areas * Fundamentals of underwater acoustics and sound propagation * Ocean environments, ambient noise and reverberation * Acoustic transducers, hydrophones and measurement techniques * Propagation modelling and international standards * Navigation, positioning and acoustic communications * Sonar systems, detection principles and design processes ✔ Expert-led training ✔ Practical, industry-focused learning ✔ Live online delivery with opportunities for discussion and questions Why Train with Seiche? Seiche is a recognised leader in underwater acoustics, supporting the defence, offshore, research and environmental sectors through specialist monitoring, mitigation and modelling services. 📩 Interested in attending? For full course details and booking information, contact training(a)seiche.com Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E:z.wright@seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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New paper: Balancing marine species conservation with cost-effective renewable energy development
by Laura Ganley 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our latest publication: *Balancing marine species conservation with cost-effective renewable energy development* Laura C. Ganley, Jessica V. Redfern, Orla O’Brien, Daniel E. Pendleton, Megan Ryder, Ian Spooner, Carly Campbell, Aaron N. Rice Article | Published: 17th Jul, 2026 Access the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-026-02696-9?utm_medium=organic_socia… Climate change is necessitating renewable energy development while contributing to shifting wildlife phenology and distribution. Renewable energy may require anthropogenic activity and wildlife to co-occur. Here we develop a framework to identify trade-offs between financial costs to developers and conservation, considering the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (*Eubalaena glacialis*) and offshore wind energy development. By coupling an offshore wind energy construction simulation with a density surface model to quantify the number of right whales exposed to pile-driving noise under ten mitigation scenarios, we highlight mitigation measures, notably seasonal restrictions and noise attenuating devices, that can yield conservation value with minimal financial burden. As societies continue to refine and determine suitable financial and ecological trade-offs for development, frameworks like ours can be useful for exploring conservation challenges to ensure co-benefits for climate and biodiversity. ~Laura Ganley, PhD Research Scientist, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium

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UF Fall 2025 online aquatics course - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Hi All, Registration is open for Fall 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues course, fully online. Classes start Thursday August 22th and runs through Wednesday, December 4th. * Registration will remain open through Monday Aug 25th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. *This class is also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DBFCAF.2CF14F90] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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REMINDER: Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium
by nicole adimey 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM Community- Please join us for the Eleventh International Sirenian Symposium—a full day dedicated to fostering international collaboration, networking, and mentorship among those engaged in sirenian research and conservation. The Symposium aims to support collaboration and strengthen sirenian research networks across the 80+ range states, with a particular focus on the 70+ developing countries within this range. Objectives include sharing new scientific findings, addressing current and emerging threats, and promoting mentorship for students pursuing careers in marine mammal science and conservation. Presentations may cover a wide range of topics, including human–sirenian interactions, physiology, monitoring applications, modeling, genetics, captive care and rehabilitation, management, general biology, stranding response, and education and outreach. The program will feature full-length presentations, speed talks, a poster session, an update from the Sirenian Specialist Group, and dedicated time for networking. Those interested in presenting research (poster or oral) should submit an abstract by *August 15, 2026* to Nicole Adimey at: adimey22(a)gmail.com. Abstract formatting guidelines are available on the conference website: https://www.smmconference.org/abstract-submission. Preference will be given to researchers from developing countries and abstracts that address the conference theme, “One Ocean, One Future.” Presenters are encouraged to share novel work and clearly demonstrate how their research contributes to sirenian conservation and supports regional initiatives or current management challenges. ------------------------------------ Nicole Adimey 904-655-0730

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Post-doc position recruitment: Bioenergetics and ecology of gray whales
by Torres, Leigh G 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Hello MARMAM community, We are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to join our research team in the GEMM Lab at the Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University. The position will focus on the bioenergetics and ecology of gray whales. Please see details below, spread the word, and reach out with any questions. Thank you! Cheers, Leigh Postdoctoral Scholar Position: Bioenergetics and ecology of gray whales Name of College/Department/School/Division: Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Science, College of Agricultural Sciences Location: Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon Open and close dates: Open: August 1, 2026. Close: Nov 1, 2026 Position start date: May 1, 2027 Summary: (1.0 FTE; 12-months per year) The GEMM Lab has led a collaborative study of gray whale ecology and physiology for over 12 years through the Gray whale Response to Ambient Noise Informed by Technology and Ecology (GRANITE: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab/granite-gray-whale-response-ambient-no…) project. GRANITE aims to understand the effects of stressors on individual whales and population vital rates through collection of multidisciplinary data and the Population Consequences of Multiple Stressors (PCoMS) framework. Through support from the Office of Naval Research Marine Biology program, we are entering phase 2 of this project, which focuses on deployment of multisensor suction cup tags to collect simultaneous data on the whale's behavior and acoustic and visual environment. We seek a motivated and collaborative post doc to join our team, who brings skills in analysis of accelerometry data, bioenergetics, and acoustics. The position provides a competitive stipend and health insurance for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance (https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/postdocs) Required Qualifications: (1) PhD in a life science field, completed by start of position and within 3 years of start date. (2) Demonstrated productivity, capacity for independent and collaborative research, and intellectual creativity. (3) Strong background in wildlife bioenergetics and experience working with accelerometry data. (4) Skilled in data management, analysis, and visualization. (5) Ability to program in R. (6) Eligible for postdoctoral scholar support at OSU (see recruitment webpage<https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/postdocs/appointment-and-recruitment>). Preferred Qualifications: (1) Research experience in marine ecology, including behavioral and spatial ecology, wildlife management, and marine mammal biology. (2) Research experience working with acoustic data. (3) Excellent oral and written communication skills. (4) Field experience working in a marine environment, including on a small vessel. (5) Strong track record of collaboration and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team. (6) Experience working with CATS<https://cats.is/> tags or Dtags. Application Process: Please prepare a single PDF that includes a 1-page cover letter, a full CV, and names and contact information for three references (include your surname and first initial in the file name). Applications and inquiries may be sent by email with subject line "PD scholar" to: Leigh Torres, Oregon State University, leigh.torres(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:leigh.torres@oregonstate.edu> Leigh Torres, Ph.D. Endowed Trophic Ecology Professor in the Marine Mammal Institute Professor, Oregon State University The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM Lab) Oregon Sea Grant; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895; leigh.torres(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:leigh.torres@oregonstate.edu> Website<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> Blog<http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/gemm_lab/> Recent publications: Pirotta, E., L. New, A. Fernandez Ajó, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, C.L. Buck, L. Hildebrand, K.E. Hunt, J. Calambokidis, and L.G. Torres, Body size, nutritional state and endocrine state are associated with calving probability in a long-lived marine species. Journal of Animal Ecology, 2025. 00: p. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70068 Hildebrand, L., L. New, E. Pirotta, J.D. Stewart, I. Hildebrand, C. Newell, K.C. Bierlich, C.N. Bird, A. Fernandez Ajó, D. Turek, and L.G. Torres, Bayesian Estimation of Individual Gray Whale Space Use Reveals Differential Exposure to Stressors. Ecology and Evolution, 2025. 15(5): p. e71330. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71330 Derville, S., J. Calambokidis, D. Palacios, J. Tackaberry, C. Hayslip, K. Flynn, L. New, C. Baker, D. Steel, K. Martien, J. Moore, M. Lauf, L. Wickman, A. Wall, C. Newell, and L. Torres, Rates of entanglement inferred from scarring prevalence of humpback whales photographed in US Oregon waters. Endangered Species Research, 2025. 57: p. 253-271. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01416 [cid:image001.png@01DD11F2.309100B0][cid:image002.png@01DD11F2.309100B0]

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New paper
by Rachel Ann Hauser Davis 18 Jul '26

18 Jul '26

Please find atatched our new paper on the metal and metalloid profile of elephant seal feces. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/409253776_Fecal_Evidence_of_Metal_… -- *Dr. Rachel Ann Hauser Davis (B.S., Lic., Esp., M.Sc., D.Sc.)* *Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) * *Coordinator: *Public Health and Environment Postgraduate Program Toxicology Subarea (National Public Health School, Fiocruz) *Deputy Coordinator: *Fiocruz One Health Translational Research Program Ocean and Coastal Areas Subarea *CV: *http://lattes.cnpq.br/5987657587996872 *ORCID:* https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9451-471X *Research Gate: *https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rachel_Hauser-Davis *Editor-in-Chief:* Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-trace-elements-and-minerals> *Associate Editor: *Marine Pollution Bulletin <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/marine-pollution-bulletin> *Associate Editor: *Frontiers in Marine Science - Marine Pollution <https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/all/sections/marine-pollution> *Associate Editor: *Frontiers in Ocean Sustainability - Marine Pollution Assessments and Solutions <https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ocean-sustainability> *Associate Editor: *New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research <https://rsnz.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/11758805> *Associate Editor:* Critical Reviews in Science and Technology <https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/best20> *Associate Editor:* Boletim do Laboratório de Hidrobiologia <https://periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro> *Editorial Board:* Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology <https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-trace-elements-in-medicine…> *Editorial Board:* *Biological Trace Element Research <https://link.springer.com/journal/12011/editors>* *Editorial Board: **Critical Insights in Environmental Science and Technology <https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tens20?utm_source=cpb&utm_medium=cms&u…>* *Instagram:* Hauser-Davis Research Group <https://www.instagram.com/hauserdavis_group/> "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques Yves Cousteau "An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment." David Attenborough Please note that if you receive this email outside of your working hours, I do not expect you to read or respond until you are back in working mode.

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Open Communications Manager Position - The Whale Museum
by Conor Agnew 18 Jul '26

18 Jul '26

The Whale Museum is hiring a full-time, in-person Communications Manager! To learn more or apply, read below or visit: https://whalemuseum.org/pages/job-internship-volunteer-opportunities Communications Manager Closing Date: August 3, 2026 or when filled Pay Range: $65,000 with competitive benefits package Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington Position Type: Full-time, in-person Position Description The Whale Museum is seeking a creative, highly capable Communications Manager to advance the museum’s public voice, visual identity, and storytelling. This is an in-person position based in Friday Harbor, Washington on San Juan Island. The role is ideal for someone with excellent writing and editing skills, strong visual judgment/graphics capability, experience with web and social media, and a natural feel for engaging public audiences. We seek a candidate who will make the museum’s communications cohesive, current, accessible, credible, and compelling across social media, website, newsletters, print materials, signage, fundraising campaigns, media outreach, and public education. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Museum’s staff and will work closely and collaboratively with the entire team. The successful candidate will meaningfully shape how people understand and connect with The Whale Museum’s work. The Communications Manager will help translate the museum’s research, education, and conservation programs into clear and compelling public-facing stories. The strongest candidates will understand how to create communications that people want to read, watch, and share while maintaining accuracy and credibility. They should be comfortable communicating science and conservation work in a way that is accurate and approachable, including the thoughtful use of humor, curiosity, and strong visuals. A marine science background is welcome but not required. We are most interested in someone who can write well, think strategically, create audience-focused content, ensure visual consistency, and help the public better understand the full scope and impact of The Whale Museum’s work. The right candidate should be excited to learn about marine mammals, the Salish Sea, conservation, education, and the role of The Whale Museum in the community. This position reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely across departments. Key Responsibilities * Overall responsibility for all aspects of The Whale Museum’s communications presence * Lead The Whale Museum’s communications strategy, web/social media presence, and content calendar * Strengthen and unify the museum’s public voice and visual identity across platforms * Write, edit, and proofread public-facing materials, including newsletters, press releases, fundraising appeals, brochures, signage, website text, and program descriptions * Create engaging social media content, graphics, short videos, captions, stories, reels, and digital campaigns * Maintain and update the museum’s website and regular newsletters * Translate the museum’s work into accessible stories for diverse audiences * Help staff identify stories, clarify messages, and communicate program work accurately and effectively * Create or coordinate graphics, posters, brochures, digital content, signage, and other visual materials * Support media outreach, partner communications, public events, fundraising campaigns, and special projects * Maintain a practical style guide and communications systems to improve consistency and coordination across the museum Required Qualifications * Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and graphical skills * At least two years of professional experience in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, or a related field * Demonstrated ability to create engaging public-facing content for social media, newsletters, websites, campaigns, or other digital platforms * Strong visual judgment and experience creating public-facing graphics, layouts, digital materials, or visual campaigns * Translate complex information into clear, accurate, engaging public-facing language * Strong editorial judgment, including the ability to adapt tone, use humor thoughtfully, and maintain credibility across audiences and platforms * Strong organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines across multiple projects * Experience using common communications tools such as website content management systems, email marketing platforms, design tools, social media platforms, and shared project/document systems Preferred Qualifications * Experience in science communication, conservation communications, environmental education, nonprofit storytelling, public engagement, or mission-driven digital content * Familiarity with marine conservation, marine mammals, the Salish Sea, Pacific Northwest ecology, salmon, or environmental issues * Experience with media relations, fundraising campaigns, donor communications, grant reporting, photography, videography, short-form video editing, brand/style guides, or accessibility/plain-language communication Application Materials To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and two examples of past communications products that you created combined in a single PDF file to mike(a)whalemuseum.org, subject line must read, “Communications Application”. Please submit materials that reflect your own writing, visual judgment, creative approach, and communication style. Finalists may be asked to complete a short communications exercise using actual The Whale Museum examples.

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New paper: Post-release tracking of vagrant hooded seal pups
by Dominik Nachtsheim 17 Jul '26

17 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share with you our latest publication which has just been published in Polar Biology: Nachtsheim, D.A., Hasselmeier, I., Teilmann, J. Rosenberger, T., Siebert U. (2026) Horizontal movements and diving behaviour of two vagrant hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) pups following rehabilitation in Germany. Polar Biol 49, 89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-026-03529-3 The study presents the movements and diving behaviour of two female hooded seal pups after rehabilitation and release in the German North Sea. The fate of the two animals was very different: one seemingly made it back to its native range whereas the other seal was found emaciated after a few weeks in the UK and was placed in permanent captivity. We discuss the importance of satellite telemetry in evaluating post-release success and contribute to the broader discussion on the viability and ethics of rehabilitating extralimital marine mammals. Feel free to contact me in case of questions. Best Dominik P.S. The paper also contains a list of strandings of hooded seals in European waters dating back to the 1600s! --- Dr. Dominik A. Nachtsheim Marine Biologist (International M.Sc. in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation) Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany E-Mail: Dominik.Nachtsheim(a)tiho-hannover.de<mailto:Dominik.Nachtsheim@tiho-hannover.de> Tel: +49 511 856-8159 Fax: +49 511 856-8181 University personal profile<https://www.tiho-hannover.de/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/domini…> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dominik-Nachtsheim> | ORCID<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1010-3527>

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New publication on the use of European stranding networks to monitor marine mammal bycatch mortality
by Andrea FB 17 Jul '26

17 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, we are pleased to share with you our new open-access paper published in the *ICES Journal of Marine Science: * *Fariñas-Bermejo, A., Petitguyot, M. A. C., Brownlow, A., Ahola, M. P., Álvarez Neches, E., Arbelo, M., Authier, M., ... Pierce, G. J. (2026). European stranding networks as a tool for monitoring marine mammal populations (Part II): assessing their utility to monitor bycatch mortality. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 83(7), fsag119.* https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsag119 This paper is the second and final contribution in our two-part series examining the role of European marine mammal stranding networks as a tool for monitoring marine mammal populations. While *Part I* focused on how stranding networks operate and how their functioning can be optimised, *Part II* evaluates their utility for monitoring mortality due to fishery bycatch as well as provides recommendations for its optimisation. Both papers are based on information gathered through a questionnaire completed by 45 organisations from 19 European countries within the framework of the ICES Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology (WGMME), highlighting the invaluable contribution of European stranding networks to marine mammal conservation. The companion paper is: *Petitguyot, M. A. C., Fariñas-Bermejo, A., et al. (2025). European stranding networks as a tool for monitoring marine mammal populations (Part I): towards optimising the functioning of networks. * https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaf194 We hope these two papers will be useful for researchers, stranding networks and managers interested in improving the use of strandings data for marine mammal monitoring and conservation. Best wishes, ------------------------------ *Andrea Fariñas-Bermejo & Marie Petitguyot* Institute of Marine Research – Spanish National Research Council (IIM-CSIC) Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC) Vigo, Spain ------------------------------ *Abstract* Fisheries bycatch is an important source of direct human-induced mortality for marine mammals worldwide. Despite its significance, monitoring and quantifying bycatch mortality remains challenging. The examination of stranded animals can provide key information to assess the importance of bycatch mortality, contributing to understanding its impact on populations, and identifying the fisheries responsible. However, the utility of data from strandings remains underexplored. Based on an expert consultation using a questionnaire carried out under the auspices of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology, this study assessed the potential of stranding networks in Western Europe to support the assessment of marine mammal population status and impacts of stressors. The present paper (the second of two) focuses on information on bycatch collected from strandings, and its utility for monitoring and assessing bycatch mortality. Responses from 45 organizations in 19 countries indicated that extensive information on marine mammal bycatch mortality is collected and can sometimes be used to identify the species or populations most affected by bycatch, reveal spatio-temporal trends in bycatch mortality, and determine the fisheries and/or fishing gear involved. However, the survey identified several limitations that hinder the contribution of stranding data to bycatch impact monitoring and assessment. There is a need to strengthen data collection and reporting, especially for certain taxa and regions, and for wider adoption and harmonization of best practise protocols for diagnosing causes of mortality and understanding its context, e.g. by determining health status, estimating demographic parameters, helping to identify the fishing gears responsible for bycatch mortality, and appropriately communicating the degree of uncertainty associated with interpretations. Carcass drift models could enable stranding data to be used to estimate total bycatch mortality and contribute to assessing the impact on populations. The need for adequate baseline funding for stranding networks to carry out their activities and for streamlined data reporting was widely recognized. Achieving coordinated, harmonized, large-scale and long-term data and samples collection following best practices will be essential to ensure that data from strandings on bycatch mortality can be integrated into bycatch impact assessments to inform management. ------------------------------ *Andrea Fariñas-Bermejo & Marie Petitguyot* Institute of Marine Research – Spanish National Research Council (IIM-CSIC) Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC) Vigo, Spain

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