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OCEAN SCIENCE CONSULTING RECRUITING MMO AND PAMOS
by OSC Admin 16 Jul '26

16 Jul '26

Hello MMO & PAMOs! We are recruiting NOW for exciting projects across the world, if you fit the following job description we would love to hear from you! Employment: 1-month contract with possible full-time employment Salary: competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience with offshore supplement Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is a rare opportunity for potential permanent, full-time employment as an MMO and/or PAM operator. Applicants should be able to assist competently with reports, publications, articles, and must be self-motivated when offshore to continue these tasks during project downtime. These roles should be based primarily offshore, with project durations lasting from a few days to months at a time, and between offshore projects, personnel will contribute to shore-based duties at the Company's HQ in Dunbar, Scotland. Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is a privately-owned technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests >80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, underwater noise measurement and modelling, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. OSC's research has resulted in many peer-reviewed publications<https://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers/> and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook<https://www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.co.uk/> . Job description can be found on MMO and PAM vacancies - OSC | Marine Science<https://www.osc.co.uk/mmo-and-pam-vacancies/> Apply only if you meet the requirements. Preference will go towards those with pre-existing offshore certifications, or those willing to acquire qualifications before commencing employment. A sense of humour helps in this industry role. Short-listed candidates should expect to receive small written and skills tests during the interview process. Application deadline: Apply as soon as possible indicating your availability. Send your CV and cover letter to recruitment(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:recruitment@osc.co.uk>. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We look forward to hearing from you! OSC Recruitment Team OSC Admin Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk W: www.ocean-science-consulting.gr W: www.osc-nz.co.nz Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR. Scotland, UK MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Invitation to participate in SMM pre-conference half-day workshop: Blue Corridors – including a Caribbean and North Atlantic deep dive
by Nathalie Houtman 16 Jul '26

16 Jul '26

Invitation to participate in SMM pre-conference half-day workshop: Blue Corridors – including a Caribbean and North Atlantic deep dive Title: Blue Corridors Workshop – Lessons learned Co-designing Global and Regional Collaborative Connectivity Conservation Strategies Oct 17 8:30-12:30 With: Chris Johnson (WWF), Nathalie Houtman (WWF) and partners including the Blue Corridors Initiative Highly mobile marine mammals depend on ecological connectivity across vast ocean regions that span national boundaries and the high seas. For whales, these migratory pathways—known as blue corridors—link critical feeding, breeding, and resting habitats, yet remain inadequately incorporated into marine mammal research, marine spatial planning, and ocean governance. As anthropogenic pressures intensify along migration routes, there is an urgent need to translate connectivity science into coordinated, implementable conservation strategies. This half-day workshop shares lessons from WWF’s implementation of co-designed conservation strategies developed with partners through global and regional reports and participatory workshops. Building on advances in global migration mapping from whale satellite tracking data and the development of BlueCorridors.org—an open-access platform supporting science-based decision-making—the workshop bridges data, policy, and practice through regional case studies. It highlights interdisciplinary engagement among marine mammal scientists, conservation practitioners, policymakers, Indigenous and local knowledge holders, NGOs, and industry representatives. In the workshop, we will explore how migratory connectivity strategies can be implemented across scales, from global assessments to regional implementation. The workshop will examine practical applications of blue corridors science in shipping management, fisheries bycatch mitigation, marine protected area network design, and transboundary policy frameworks. Case studies from several regions will be used to ground discussions in real-world contexts with shared lessons learned, including a deep-dive on the Wider Caribbean and North-Atlantic. Through facilitated dialogue, participants will identify shared challenges, data needs, governance gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. The workshop aims to generate actionable recommendations, strengthen cross-sector networks, and inform future applications of the blue corridors conservation approach. Outcomes will support coordinated strategies aligned with global biodiversity targets, the UN BBNJ Treaty, and broader ocean sustainability goals, while advancing the role of marine mammal science in connectivity-based ocean management. The agenda will include: * Introduction to Blue Corridors * How WWF and partners are applying this to global, regional and local conservation with bluecorridors.org<http://bluecorridors.org> * Lessons from how this approach can be applied to national and global policy opportunities * A deep dive & next steps of a local to regional case: co-designing a future Caribbean & North Atlantic assessment * Discussing how you can get involved and how we can improve bluecorridors.org<http://bluecorridors.org> and the approach We hope to welcome you on the 17th of October! If you need financial support with covering the workshop fee, please reach out to Chris cjohnson(a)wwf.org.au<mailto:cjohnson@wwf.org.au> and/or Nathalie nhoutman(a)wwf.nl<mailto:nhoutman@wwf.nl> Nathalie Houtman Senior Biome Strategist | WWF-NL E: nhoutman(a)wwf.nl<mailto:nhoutman@wwf.nl> | M: +31615137786<tel:+31615137786> wwf.nl<https://www.wwf.nl/> [cid:image001.png@01DD150C.87CBE3A0]<https://www.wnf.nl/> BE ONE WITH NATURE

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Cetacean Research Programme Volunteer Position, Kaikōura, New Zealand
by Krista Van Der Linde 15 Jul '26

15 Jul '26

Cetacean Research Programme Volunteer Position, Kaikōura, New Zealand Whale Watch Kaikōura is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with long-term cetacean research based in Kaikōura, New Zealand, with a primary focus on sperm whale photo-identification. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an established, year-round cetacean research programme working in one of the world’s most accessible sperm whale habitats. Dates & Commitment Whale Watch Kaikōura conducts cetacean research year-round. We are currently seeking volunteers for placements from August 2026 onwards, with flexibility for later periods subject to availability. A minimum commitment of three consecutive months is required, with no breaks during this period. The volunteer must be available for approximately 30 hours per week, depending on survey scheduling and weather conditions. Fieldwork This position involves participation in boat-based cetacean surveys, with a primary focus on sperm whale photo-identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in: * Conducting systematic cetacean field surveys * Identifying individual sperm whales using fluke characteristics * Recording behavioural, environmental, and GPS data * Archiving and managing photo-identification data * Database use and structured data entry Fieldwork is conducted from a 24 m tourism vessel and is weather-dependent. Survey days may include weekdays and weekends depending on conditions. The work can be physically and mentally demanding. It requires flexibility, as there may be periods without surveys due to weather, followed by multiple consecutive field days when conditions are favourable. This role provides hands-on experience in cetacean research, survey techniques, behavioural observations, and applied photo-identification methods. Responsibilities * Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys * Collecting environmental, spatial, and behavioural data * Data entry and archiving of photo-identification records * Supporting database management and organisation of research files This is a voluntary position. Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or living provisions are provided. The successful candidate must arrange their own accommodation, living expenses, travel, and visa requirements. Prerequisites Applicants must: * Be available for a full three consecutive month period (no breaks) * Be available for approximately 30 hours per week * Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking, and patient * Have a mature and independent attitude toward field research * Be able to work independently and as part of a team * Speak fluent English * Be sociable, enthusiastic, and maintain a positive attitude * Have a strong interest in cetacean conservation and research * Be comfortable working at sea in variable weather conditions Qualifications This position is particularly suited to: * Upper-level undergraduate students * Recent graduates With academic backgrounds in: * Marine Biology * Ecology * Zoology * Biology or related disciplines Required: * Basic computer proficiency (MS Office) Preferred (but not required): * Experience in field research or photo-identification * Cetacean survey experience * Previous experience working from vessels Application Process Applicants should email lucy(a)whalewatch.co.nz with the subject line: “Cetacean Research Programme Volunteer Position” Please include: * A short statement outlining why you are interested in the position * Your available dates * Confirmation that you are available for the full three-month commitment * Your qualifications and relevant experience * A brief CV including at least one referee Early applications are encouraged, as applications will be reviewed in order of receipt. [cid:image001.png@01DD151D.2F8F0580]<http://www.whalewatch.co.nz/> Whakaarohia a Papatūānuku i mua i te tānga mai o tēnei ī-mera | Please consider the environment before printing this email. CAUTION: If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not use, disseminate, distribute or copy this email. If you received this message in error, please destroy any copies. [cid:image002.png@01DD151D.2F8F0580]<http://www.instagram.com/whalewatchkaikoura>[cid:image003.png@01DD151D.2F8F0580]<http://www.facebook.com/whalewatchkaikoura>[cid:image004.png@01DD151D.2F8F0580]<http://www.tiktok.com/@whalewatchkaikoura>

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New publication: Feeding habits of the franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais & d'Orbigny, 1844) in Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil
by Nerelle Vital 15 Jul '26

15 Jul '26

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent paper published in Regional Studies in Marine Science. "Feeding habits of the franciscana dolphin *Pontoporia blainvillei* (Gervais & d'Orbigny, 1844) in Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil" Authors: Nerelle Vital, Emi Brinatti Guari, Pedro Henrique Oliveira Teixeira, Elitieri Batista Santos Neto, Rafael Ramos de Carvalho, Haydée Andrade Cunha, Tatiana Lemos Bisi, José Lailson Brito Junior and Alexandre de Freitas Azevedo. Abstract: This study describes for the first time the diet of the franciscana (*Pontoporia blainvillei*) in Ilha Grande Bay, correlating it with sexual maturity through age estimation. The franciscana is an endangered species endemic to South America. Research and conservation of this species is based on Franciscana Management Areas (FMA). The present study aims to characterize the diet of the franciscana in Ilha Grande Bay, located in FMAIIa. Stomach contents of 28 franciscanas were analyzed from 2017 to 2025 to identify the prey with the highest index of relative importance. The most important prey species were *Umbrina canosai*, *Isopisthus parvipinnis*, and *Dorytheutis plei*. It was only possible to compare the diet between mature males and females. Males had greater species diversity, but both sexes had the same most important prey species, *U. canosai* and *D. plei*. Males tended to have a more generalist, opportunistic diet, while females tended to have a more specialized diet. The largest prey were consumed at ages close to the estimated sexual maturity of the franciscanas for both sexes. The 16 prey species found in this study have previously been reported in the FMAIIa, but with different levels of importance. This variation in prey within the FMAs may be considered normal and demonstrates that the franciscana can adapt its diet to the abundance and availability of local prey. Continued studies of franciscana feeding habits in this bay are recommended to understand its behavior and habitat areas, as well as the local availability of resources. The full text can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105200 Kind regards, Nerelle Vital.

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Request to complete short Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) questionnaire
by Erich Hoyt 15 Jul '26

15 Jul '26

IMMA questionnaire Wednesday 15th July 2026 Dear MARMAM Community: The IMMA Secretariat and the University of St Andrews, with the support of Whale and Dolphin Conservation, are conducting a short survey to understand how Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) have been used and their impact on marine mammal conservation, management, and policy worldwide. We would like to ask you to please share your perspectives through a short survey (5–10 minutes), which explores: which IMMAs or regions you have worked with; how you have used them; and any outcomes or impacts resulting from your work. Your input is very valuable and will directly inform our understanding of the global impact of IMMAs. Please note that responses will be anonymised and aggregated. Participation is voluntary and all responses are confidential. For questions, please contact us at imma.shapefile(a)imma-network.org <mailto:imma.shapefile@imma-network.org> or gtb7(a)st-andrews.ac.uk <mailto:gtb7@st-andrews.ac.uk>. Thank you so much for your valued contribution and support of the IMMA Programme With best wishes, Gill Braulik and Eafa Godson on behalf of Erich Hoyt and Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Co-Chairs of the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force Access the survey (deadline: 7th August 2026) <https://cm92l.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeFuBo0uirz4pcBlzw55D/O…> https://cm92l.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeFuBo0uirz4pcBlzw55D/O…

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New publication: Spatial distribution and habitat selection of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) within two estuaries in southern coastal USA
by Thibaut Bouveroux 15 Jul '26

15 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our latest publication: Bouveroux, T., Cloyed, C.S., Barry, K., Mullin, K.D., Sinclair, C., Carmichael R.H. (2026). Spatial distribution and habitat selection of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) within two estuaries in southern coastal USA. Scientific Reports, 16, 22062 ABSTRACT: Coastal waters are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic pressures, resulting in the degradation of critical habitats that shape the distribution of marine predators. This study used photo-identification data to define drivers of common bottlenose dolphin habitat selection in Mobile Bay and Perdido Bay, two urbanized estuaries in southern USA. Dolphins exhibited distinct seasonal habitat selection between estuaries. In Mobile Bay, dolphin occurrence decreased with water temperature and increase with dissolved oxygen during winter, and dolphins were more frequently observed closer to shore, near a key confluence point (Mobile Bay Pass) and in deeper water near ship channels in summer. In Perdido Bay, dolphin occurrence increased with pH and dissolved oxygen in winter, while in summer, dolphin occurrence increased in deeper waters, near ship channels and closer to gillnet exclusion zones. Across both systems, dolphins occurred in moderate-to-high salinity waters but also used very low salinity areas. Our results indicate a seasonal transition from physiochemical drivers in winter to structural and habitat-related factors in summer and suggest that ship channels may function as salinity refuges and prey hotspots, due to water stratification and higher prey availability. This work highlights dolphins’ adjustment to local conditions within dynamic estuarine environments under natural and anthropogenic influences. You can read the full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-52366-1 Best regards, Thibaut Bouveroux, PhD Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama USA Marine Mammal Expertise, Belgium

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Aquatic Mammals issue 52.4 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Jul '26

14 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The 4th issue of volume 52 (52.4) of Aquatic Mammals journal is available online and will be published officially Wednesday, July 15th. You will see the new issue on the home page of the journal web site (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>). 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 52.4 contents (** denotes open access): Alice Forrest, Vanessa Pirotta, and Ted Cheeseman. (2026). Use of Citizen Science, Social Media, and AI to Track White Whales in the Kingdom of Tonga and Australian Waters. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4),285-292. Gargi Roy Chowdhury, Dona George, Harshali Patkar, Kanad Roy, Pranay Bhatnagar, Shovana Ray, Lallianpuii Kawlni, Vishnupriya Kolipkam, and Qamar Qureshi. (2026). Influence of Diel, Tidal, and Lunar Cycles on Acoustic Detections of Ganges River Dolphins in the Tidal Rupnarayan River of West Bengal, India. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 293-302. **Haris Nicolaou, Melina Marcou, Kimon Koemtzopoulos, and Panagiotis Dendrinos. (2026). Restoration of a Marine Cave in Cyprus: Enhancing Breeding Habitats for the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus). Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 303-307. Patricia Z. R. Davis, Mishari Alghrair, Ricardo O. Ramalho, and Christopher N. S. Poonian. (2026). Environmental DNA as an Innovative Tool to Detect Elusive Dugong (Dugong dugon) Populations. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 308-313. **Stephen D. McCulloch, Brian C. Balmer, Jill L. Griffin, Zoe M. Hernandez, and Holli C. Eskelinen. (2026). Three Decades of Cetacean Stranding Events in the Florida Keys (1990-2020): Long-Term Spatiotemporal Patterns, Data Limitations, and Implications for Future Predictive Modeling. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 314-328. Leopoldo Hector Soibelzon and Alexandra Mary Claire Robbins. (2026). Direct Observation of a Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) Preying on a Notothenid Fish in Shallow Coastal Waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 329-333. **Ronald A. Kastelein, Laura Van Acoleyen, Kimberly Tuytens, John M. Terhune, Alexander M. von Benda-Beckmann, and Erwin Jansen. (2026). Effect of Duty Cycle Composition of Intermittent Sound on Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift in a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 334-344. **Frederick W. Wenzel, Kerstin Langenberger, and Pedro López-Suárez. (2026). Documenting Cow/Calf Humpback Whale Migration from Boa Vista, Cabo Verde, to Bear Island, Norway, in the Eastern North Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 345-350. Susana Caballero and Jeremy J. Kiszka. (2026). Genetic Diversity and Preliminary Phylogeographic Analysis of the Longman’s Beaked Whale (Indopacetus pacificus) in the Western Tropical Indian Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 351-356. Letter to Editor **Kathleen Dezio. (2026). Letter to the Editor: 2026 AMMPA Annual Meeting Held May 5-7 in Hawaii. Aquatic Mammals, 52(4), 357-359. Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Director, Dolphin Communication Project kathleen(a)dcpmail.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Executive Director Position - Northcoast Marine Mammal Center
by Karen Helms 13 Jul '26

13 Jul '26

Executive Director Needed Organization: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) Location: Crescent City, California Position Type: Full Time Compensation: Pay commensurate with experience, range $60,000-$79,000 The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization in its mission to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and stranded marine mammals while promoting community engagement and education. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will provide operational, strategic, and financial oversight to ensure the achievement of NMMC's mission and goals, while enhancing its impact within the community. Tucked behind the Redwood Curtain, Crescent City, CA boasts easy access to the Redwood National and State Parks along with some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the California Coast, making it a nature lovers' dream. Key Responsibilities 1. Administration & Organizational Management: * Oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and policies. * Lead and support staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. * Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans. * Ensure compliance with NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program standards. 2. Fundraising & Financial Management: * Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, and * corporate sponsorships. * Ensure financial sustainability through effective budgeting and financial reporting. * Research and secure grant opportunities to support NMMC's mission. 3. Membership & Donations: * Expand the donor base and membership program to increase recurring contributions. * Cultivate lasting relationships with existing donors to sustain long-term support. 4. Event Planning & Execution: * Manage annual events and develop new community engagement initiatives. * Oversee event planning logistics, promotion, and execution. 5. Public Relations & Community Engagement: * Build and nurture partnerships with local businesses, government entities, and community members in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. * Represent NMMC in the NOAA West Coast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network. * Serve as the public face of the organization, handling media relations and community outreach. 6. Education & Outreach: * Develop and deliver educational programs to promote marine mammal conservation. * Collaborate with schools, community groups, and organizations to expand NMMC's educational impact. Qualifications * Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, administration, or a related field. * Strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, event planning, and community relations. * Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and maintain financial sustainability. * Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. * Passion for marine mammal conservation and education. * Education: Bachelor's degree required (Marine Biological Sciences, Nonprofit management, or related * field preferred). Application Process Interested applicants should submit the following: 1. Cover Letter 2. Resume 3. Professional References Email submissions to: Director(a)northcoastmmc.org Join us in furthering marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and educational outreach in our communities. We look forward to receiving your application!

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Final Reminder 4th Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop at SMM 2026: submit abstracts by July 15
by Amy Van Cise 13 Jul '26

13 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM, *Last reminder! Please submit abstracts and/or complete the survey by this Wednesday, 15 July!* The 4th Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1647455659326-59b2adc5-38db> will be held on Sunday October 9 before the 2026 SMM Biennial conference, titled "From detections to deliverables: Using eDNA data to inform and guide management and conservation actions." If you are planning to join the workshop and/or are interested in presenting your recent analyses and applications of eDNA data, please complete our Participation and Abstract Submission Survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTWy5UxpV8YMHUu21vMMwwoV0MQ97-XkW…> . *Abstracts will be accepted until 15 July 2026.* *Workshop Description:* *The 4th Marine Mammal eDNA workshop will bring together early-career and established scientists interested in applying emerging techniques in environmental DNA (eDNA) research to marine mammal species. In this workshop, we will focus specifically on developments in the analysis and interpretation of eDNA detection data for marine mammals, and the application of these results to management and conservation plans.* * Researchers will share methods developments and lessons learned from recent eDNA work and explore priority areas for further development in the next two years. Participants will then engage in small-group discussion via breakout groups on topics such as using eDNA detections in spatiotemporal distribution modeling; developing methods to move toward quantitative metabarcoding and data analysis (i.e. eDNA for abundance estimation); developing methods for the use of eDNA for stock identification or population genetic analyses. Throughout the workshop, we aim to broadly discuss both the challenges and opportunities faced by marine mammal eDNA researchers aiming to use eDNA data in statistical or modeling frameworks.* We look forward to seeing you there! Warm Regards, Amy Van Cise, Kim Parsons, Kristina Cammen, and Maggie Hunter <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: FSH 216B 206-221-6118 "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

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NEW PUBLICATION: Do Boat Traffic and Habitat Features Shape Habitat Useby Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in a BrazilianEstuary?
by Alice Lima 13 Jul '26

13 Jul '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our latest open-access publication: "Do Boat Traffic and Habitat Features Shape Habitat Use by Guiana Dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) in a BrazilianEstuary?", published in Ecology and Conservation and available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.74004 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or problems accessing the link (amlima(a)uesc.br) Cheers, Alice Lima, PhD Graduate Program in Zoology State University of Santa Cruz Abstract: Increasing boat traffic in estuarine environments poses growing challenges for the conservation of coastal cetaceans, yet how these pressures interact with habitat features to shape spatial use remains poorly understood. This study investigated the influ- ence of boat traffic and habitat features on the spatial use and habitat selection of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Pontal Bay, a northeastern Brazilian estuary, using shore- based observations and theodolite tracking of dolphin and boat trajectories collected between April 2015 and January 2016. Utilization distribution and habitat selection analyses revealed substantial over- lap between dolphins and boats, particularly in deeper areas. At finer scales, however, dolphins preferentially used areas with lower boat traffic, greater depths, and proximity to fishing centers, while avoiding shallow zones and river edges. These patterns indicate a scale- dependent trade- off between access to foraging opportunities and exposure to anthropogenic disturbance. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating environmental and human- related factors into estuarine management and sup- port the need for measures that regulate vessel activity within key dolphin habitats. How to cite this paper: Lima, A., G. A. F. Giné, K. T. S. Cruz, N. N. Teixeira, G. M. R. Strenzel, and Y. Le Pendu. 2026. “ *Do Boat Traffic and Habitat Features Shape Habitat Use by Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in a Brazilian Estuary?*.” *Ecology and Evolution* 16, no. 7: e74004. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74004. Funding: This work was supported by Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, PROBOL Scholarship, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia, Project PET0032/2012, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Master's degree Scholarship, Animal Behavior Society, Small Grant. -- Dr. Alice Lima Post-doc researcher from GPMAI Co-founder Ecosul Turismo Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos de Ilhéus Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia - PPGZOO Ilhéus - Brazil <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Sans virus.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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