Send MARMAM mailing list submissions to
        marmam@lists.uvic.ca

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
        https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
        marmam-request@lists.uvic.ca

You can reach the person managing the list at
        marmam-owner@lists.uvic.ca

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of MARMAM digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity (Sosa, Ana)
   2. New publication: Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in San
      Francisco Bay experience high mortality and have limited
      affiliation to known foraging groups (Josie Slaathaug)
   3. PhD Opportunity: Structure/Function Perspectives on Mammal
      Encephalons (Deadline: May 19th) (Jean-marie Graic)
   4. Fresh off the press: Publication on inferring internal organ
      contaminant burden in cetaceans (von Hellfeld, Rebecca)
   5. New publication: Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a
      complementary monitoring tool in cetacean visual surveys: from
      broad to fine-scale spatial analysis in open waters (Miguel
      ?lvarez-Gonz?lez) (Miguel ?lvarez)
   6. Marine Mammal Internship 2026 ? Southern Right Whale Research
      in Brazil (Daniel Danilewicz)
   7. New publication: Air?water interface calling behavior of
      southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Pen?nsula Vald?s,
      Argentina: A sound production?based approach (virginia tortolini)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:40:09 +0000
From: "Sosa, Ana" <Ana.Sosa@MyFWC.com>
To: "marmam@lists.uvic.ca" <marmam@lists.uvic.ca>
Subject: [MARMAM] Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
Message-ID:
        <DS9PR09MB12262401EF7DB096720F8A2A89D242@DS9PR09MB12262.namprd09.prod.outlook.com>
       
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"

Greetings,
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries & Wildlife OPS Biological Scientist III to aid the agency?s Manatee Management Program. The Manatee Warm-Water Habitat Biologist position is a dynamic administrative and office-based role, focused on supporting the collaborative implementation of the Manatee Warm-water Habitat Action Plan.
Primary duties will involve facilitating, organizing, and leading interagency and partner groups regarding warm-water habitat restoration, enhancement, and creation. Assisting with the creation, maintenance and quality control of shapefiles, layers and geodatabases, developing maps and data summaries using ArcGIS, GoogleEarth, MS Access and MS Excel for management purposes. Maintaining industrial partnerships by monitoring operations, contributing to updates/revisions of manatee protection plans. Contributing to the preparation of reports and presenting results through internal and external (peer-reviewed publications, professional and public meetings, etc.) outlets.
Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity:
OPS- F & W Biological Scientist III - 77905006 Job Details | State of Florida<https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-OPS-F-&-W-Biological-Scientist-III-77905006-FL-32311/1380954800/>
Posting Closing Date: 04/19/2026
Sincerely,

Ana Sosa, M.P.A., B.S.

Manatee Warm-water Habitat Coordinator, Biological Scientist IV
Imperiled Species Management Section
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/>



1875 E. Orange Ave.,

Tallahassee, FL 32311

(850) 922-4330

Ana.Sosa@MyFWC.com

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260413/192cd5a3/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:55:05 -0700
From: Josie Slaathaug <j.m.slaathaug@gmail.com>
To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca
Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus)
        in San Francisco Bay experience high mortality and have limited
        affiliation to known foraging groups
Message-ID:
        <CACX30s-67kPm2u0Ny_gWX2Sy7Tn99_r7z2okKQqQ=G7uawD0Fw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dear MARMAM community,

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our open-access publication in
Frontiers, the results of a very collaborative study and the first
publication detailing live gray whales in San Francisco Bay, available
here:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2026.1775666/full?utm_source=F-NTF&utm_medium=EMLX&utm_campaign=PRD_FEOPS_20170000_ARTICLE


Slaathaug JM, Lane RS, Keener W, Pe?rez A, Flannery M, Webber MA, Grimes A,
Wilkin AM, O?Hern JE, Duignan PJ, Calambokidis J and Crocker DE (2026) Gray
whales (*Eschrichtius robustus*) in San Francisco Bay experience high
mortality and have limited affiliation to known foraging groups. Front.
Mar. Sci. 13:1775666.

doi:

Abstract
Terrestrial and marine species are exhibiting distributional shifts due to
climate change and resource availability. As food webs are impacted, some
species have moved into areas of increased human activity, encountering
anthropogenic hazards. A coastal marine species that undertakes a long
migration between breeding and foraging ranges, the Eastern North Pacific
(ENP) population of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) is especially
vulnerable to changes. Subgroups of ENP gray whales, including the Pacific
Coast Feeding Group and the (Puget) Sounders, have adapted to exploit
alternative feeding grounds as prey availability declines in the Arctic.
Novel to known migration phenology, gray whales have been observed
seasonally since 2018 in San Francisco Bay (SF Bay), California. We
evaluated subgroup identity and mortality of gray whales in SF Bay from
2018 - 2025 using photo-identification. Data were collected through
vessel-based surveys, opportunistic effort, and community submissions. We
identified 114 individual whales of which eight were matched to a subgroup,
indicating gray whales utilizing SF Bay are not merely a range extension by
foraging subgroups. Only four gray whales were resighted within SF Bay
between years. Using photographs, 21 individuals were successfully matched
to carcasses and a minimum mortality rate of 18% was determined. Blunt
and/or sharp force trauma consistent with vessel strike was determined to
be the cause of death for 30 of 70 carcasses, and for nine of 11 matched
animals where a cause of death was determined. Sounder and PCFG matched
whales were more likely to survive SF Bay than ENP individuals, though
minimum length of stay did not influence mortality. This work confirms that
gray whales entering SF Bay are highly susceptible to vessel strike
mortality and highlights a crucial need to identify and implement adaptive
management strategies to mitigate injuries and mortality as whales continue
to utilize novel habitat.

Kind regards,

Josephine (Josie) Slaathaug
*she/her*
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow
M.Sc Student, Crocker Lab
Sonoma State University, Department of Biology
slaathaugj@sonoma.edu
Linkedin <http://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-slaathaug-341234236>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260412/794fcac4/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:21:43 +0200
From: Jean-marie Graic <jeanmarie.graic@unipd.it>
To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca
Subject: [MARMAM] PhD Opportunity: Structure/Function Perspectives on
        Mammal Encephalons (Deadline: May 19th)
Message-ID:
        <CAOGgvfAeRgM8T3L7r1K9pKTeSOgkQCg12t9Ngwh-YgS8r09QcQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dear MARMAMers

I am currently recruiting a PhD candidate for a new position within the
Veterinary Sciences program at the University of Padua, Italy

The research project focuses on structure/function perspectives of the
encephalon in terrestrial and marine mammals. The student will be trained
primarily in histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
Additionally, the role involves opportunistic brain extraction, MRI brain
scan analysis, and opportunities to engage in broader anatomical research.

Application Details:

   - Topic: Evolutionary perspectives on the encephalon (terrestrial and
   marine mammals).
   - Key Activities: Histology, IHC, Immunofluorescence, MRI analysis,
   Brain extraction.
   - Deadline: May 19th.
   - Full Call & Requirements:
   https://www.dottorato.veterinaria.unipd.it/evolutionary-perspectives-terrestrial-and-marine-mammal-encephalon-call-20262027-GRAIC

Please review the link above for specific requirements and the application
procedure. If you know any motivated students or researchers interested in
this field, please forward this information to them.

Best regards,

*Jean-Marie Gra?c, Dr. Vet. Med., Ph.D.*
Associate Professor* - Veterinary Anatomy*
University of Padua, Italy - Veterinary Medicine
Tel : +39 049 827 2572
<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1974-8356>ORCID 0000-0002-1974-8356
<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1974-8356>

*The hypothalamus - "Here in this well-concealed spot, almost to be covered
with a thumbnail, lies the very main spring of primitive existence ?
vegetative, emotional, reproductive ? on which with more or less success,
man has come to superimpose a cortex of inhibitions.? Cushing (1932)*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260414/7a98d61a/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:22:41 +0000
From: "von Hellfeld, Rebecca" <rebecca.vonhellfeld@abdn.ac.uk>
To: "marmam@lists.uvic.ca" <marmam@lists.uvic.ca>
Subject: [MARMAM] Fresh off the press: Publication on inferring
        internal organ contaminant burden in cetaceans
Message-ID:
        <AS8PR04MB8359935B688359CE446400CAC1252@AS8PR04MB8359.eurprd04.prod.outlook.com>
       
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Dear marmam community,

With the unique (and tragic) occurrence of long-finned pilot whale mass stranding events, we have been given the rare opportunity to assess the potential use of skin as indicator for internal organ mercury burden in these animals. Removing the usual ecological and life-history variation that is inherent with single animal strandings, we were able to determine a relationship between the skin and liver mercury burden in a group of 54 pilot whales that stranded in 2023.

I would greatly appreciate if this article could be shared further, and of course am more than happy to discuss the work in more detail if anyone is interested: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70170

Best wishes,
Rebecca von Hellfeld

________________________________



Dr Rebecca von Hellfeld

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Aberdeen
School of Biological Science
Environmental Modelling Group

       .
      ":"
    ___:____     |"\/"|
  ,'        `.    \  /
  |  O        \___/  |
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~

You may receive emails from me outside of core hours. Please do not feel any pressure to respond outside of your normal working pattern.


The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.
Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl?raichte ann an Alba, ?ir. SC013683.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260414/ca7f9573/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:37:00 +0200
From: Miguel ?lvarez <miguelalvarezgmv@gmail.com>
To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca
Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Environmental DNA (eDNA)
        metabarcoding as a complementary monitoring tool in cetacean visual
        surveys: from broad to fine-scale spatial analysis in open waters
        (Miguel ?lvarez-Gonz?lez)
Message-ID:
        <CAF503bgv8CwMsSgWNMWTiUnQdJr9EU5DQs9yGTRi=2UoaFVHfw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dear MARMAM community,

On behalf of my co-authors and myself, I am pleased to share our new
open-access publication in *Marine Environmental Research*, led by the
Marine Megafauna Research Group (MegaMAR) of the Spanish Institute of
Oceanography (IEO-CSIC):

?lvarez-Gonz?lez, M., Saavedra, C., Rotllant, J., Pierce, G. J.,
Guti?rrez-Mu?oz, P., V?zquez Bonales, J. A., & Suarez-Bregua, P. (2026).
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a complementary monitoring tool
in cetacean visual surveys: from broad to fine-scale spatial analysis in
open waters. *Marine Environmental Research*, 217, 107985

Access to the publication:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107985

You can also find a short summary of this work on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHmrkslGHP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Abstract:
Monitoring cetacean populations is essential for understanding the status
of marine communities. In this regard, environmental DNA (eDNA)
metabarcoding is an increasingly popular innovative and non-invasive
genetic tool for marine biodiversity monitoring, particularly useful for
assessing the populations of highly mobile species with a wide distribution
range, such as cetaceans. In this study, we compared cetacean species
detection and distri?bution patterns obtained through eDNA metabarcoding
with the sighting records obtained during simultaneous traditional visual
monitoring. A total of 258 seawater samples was analysed, collected at 129
sampling stations during the SCANS-IV survey carried out in oceanic waters
of the North Atlantic Ocean. Nine cetacean species were identified by eDNA
metabarcoding and ten by visual monitoring; three species were detected
solely by eDNA, while four were exclusively detected by visual observation,
demonstrating the complementarity of the two methods. The four most
frequently sighted species were also the most frequently detected species
in eDNA samples, showing similar detection frequencies and distribution
patterns at broad and intermediate spatial scales. At a finer scale,
however, species occurrence did not overlap between methods. Additionally,
eDNA provided new insights into striped dolphin (*Stenella coeruleoalba*),
which may be under-represented in traditional moni?toring data. Overall,
the results support the use of eDNA metabarcoding as a valuable
complementary monitoring tool for assessing cetacean diversity and
distribution, providing additional information on species presence
throughout the study area. This is particularly relevant for species that
are rarely recorded visually and for which there is insufficient
information to design and implement appropriate management strategies.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding
this work.
Miguel ?lvarez (miguel.alvarez@ieo.csic.es)
Paula Su?rez - corresponding author (paula.suarez@ieo.csic.es)

Best regards,
Miguel
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260414/1f3a6915/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:03:53 -0300
From: Daniel Danilewicz <daniel.danilewicz@gmail.com>
To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca
Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Internship 2026 ? Southern Right Whale
        Research in Brazil
Message-ID:
        <CADkm98=YeX_yX+DFUv9tzqXNHgAxM8Q3N90Xp5DcKJOfiZBUSQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dear MARMAM community,


Want to work hands-on with southern right whales in the wild?


We are now accepting applications for the Marine Mammal Research Exchange,
an academic internship program hosted by the GEMARS?Yaqu Pacha Marine
Mammal Conservation Hub ? a center for collaborative research and capacity
building in Latin America.


The Hub integrates multiple research and conservation initiatives
(including bycatch mitigation, community-based projects, and marine mammal
monitoring programs).

This specific call focuses on one of its flagship field programs: the
long-term study of southern right whales (*Eubalaena australis*) in
southern Brazil.


This program is designed for advanced undergraduate students and recent
graduates, offering direct involvement in data collection, analysis, and
scientific research.



*The experience*

Interns will be embedded in the Farol das Baleias Project, contributing to
ongoing research using:

* Drone-based whale monitoring

* Shore-based surveys

* Photo-identification

* Behavioral observations

* Photogrammetry (growth and body condition)

* Data processing and analysis



*Periods & availability*

We are offering two internship periods in 2026:

* 1st July ? 15 August (2 positions)

* 1st August ? 15 September (2 positions)



*Location & logistics*

* Southern Brazil (Torres, RS & Imbituba, SC)

* Shared accommodation included (fully equipped house)

* International research team environment



*Fee*

USD 175 per week, including:

*  Training

*  Accommodation


Food, travel, and personal expenses are not included.



*Who should apply*

* Advanced undergraduate students

* Recent graduates

* Early-career researchers

* Motivated individuals seeking hands-on experience in marine mammal
science



*How to apply*

To receive application instructions, please contact:

faroldasbaleias@gmail.com

Subject: Internship 2026 ? Farol das Baleias

--
Dr. Daniel Danilewicz
gemars.org.br
Grupo de Estudos de Mam?feros Aqu?ticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS)
Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC)
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260414/91766205/attachment-0001.html>

------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:11:45 -0300
From: virginia tortolini <virtortolini@gmail.com>
To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca
Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Air?water interface calling
        behavior of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Pen?nsula
        Vald?s, Argentina: A sound production?based approach
Message-ID:
        <CAJQCjKkAkD9BsU6dXLZ7Bkq0+2Gr-Eveeb1G1eRgDbNPJAkBeA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dear MARMAM community,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the
following paper in Acoustical Society of America:

Virginia M. Tortolini, Joy S. Reidenberg, Ciro R. Mart?nez, Santiago J.
Fern?ndez, Mariano A. Coscarella; Air?water interface calling behavior of
southern right whales (*Eubalaena australis*) in Pen?nsula Vald?s,
Argentina: A sound production?based approach. *J. Acoust. Soc. Am.* 1 April
2026; 159 (4): 3277?3290. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0043369

Abstract:

We describe an air?water interface calling behavior observed in southern
right whales (SRWs; *Eubalaena australis*) in Golfo Nuevo, Pen?nsula
Vald?s, Argentina. This behavior involves SRWs producing audible
vocalizations at the surface, here termed ?interface vocalizations? (IFVs),
which propagate simultaneously in-air and underwater. IFVs were documented
through opportunistic visual observations combined with synchronized in-air
and underwater recordings, complemented by citizen science videos. Twenty
IFVs were recorded across eight events, with ten including fully
synchronized acoustic data. Both in-air and underwater components are
tonal, low-frequency signals with different harmonic structures and
variable duration, perceived in air as ?foghorn?-like sounds. Behavioral
and acoustic analysis indicates that IFVs are intentionally produced,
voluntarily controlled, non-breathing-related vocalizations. All callers
were adult whales observed across simple and complex social contexts. The
findings support IFVs as a distinct sound category from those previously
described for SRW, with anatomical production likely mediated by the
laryngeal apparatus. These results highlight the plasticity of SRW acoustic
behavior and the complexity of its sound production, raising questions
about the potential biological, communicative, and adaptive roles of IFVs
in dual-pathway signaling.

With regards,

Virginia M. Tortolini

*Lic. en Ciencias Biol?gicas *
*Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB)*
*Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo 3051, Puerto Madryn U9120, Chubut, Argentina.*

*Ph.D. candidate *
*Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - CONICET*
*Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo 2915, **Puerto Madryn U9120, Chubut, Argentina*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.uvic.ca/pipermail/marmam/attachments/20260414/8b856f26/attachment.html>

------------------------------

Subject: Digest Footer

_______________________________________________
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam


------------------------------

End of MARMAM Digest, Vol 249, Issue 11
***************************************