Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open-access publication in Conservation Physiology: A sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analytical method of steroid hormones in small blubber samples from four whale species<https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/14/1/coag023/8653515?login=false> https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coag023 Abstract: Steroid hormones can give an indication of stress, physiological health and reproductive status in whales; however, analysis is often limited by sample mass. We developed a sensitive analytical method using solid phase extraction–liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) for the identification and quantification of eight steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone) in small amounts of whale blubber (≤50 mg). Blubber biopsies were collected from stranded killer whales (Orcinus orca; n = 7), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena; n = 3) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus; n = 4), harvested common minke whales (n = 10; Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and free-living killer whales (n = 2) in Norway and the Barents Sea. Steroid hormones were separated using pentafluorophenyl propyl stationary phase and an optimized gradient programme with a total 20-min run. All samples (n = 26) were analysed at 50-mg sample mass, and a subset (n = 11) at 25 mg or lower. Low limit of detection and limit of quantification values resulted in high detection rates of hormones, and we found similar hormone concentrations between parallel samples and at the lowest tested sample mass (14 mg). Cortisol concentrations in sperm whales (4.3 ± 1.6 ng/g) were four times higher than stranded killer whales (1.1 ± 0.96 ng/g), which in turn were up to four times higher than free-living killer whales (0.23 ± 0.12 ng/g), harbour porpoise (0.64 ± 0.38 ng/g) and harvested minke whales (0.22 ± 0.13), possibly due to fatality type and duration of stress prior to death. We provide the first quantification of blubber steroid hormones in killer whale, minke whale, sperm whale and harbour porpoise, and in less than 50-mg sample mass. By minimizing sample mass without compromising precision or sensitivity, our method allows for steroid hormone analysis even on samples with limited availability, strengthening our ability to monitor and conserve marine mammal populations. We have also shared a popular science article and infographic on the early career researcher website Whale Scientists: https://whalescientists.com/a-new-method-to-measure-whale-hormones-in-a-samp... And a reel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXH44yyDDJr/ Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the work. Kind regards Clare Andvik ——————————————————————————— Clare Andvik PhD Candidate Section for Aquatic Biology & Toxicology Department of Biosciences University of Oslo [cid:68833832-9d30-48db-b1d0-accfbc8beb68] MULTIWHALE<https://www.mn.uio.no/ibv/english/research/sections/aqua/research-projects/multiwhale/> ________________________________ From: MARMAM <marmam-bounces@lists.uvic.ca> on behalf of marmam-request@lists.uvic.ca <marmam-request@lists.uvic.ca> Sent: 14 April 2026 20:35 To: marmam@lists.uvic.ca <marmam@lists.uvic.ca> Subject: MARMAM Digest, Vol 249, Issue 11 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.2... 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-terrest... 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=Mz... 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 ***************************************