April 2025 – Morigenos

18-04-2025

Job opening: Scientist

Job Description

• Work on an Interreg project
• Scientific research in the fields of biology, ecology, and marine mammal conservation
• Fieldwork and/or laboratory work, data analysis, maintenance of research equipment, record-keeping, and database management
• Writing scientific articles and professional contributions, preparing materials, participating in work meetings, contributing to project preparation and applications
• Participating in educational activities as needed
• Performing other related tasks as directed by superiors

Requirements:

• Master’s or PhD in biology, biochemistry, environmental protection, or related sciences
• Good knowledge of English (working language is English)
• Good knowledge of basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, internet, etc.)
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work independently
• Precision, responsibility, reliability
• The position is based in Piran

Preferred Qualifications (Not Mandatory):

• Boat leader’s license
• Diving certificate
• Knowledge of advanced software tools for data processing (e.g., R, Python)
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (e.g., QGIS)
• Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”)
• Previous experience in one or more of the following fields: marine biology, animal ecology, molecular biology, bioacoustics
• Knowledge of Italian

The employment contract will be for a full-time position (40 hours per week, 100%) for a fixed term until 28 February 2027, with a possibility of extension. The contract includes a three-month probation period. The expected start date is as soon as possible, no later than 15 June 2025. The work will be carried out entirely on-site in Piran, Slovenia.

Please send your CV and cover letter to morigenos@morigenos.org by 30 April 2025 at the latest. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

11-04-2025

Genetic sampling of dolphins using new technologies

These days, Morigenos is hosting colleagues from the University of Padua. As part of the project SeaInsights, we are conducting genetic sampling of dolphins from exhaled air in the field, using unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). This type of sampling, using new technologies, represents one of the relatively recent advanced approaches to studying the biology, ecology, and health of these animals in a non-invasive manner. Through this international collaboration, we are successfully combining the extensive knowledge and long-standing experience of both teams.

On our first day in the field, we had a very efficient sample collection with seven samples collected in just a few hours. The aim of these activities is to improve both our understanding and the long-term conservation of marine mammals and their entire ecosystem.

The SeaInsights project is financed by the European Union as part of the Program VI-A Italy-Slovenia.

09-04-2025

Distinguished visit to the Dolphin Centre

Distinguished Visit to the Dolphin Centre

Today, we had the honour of hosting distinguished members of the 4th Class of Natural Sciences and the Environmental Protection Council of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) at the Dolphin Centre.

Together with our guests, we discussed the work of Morigenos, dolphin research in the Slovenian sea, and the importance of marine conservation. The presentation was led by Dr Tilen Genov from Morigenos who is also a member of the SASA Environmental Protection Council. He provided an overview of the scientific background of our work as well as the concrete field activities we carry out.

The meeting unfolded in a warm and inquisitive atmosphere – the guests came with many thoughtful questions and showed great interest in our work.

We are grateful to have hosted such an outstanding group of experts, who contribute significantly to the understanding and protection of the natural environment through their knowledge and efforts. At the same time, we are proud that our work can serve as an example of good practice in science, research, and environmental awareness.

A sincere thank you to all our visitors for their time, interest, and open dialogue. Visits like these are always inspiring for us!

03-04-2025

New study: Unusual occurrences of marine mammals outside their natural habitat

Out of habitat marine mammals – Identification, causes, and management recommendations

A new scientific publication titled Out of habitat marine mammals: Identification, causes and management recommendations, published in the renowned journal Marine Policy, examines the increasingly frequent cases of marine mammals appearing outside their usual habitats. The study involved the participation of Morigenos, which has long been actively engaged in international projects dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals. The research was led by colleagues from OceanCare, a long-standing partner organisation with which Morigenos maintains close and productive collaboration.

These so-called out-of-habitat (OOH) cases refer to individual animals appearing far from their natural range or in environments that are no longer suitable for them – often as a result of food scarcity, habitat degradation, pollution, or frequent human interaction. The study emphasises that such events are becoming increasingly common, with primary causes including climate change, the loss of Arctic sea ice, changes in prey availability, underwater noise, disease, and the escape or release of animals from captivity.

The publication presents a wide range of documented cases, including belugas in the Thames and Seine rivers and walruses resting along European coastlines. Similar occurrences have also been recorded in Slovenia – such as a humpback whale observed in Slovenia in 2009, two striped dolphins sighted in the Port of Koper in 2012, and the recent appearances of the common dolphin Ciao.

The authors stress that each situation requires careful, case-specific evaluation. In some instances, monitoring and public communication may suffice; in others, intervention such as relocation is needed. In rare and extreme cases, euthanasia may be considered. All decisions must be based on a thorough assessment of the animal’s welfare, its health condition, and the broader environmental context.

The study also underscores the importance of clear and responsible communication with the public. High levels of human interaction can cause stress, behavioural disturbance, or even danger to both animals and people. In one such case, a female walrus had to be euthanised after repeated failures by members of the public to respect safety guidance. The authors therefore call for stronger institutional coordination, well-defined response protocols, and an appropriate legal framework to enable timely, science-based, and welfare-oriented responses to such events – which are expected to become increasingly frequent in the face of ongoing environmental change.

Read the full study HERE