Marine mammals, as critical sentinel species, reflect the health of our marine ecosystems. However, these remarkable creatures are facing escalating in both wild and managed environments. Their welfare is increasingly compromised, necessitating deeper understanding of behavioral responses to environmental stressors.

In wild populations, mounting anthropogenic pressures, including climate change, noise, chemical and microplastic pollution, entanglement, hunting and habitat degradation increasingly challenge marine mammal survival and quality of life. Simultaneously, marine mammals in human care face unique challenges related to managed environments, such as restricted space, altered social dynamics, lack of environmental complexity, and limited opportunities for natural behaviors, all of which can impact their psychological and physical health. Understanding behavioral responses to these stressors is critical for effective conservation.

This Research Topic invites interdisciplinary submissions dedicated to enhancing our understanding of marine mammal welfare through its ethological dimensions, drawing insights from wild, rehabilitation, and managed care settings. Contributions are particularly welcome on topics such as:

• Behavioral indicators of positive and negative welfare states.
• The impacts of anthropogenic factors (e.g., noise, pollution, climate change) on wild marine mammal behavior.
• Evaluation of environmental enrichment strategies and habitat design.
• The influence of social dynamics and human-animal interactions.
• Cognitive welfare assessments.
• Methodological advances in behavioral observation and analysis.
• Studies informing rehabilitation, release, or reintroduction programs.

To support these amazing creatures, you can visit: The World Cetacean Alliance, Marine Conservation Society, Orca, Sea Watch Foundation, Oceana, Oceanic Preservation Society, The Ocean Foundation, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Whale and Dolphin Conservation

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Advancing Marine Mammal Welfare Through Ethological Insights: Behavioral Responses to Stressors in Wild, Rehabilitation, and Managed Care Settings