Society for Marine Mammalogy

Society for Marine Mammalogy
Name	Society for Marine Mammalogy
Formation	1981
Type	Professional society
Headquarters	La Jolla, California
Region served	Global
Language	English
Leader title	President

Society for Marine Mammalogy is an international professional association dedicated to the study and conservation of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walruses, and manatees. Founded in 1981 to foster research, education, and policy engagement, it connects researchers, managers, and educators from institutions including Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and Smithsonian Institution. The organization organizes international conferences, publishes peer-reviewed literature, and advises bodies like the International Whaling Commission and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

History

The society was established in 1981 following meetings among scientists affiliated with American Society of Mammalogists, International Union for Conservation of Nature, United Nations Environment Programme, and regional groups in locations such as San Diego, Vancouver, Tokyo, and Cape Town. Early leaders included researchers from University of California, Santa Cruz, University of British Columbia, University of Auckland, and University of Cambridge, with collaborations involving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, and New Zealand Department of Conservation. The society’s history intersects with landmark events and institutions such as the Jones Act debates on maritime jurisdiction, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and international workshops convened by Iceland, Norway, Japan, and Argentina.

Mission and Objectives

The society’s mission aligns with objectives promoted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, World Wide Fund for Nature, BirdLife International, and Conservation International: to advance scientific understanding of marine mammals, promote effective conservation, and translate research for management by agencies like European Commission, Australian Government, Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, and South African National Biodiversity Institute. Core aims include fostering collaboration among members from institutions such as Texas A&M University, University of Washington, University of British Columbia, University of Tasmania, and University of Tokyo and supporting capacity building in regions represented at IUCN World Conservation Congress and Convention on Biological Diversity meetings.

Membership and Governance

Membership comprises professionals from universities, government agencies, and NGOs including NOAA Fisheries, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Australian Antarctic Division, Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Nature Conservancy. Governance is via an elected Board of Governors with officers often drawn from Duke University, University of Miami, Rutgers University, University of Florida, and University of California, Santa Barbara. Committees liaise with bodies such as International Maritime Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, European Marine Board, and regional entities like Marine Scotland and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Conferences and Meetings

The society convenes biennial international conferences hosted in cities like Miami, Vancouver, Barcelona, Wellington, Perth, La Jolla, Rome, and Buenos Aires. Conferences attract presenters from Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Princeton University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology as well as delegates from United Nations General Assembly sessions and workshops organized with IUCN and IWC. Regional workshops and symposia have been held in partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Institute of Marine Research, and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

Publications and Scientific Contributions

The society publishes a peer-reviewed journal and proceedings that have disseminated research on topics explored at International Whaling Commission meetings, in reports prepared for Convention on Migratory Species, and in assessments submitted to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Global Biodiversity Outlook. Contributions span studies by researchers affiliated with Imperial College London, University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Auckland, Dalhousie University, University of Cape Town, and Universidad de Buenos Aires. Work covers strandings documented by Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners, acoustic studies tied to Marine Acoustic Ecology initiatives, and population assessments informing listings under Endangered Species Act and CITES.

Conservation and Policy Initiatives

The society advises national and international policy through input to International Whaling Commission, consultation with CITES, and participation in Convention on Migratory Species initiatives. It has engaged with regional authorities such as California Department of Fish and Wildlife, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Falkland Islands Government, and Galápagos National Park Directorate to address issues including bycatch, habitat loss, and ship strikes. Partnerships have been formed with World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy, Humane Society International, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and Wildlife Conservation Society on conservation campaigns and policy briefs.

Awards and Recognition

The society recognizes excellence through awards named for prominent figures affiliated with institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of British Columbia, and Smithsonian Institution. Award recipients often include scientists from University of California, Santa Cruz, University of Washington, Duke University, University of Miami, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Dalhousie University, and University of Auckland. Honors are presented alongside lectures at conferences that also feature invited speakers from National Academy of Sciences, Royal Society, European Academy of Sciences, and leading conservation organizations.

Category:Scientific societies