Have you ever wondered what a whale thinks, sought to understand a sea lion, pondered a porpoise, or had dolphins dive through your dreamtime? Do you want to know how our finned friends are faring in a changing sea?

For the first time in the international Society for Marine Mammalogy’s 50+ year history, the world’s marine mammal experts will convene in Australia to tackle these issues and more.

Perth will play host, with over 1,300 attendees from 80 nations gathering to discuss the latest innovations and research from around our blue planet.

The conference theme is “Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change”, shining a light on two key areas; the interplay between marine mammal and human cultures and conservation, and marine mammal interactions with fishing gear, the biggest threat to extinction they face.

“We are thrilled to bring this meeting to Perth, where we’ll workshop how best to blend western science with Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and quantify the winners and losers in the face of human activity in our rivers and seas”, said Dr Krista Nicholson, of the Local Organising Committee.

Scientists will also present findings from the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program, including on the hearing, movement, and dive behaviour of Australian sea lions, and dolphin whistles in Cockburn Sound.

WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program Theme Leader, Dr Delphine Chabanne, said the conference provided a wonderful opportunity to share some of the research coming out of Cockburn Sound with an international audience.

“The exchange of ideas and experiences at this conference will not only enhance our understanding of marine mammals, but also inspire innovative solutions to the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world,” Dr Delphine Chabanne.

The 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals will take place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 11-15 the November 2024.

 

Conference Art by Sarah Humphries