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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 23h

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone attending the conference in Puerto Rico. #SMM2026 will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discrimination in any form.

Poster stating "SMM2026 IS A HARASSMENT-FREE EVENT" over a photo of two playful otters cuddling on a sandy surface, with small conference logos visible at the bottom.

SMM2026 code-of-conduct poster stating the event is safe, welcoming, and inclusive; respect everyone; harassment, bullying, and discrimination will not be tolerated; speak up and report concerns at the registration table or to a Safe Community Team member; violations may lead to removal.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Congrats to Rachel Lewis, winner of the Stu Innes Memorial Student Travel Bursary! 🦭 Rachel studies bearded seal breeding & climate change in Arctic Alaska alongside Yup'ik and Iñupiat communities. See you at the #SMM2026 conference! ❄️

Young woman smiling outdoors wearing a pink UNH shirt and sunglasses on her head, framed beneath a large "Congratulations" headline.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Need a little conference recharge? 🐶 Come spend some time with the puppies during #SMM2026! These sessions are a chance to step away from the conference buzz, enjoy some puppy cuddles, and learn more about local animal rescue efforts in Puerto Rico.

A poster describing a program that matches travelers with rescuers to escort adopted animals off Puerto Rico, noting that Flight Angels and participating rescuers handle reservations, paperwork, carriers, supplies, and expenses to reduce animal suffering and support spay/neuter efforts.

Event schedule listing where and when to meet puppies at Hall A/B during the conference: Monday Oct 19 12:00–2:00 PM; Tuesday Oct 20 12:00–2:00 PM; Wednesday Oct 21 9:30–11:30 AM; Thursday Oct 22 2:30–4:30 PM.

Step-by-step guide showing how to volunteer to transport rescue dogs or cats by plane: submit flight details, get matched, rescue arranges and pays the reservation, meet the animal at the airport, fly in-cabin, volunteer meets recipient on arrival.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Costs are high, and there is no pressure to give. However, if you are able, the Society's online auction is a fun way to support inclusion at the Puerto Rico conference in October 2026. #SMM26

ONLINE AUCTION — Support a more inclusive SMM2026 headline over a close-up humpback whale underwater, promoting a fundraiser for the Society for Marine Mammalogy 2026 conference with conference and inclusion logos.

Poster promoting bids that fund accessibility, care and opportunity at a conference, listing 01 sign language interpreters, 02 assistance for blind attendees, 03 childcare offsets, 04 workshop registration support, plus a note about building a more inclusive conference and event logos.

Auction highlights for a marine mammal conference advertising items from original art and signed books to technical training, excursions and whale expeditions, plus "Much more!", set on a dark whale-themed background with conference logos.

Promotional graphic urging bids to make the Puerto Rico conference more accessible, welcoming, and community-driven, set over a deep-blue underwater photograph of a humpback whale.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Marine mammal science is strengthened when we move beyond acknowledgement and toward responsibility, reciprocity, respect, and meaningful partnership.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

🐬 SMM Fieldwork Series: Guiana dolphins! For 20+ years, Prof. Rodrigo Tardin's Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab has monitored Guiana dolphins in Sepetiba and Ilha Grande Bays, Brazil. This summer the team combined photo-ID, acoustics, and drone photogrammetry to learn more. 🧵1/2

A small pod of dolphins swimming near the ocean surface, seen from directly overhead in teal water with light ripples and splashes.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

📣 Help us celebrate outstanding student research at SMM2026! The SMM2026 Awards Committee is looking for student presentation judges to help recognize the incredible research being shared in San Juan this October. Interested? Log in to your Profile Home and select “Judges Sign-Up” to volunteer.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#SMM2026 Accommodations : A limited number of rooms remain, and the Hyatt Place is sold out. Available options include: • Aloft San Juan • Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino Book your room soon before the remaining conference block sells out smmconference.org/accommodations

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📣 SMM Virtual Seminar Series Heading to #SMM2026 in Puerto Rico? Join us for a webinar on what to expect and how to make the most of conference week, with Vanessa Pirotta, Daiane Domingos Manholer & Halia Morris + a live Q&A with conf organizers! 🔗 Registration: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Promotional poster for a virtual panel discussion titled "What to Expect at Your First SMM Conference," showing three circular headshots of panelists, event date/time, and the Society for Marine Mammalogy virtual seminar branding.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

SMM2026 PLEANRY SPEAKERS SPOTLIGHT Meet our Friday plenary speaker, Dr. Jorge Velez-Juarbe! 🦴 The Americas at the epicenter of Sirenian Evolution, will take us through 45 million years of sirenian evolution and reveal how fossils can illuminate the history of marine herbivores and the ecosystems.

Plenary poster announcing speaker Jorge Vélez-Juarbe, "The Americas at the Epicenter of Sirenian Evolution," Friday, Oct. 23, 2026; circular photo shows a smiling man in a red beanie and glasses leaning over large fossil bones in a study, on a blue underwater background.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

SMM2026 PLEANRY SPEAKERS SPOTLIGHT Meet our Thursday plenary speaker, Dr. Fernando Elorriaga-Verplancken! 🦭 Mexican pinnipeds: sentinels of increasingly changing ecosystems, will explore how pinnipeds respond to warming oceans, shifting prey, extreme climate events, and rapidly changing ecosystems

Plenary Spotlight poster for a talk titled "Mexican Pinnipeds: Sentinels of Increasingly Changing Ecosystems," showing a smiling presenter in a circular photo over an underwater background, with the event date Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

SMM2026 PLEANRY SPEAKERS SPOTLIGHT Meet our Wednesday plenary speaker, Dr. Joanna Alfaro! 🐬 In Passing the Torch: Empowering the Next Wave of Marine Mammal Conservationists, she will explore mentorship, and learning across generations to strengthen the future of marine mammal conservation.

Plenary spotlight poster announcing Joanna Alfaro’s talk Passing the Torch: Empowering the Next Wave of Marine Mammal Conservationists, featuring her circular portrait over an underwater coral background and the date Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

SMM2026 PLEANRY SPEAKERS SPOTLIGHT Meet our Tuesday plenary speaker, Dr. Bob Bonde! 🌊 Manatee Conservation Through the Eyes of a Field Biologist; If Only I Had a Crystal Ball, will reflect on what the past can teach us about the challenges and future of manatee conservation. #SMM2026

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

SMM2026 PLEANRY SPEAKERS SPOTLIGHT Meet our Monday plenary speaker, Dr. Laura May-Collado! 🐋🎶 Her talk, Echoes of the Past: Decoding the Evolution of Toothed Whale Communication, will explore how evolution, sociality, and new machine-learning approaches are helping us whale communication.

Plenary spotlight poster showing a smiling speaker holding acoustic recording equipment, titled "Echoes of the Past: Decoding the Evolution of Toothed Whale Communication," on an underwater-themed background with event date Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

SMM FIELDWORK SERIES This summer, Nath Marine & Bioacoustics Consulting (NMBC) launched the Dolphin paTTerns Project, studying bottlenose and common dolphins in the waters of northwest Trinidad & Tobago. 🇹🇹 📸 Syam Nath

Two dolphins' dorsal fins breaking the choppy blue sea as they swim near the surface, with a coastal city and hazy mountains on the horizon.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Meet the SMM2026 Keynote and Plenary Speakers! From conservation and field biology to evolution, ecology, and communication, this year’s speakers bring big ideas and global perspectives to San Juan. 🌊 One Ocean, One Future 📍 San Juan, Puerto Rico | 19–23 October #SMM2026

Conference poster announcing SMM2026 keynote speakers and talk titles on marine mammal research and conservation, showing circular headshots and brief session titles over an underwater background.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

🐬 SMM FIELDWORK SERIES Every May and June, Pacific white-sided dolphins enter Mutsu Bay, Japan. Since 2016, researchers have used photo-ID, drones and acoustics to better understand their movements, ecology and behaviour.

Two dolphins breaking the ocean surface in a synchronized leap, their sleek gray-and-white bodies cutting through choppy blue water.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A Frank Conversation About Harassment The SMM DEI Committee invites members of the marine mammal community to join the final session in our series of conversations about harassment within our field. 📅 August 26, 2026 🕔 5:00 PM Pacific Time

DEI committee event poster titled "Let's Talk About Harassment" announcing the last session on August 26, 2026 at 5pm PST, over a photo of two humpback whales surfacing from calm blue water.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

SMM FIELDWORK SERIES A bird’s-eye view of marine mammal fieldwork in action! This drone footage captures the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s 2026 Steller sea lion brand-resight survey at Sugarloaf Island, Alaska. 📸 Drone footage by Dr. Greg Larsen ©ADF&G ESA/MMPA Permit No. 27503-02

A large colony of sea lions clustered on rocky tide pools and a pebbled cove beneath green cliffs, with a small boat in the calm blue water nearby.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Calling journalists, science writers, reporters, producers and media professionals! 🎙️🐋 Media accreditation is open for #SMM2026, taking place 17–23 October 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

🎬 Good news: the #SMM2026 Video Night submission deadline has been extended to 31 August 2026! Don’t let your footage stay on your hard drive, share your story with the community! 👉 Submit your video through your SMM2026 conference profile. We can’t wait to see what you’ve created! 💙

Announcement reading "DEADLINE EXTENDED — SMM 2026 VIDEO NIGHT — August 31st 2026" over a dolphin surfacing in the ocean.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Snooze, you lose: conference hotels are filling up fast! The Hyatt Place is already sold out. Book through the official SMM2026 hotel block to access special conference rates while rooms are still available. Reserve your room soon before the remaining rooms are gone. 📸 Photo: Joe McKenna #SMM2026

Gray whale breaching vertically with an arched headline reading "BOOK YOUR SMM2026 HOTEL" and a caption "Rooms are filling up quickly," a promotional graphic urging attendees to reserve hotel for the 2026 Society for Marine Mammalogy conference

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

SMM FIELDWORK SERIES ✨ From Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean, Dushi Dolphin An Nou is building a long-term dolphin monitoring program. Led by marine biologist Gwenaëlle Margez-Versteegh with support from the Caribbean Cetacean Society, the work is shore-based and non-invasive.

A jumping dolphin. It is a juvenile spinner dolphin.

2 dolphins: a female and her 2-year-old calf who was born over the reefs of Bonaire on June 15th, 2024.

A researcher doing data collection (photo ID) from shore.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

SMM FIELDWORK SERIES ✨ This field season, Drs. Emily Sperou and Sarah Kienle are traveling across Australia to uncover the life histories hidden within museum collections, one leopard seal skull at a time 🦭

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO APPLY! ⏰ Applications for the 2026 SMM Conservation Fund Grant Program close on July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time To apply: log in to your SMM account, and click on "Sign in to the page for SMM nominations, voting, and scholarships/grants applications" 📸 Anupam Koley

Conservation fund poster reading "Deadline in two days!" with a close-up of an Irrawaddy dolphin's head emerging from muddy water, conveying urgency for fundraising to protect the species.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Before SMM2026, join us in Puerto Rico, for 35 pre-conference workshops on October 17–18, 2026! Explore topics spanning stable isotopes, ecotoxicology, pathology, population modelling, AI and marine mammal communication, climate change, Indigenous leadership, and more! 📸 Photo: Robbie Shade

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Reposted by Society for Marine Mammalogy

Wiley Life Sciences @wileylifesci.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Scientists attached plastic bottles to fishing nets to see if the extra noise or visibility could help dolphins avoid getting trapped, early results are promising. Read more here ➡️ onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111… @marinemammalogy.bsky.social

A digital ad from Wiley about dolphin bycatch reduction. It features an ocean scene with fishing nets. The text reads: "Hundreds of dolphins die in fishing nets every year. Read Marine Mammal Science's article to find out how adding one thing to nets could help save them." A blue button says "Read Here."

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Official #SMM2026 merch is available for pre-order! ⏰ Order by August 5 (11:59 PM ET) for conference pick-up in San Juan. 🛍️ Browse the collection: www.smmconference.org/merch/

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

🌊 Field season is here! 🐋 📸 Share your summer fieldwork photos/videos with us, and we’ll highlight community stories throughout the season. This photo from @jjkiszka.bsky.social captures Florida Bay bottlenose dolphins and their fascinating mud-ring feeding behavior. Thanks for sharing! 🐬

Photograph of several bottlenose dolphins in Florida Bay during a research field season.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

🎥 Got an amazing marine mammal story to tell? Submit your short film to #SMM2026 Video Night! We're looking for creative stories featuring fieldwork, conservation, memorable encounters, and more. Don't let your footage stay on your hard drive, share it with the marine mammal community!

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

📣 Applications are now open for the SMM Conservation Fund Grant! More information: marinemammalscience.org/awards-fundi... 📸: Steve Dawson

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Last chance to apply! Applications for the Eric A. Ramos Small Grants in Aid of Research (SGIAR) close tomorrow, June 30, 2026. This grant honors the legacy of Dr. Eric A. Ramos, whose dedication to mentorship, inclusivity, and supporting early-career scientists continues to inspire our community.

A bottlenose dolphin pops its head out of the water

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

🎥 CALL FOR VIDEOS: SMM 2026 VIDEO NIGHT Do you have a marine mammal story worth sharing? If you're attending SMM 2026, submit your short film and share your ocean story with the global marine mammal community. Recommended length: Up to 4 minutes Submission deadline: 10 August 2026  #SMM2026

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

📣 Volunteer applications for #SMM2026 are now officially closed! If you submitted a volunteer application, stay tuned: our team will be in touch with next steps soon. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you at SMM2026! 🐋

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

🚨 Last day to register at early bird rates! 🚨 Don’t miss your chance to save on registration for the 26th Biennial Conference in San Juan, taking place October 19–23, 2026, with workshops on October 17–18. Early bird pricing ends Wednesday, June 24 (end of day)!

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month from the Society for Marine Mammalogy and the LGBTQ+ subcommittee ✨ Wherever you are, and whoever you are, you belong in science, and you belong in our community. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💙 📸 Chloe Kotik - DFO MML 001

Two northern resident killer whale males surfacing.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

🤍 Parenthood and Caregiving in Marine Mammal Science — Part 2 We are proud to share Part 2 of our article series on parenthood and caregiving in marine mammal science: Later Career: Staying, Adapting, and Asking for More.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

🐳 A huge thank you to everyone who joined or renewed their membership during our Membership Month campaign! We’re excited to announce the winners of our raffle for FREE full registration to the #SMM2026 Conference We can’t wait to see you all in Puerto Rico!

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

We’ve grown a lot over the past few months, so it’s time for a quick reintroduction ✨

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

📣 It’s official: exhibitor reservations are OPEN! We’re excited to announce that exhibitor booking for SMM2026 opens today, Monday, 15 June 2026. Spots go quickly, don’t miss your chance to be part of SMM2026. 📩 exhibitors@marinemammalscience.org  🔗 www.smmconference.org/exhibitors/ #SMM2026

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

SMM 2026 Tours: Experience Puerto Rico! Make the most of your time in San Juan with the SMM 2026 tours program, offering a chance to explore Puerto Rico’s incredible natural and cultural landscapes alongside fellow conference participants. Spaces are limited! www.smmconference.org/tours/ #SMM2026

A collection of postcards, one manatee, one waterfall, one kayak experience

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Thank you for voting in the selection of the new Marine Mammal Science cover! The winning cover is “Our Neighbors in the Blue” by @bluetideproject.bsky.social. Congratulations to all the artists and photographers whose work was selected, and thank you again to all members who voted ✨

the new cover of the Marine Mammal Science journal

Honorable mention: A beautiful illustration of the world's oceans

Honorable mention: A beautiful illustration of the diversity of marine mammals

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

🎓 SMM 2026 Workshops: Don’t Miss Out From advanced analytics and emerging technologies to field methods, policy, and interdisciplinary approaches, these sessions aim to spark ideas, build skills, and strengthen collaboration across the community. 🔗 www.smmconference.org/workshops/ #SMM2026

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Don’t forget to register for SMM2026! The early bird deadline is in just 2 weeks; make sure to secure your spot before rates increase. 📍 San Juan, Puerto Rico  📅 Conference: October 19–23, 2026  📸 Krista Nicholson #SMM2026 #PuertoRicoSMM2026 #OneOceanOneFuture www.smmconference.org/registration/

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

We are pleased to launch a new article series on Parenthood and Caregiving in Marine Mammal Science. This series highlights the lived experiences of researchers and our commitment to a more inclusive scientific community. marinemammalscience.org/smm-news/par...

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

A Frank Conversation About Harassment Registration is open for the next two and final sessions (all welcome): 📅 June 24, 2026 — 2:00 PM PST  📅 August 26, 2026 — 5:00 PM PST Register: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... 📸: Michael Dawes

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

📣 Society for Marine Mammalogy – Virtual Seminar Series We’re excited to announce the next members-only session in our Virtual Seminar Series CONSERVATION CRISES: Panel Discussion.

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Now Open: Eric A. Ramos Small Grants-in-Aid for Research (SGIAR)  Applications accepted June 1–30, 2026 📸: Ivan Stecko

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Society for Marine Mammalogy @marinemammalogy.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

The Society’s Committee of Scientific Advisors is seeking new student representatives to join the committee. As part of our commitment to maintaining a committee that reflects diverse regions and expertise, we are encouraging applications from students based in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

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