Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # SMM Conference In a sea of change, be the change you wish to see. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.smmconference.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [SMM2026](https://www.smmconference.org/) - 17-18 October 2026 — Pre-Conference Workshops 19-23 October 2026 — Main Conference Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González San Juan, Puerto Rico17-18 October 2026Pre-Conference Workshops19-23 October 2026Main Conference Centro de Convenciones Pedro Roselló González San Juan, Puerto RicoABOUT THE CONFERENCE We are delighted to officially invite you to the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology - [About SMM2026](https://www.smmconference.org/about-smm2026/) - Join us in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 19–23 October 2026, for the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals—the first SMM biennial in Latin America.CONFERENCE OPENSAbstract and workshop submissions, as well as conference registration, will open on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4).ABSTRACT / WORKSHOP SUBMISSIONSAbstract and workshop - [Students](https://www.smmconference.org/students/) - FOR STUDENTSThe Student Members-at-Large (SMaLs) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) are actively working to ensure that SMM2026 is a rewarding, educational, and engaging experience for student attendees. In addition to offering small grants to help offset conference registration fees and travel to Perth, WA, the SMaLs are organizing activities designed to enhance the - [Awards](https://www.smmconference.org/awards/) - CONFERENCE AWARDSThe Society for Marine Mammalogy offers a range of awards and travel support opportunities to recognize scientific excellence and to help broaden global participation at the SMM Conference. These include travel grants for colleagues from low-income and under-resourced regions, regional student awards, and several named and special-interest awards presented during the conference.Eligibility criteria, application - [Workshop Submission](https://www.smmconference.org/workshop-submission/) - WORKSHOP SUBMISSIONWorkshop submissions opened December 3, 2025 and will close Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4).Conference-affiliated workshops are half-day, full-day, or two-day events proposed and organized by individual researchers. Workshops are included in the program if their proposal is approved by the SMM2026 conference committee. SMM2026 workshops will be held - [Volunteer](https://www.smmconference.org/volunteer/) - Volunteers are needed for a wide range of tasks, both before and during the conference. Your dedication and support are essential to the success of the meeting. - [Abstract Submission](https://www.smmconference.org/abstract-submission/) - ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONAbstract submissions opened December 3, 2025 and will close Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4).The conference theme, “One Ocean, One Future: Advancing Marine Mammal Science for Ecosystem Health,” will underscore our shared responsibility to advance marine mammal science amid growing human pressures. It calls for stronger global partnerships, innovative - [SMM2024 HOME](https://www.smmconference.org/smm2024/) - We acknowledge that SMM2024 is situated on Whadjuk Nyoongar land. Nyoongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge. We pay our respects to Traditional Owners, and their connection to marine mammals, of the land and seas on which we live, visit and - [About The SMM](https://www.smmconference.org/about-smm/) - ABOUT THE SMMThe Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) was founded in San Francisco during the 4th Biennial Conference in 1981 and is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to marine mammal science and conservation. Working in over 80 countries, we protect endangered species and support researchers at every career stage.Your donation fuels vital grants, - [Contact](https://www.smmconference.org/contact/) - HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONFERENCE? For general conference inquiries, please contact the Conference Committee at conference@marinemammalscience.org. For more specific questions, please use the appropriate email address listed below: ABSTRACTS For more information about abstract submission, acceptance and/or presenting, please contact our scientific committee at abstracts@marinemammalscience.org. AWARDS For more information on conference awards and grants, please contact - [Past Conferences](https://www.smmconference.org/past-conferences/) - SMM BIENNIAL CONFERENCESA BRIEF HISTORYSince the first biennial conference held in 1975, there have been 25 conferences held in different locations across the United States and the world. Conference attendance has grown from the 300 in 1975 to more than 2700 in 2019. The Biennial Conferences predate the beginning of the Society. They were a - [Code of Conduct](https://www.smmconference.org/conduct/) - CONDUCT AND HARASSMENTThe Society for Marine Mammalogy is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all who participate in its conferences. Please review the Code of Conduct below for further details on what is acceptable behaviour.The Society prohibits and does not tolerate any forms of harassment, bullying, or discrimination. If you have - [Accommodations](https://www.smmconference.org/accommodations/) - CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONSSupport the 26th Biennial Conference by booking your stay in an official hotel block.Conference attendees can enjoy discounted rates at the hotels listed below. Benefits include guaranteed lowest rates, excellent service, proximity to all conference sessions and activities, networking opportunities, and the ability to earn points for membership or loyalty programs.Booking links will be - [Sponsorship](https://www.smmconference.org/sponsorship/) - ONE OCEAN, ONE FUTUREDrive Impact Through SponsorshipWorld’s Premier Marine Mammal Science ConferenceThis is the first time in the Society’s history that the event will take place in Latin America.SMM2026 SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION PROSPECTUS The Society for Marine Mammalogy holds its biennial conference every two years and is actively fundraising to ensure the 26th meeting, taking - [Carbon Offset Program](https://www.smmconference.org/carbon-offset/) - BLUE-GREEN INITIATIVEWe have pledged to mitigate the carbon footprint of our attendees through a combined use of an energy efficient venue, elimination of single use plastics and styrofoam, employing compostable and recyclable products, decreasing the use of paper and purchasing carbon offsets, as well as making the conference available virtually.WHAT IS IT? Climate change is - [Reviewing Abstracts](https://www.smmconference.org/become-a-reviewer/) - ABSTRACT REVIEWERSAbstract reviewer signup opens Wednesday, December 3, 2025 and closes Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4).Abstract reviewers play a vital role in supporting The Society of Marine Mammalogy and elevating the quality of science presented at our conferences; however, other benefits include supporting the activities of your area of - [SMM2022](https://www.smmconference.org/smm2021/) - Workshops - July 30-31, 2022 Conference - August 1-5, 2022 Palm Beach County Convention Center West Palm Beach, Florida, USAATTENDEES 18851026 virtual and 859 in-person attendees registered for the conference from more than 95 different countries!PRESENTATIONS 1124195 In-person talk presentations 283 Virtual talk presentations 646 In-person / virtual poster presentationsTo view the SMM2022 abstract book, - [Registration](https://www.smmconference.org/registration/) - REGISTRATIONConference registration opens December 3, 2025, with the early bird deadline on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.REGISTRATION PRICES The 26th Biennial Conference will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the Centro de Convenciones Pedro Rosselló González from October 19–23, 2026, with workshops on October 17–18, 2026. The early bird registration deadline is Wednesday, June - [Exhibitors](https://www.smmconference.org/exhibitors/) - EXHIBITORSExhibit reservations open Monday, 15 June 2026.Exhibiting at SMM2026 puts your company in front of 1,500+ marine mammal scientists, conservationists, and decision-makers worldwide, offering unmatched visibility, networking, and brand recognition at the premier global event for ocean science and conservation.Get one-on-one interaction with senior leaders in the field and enthusiastic students.Showcase your brand and innovations - [Committee](https://www.smmconference.org/committee/) - SMM2026 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Antonio Mignucci-GiannoniConference Co-Chair Antonio is a Puerto Rican oceanographer and certified aquatic veterinary technician specializing in the health and conservation of aquatic mammals and other marine wildlife. He directs the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center and has led rescue and research efforts for endangered marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds across the - [Theme](https://www.smmconference.org/theme/) - THEME & TOPICSONE OCEAN, ONE FUTURE:Advancing Marine Mammal Science for Ecosystem HealthOur theme, “One Ocean, One Future,” underscores our shared responsibility to advance marine mammal science amid growing human pressures. It calls for stronger global partnerships, innovative research, and timely, evidence-based action to ensure healthy oceans for all.The scientific program will feature ten sessions spanning - [Timeline](https://www.smmconference.org/timeline/) - TIMELINE OF EVENTS Here are the key conference dates for you to prepare your submission and plan your trip.Additional dates and events to be announced as they are confirmed. Conference Opens December 3, 2025 Abstract submission, workshop submission and conference registration opens Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 12 pm (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4). Abstract / - [Puerto Rico](https://www.smmconference.org/puertorico/) - This October 2026, we warmly welcome you to the 26th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, taking place in San Juan, on the beautiful and historic Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. We are especially proud to host, for the first time, a Biennial Conference in Latin America—an exciting milestone that highlights the region’s - [AI and Marine Mammal Science / Advancing Marine Mammal Research through Machine Learning](https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/ai-marine-mammal-workshop/) - [Explore WA](https://www.smmconference.org/explore/) - EXPLORE WESTERN AUSTRALIALooking to make the most of your time in Western Australia before or after the conference wraps up? Unsure of where to start? Discover "Marine Mammal Mates," a collection of discounts we've gathered for activities both in Perth and beyond. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, these offers will enhance your experience and - [Plan Your Holiday](https://www.smmconference.org/plan-your-holiday/) - PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYExtend your stay in Perth and unlock a world of unforgettable experiences beyond the conference walls. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and endless adventure this city has to offer. From pristine beaches and lush parklands to world-class dining and bustling markets, Perth has something for everyone. Explore the iconic - [Workshops](https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/) - PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPSWorkshop sign-up now available via conference registration form!Conference-affiliated workshops are half day, full day, and two day events that are proposed and organised by individual researchers. SMM2024 workshops will be held on Saturday, November 9th and Sunday, November 10th, 2024, during the weekend just prior to the conference.Workshops are open to all conference registrants - [Plenary Speakers](https://www.smmconference.org/plenary-speakers/) - KEYNOTE AND PLENARY SPEAKERS FOR SMM2024Get ready to delve into the rich tapestry of marine mammal science and conservation at the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, themed ‘Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change’. Together, we aim to spark discussions, drive change, and chart a course towards a sustainable future for marine - [Sponsors](https://www.smmconference.org/sponsors/) - SMM2024 SPONSORSOn behalf of The Society for Marine Mammalogy and the entire conference committee for the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, we thank our incredibly generous sponsors for their support in making this event possible!SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAJOR PARTNERS: CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP LEVELS PLATINUM SPONSORSHIPAustralian Sea LionUS$50,000 / AU$80,000 PLATINUM SPONSORSHIPAustralian - [Film Festival](https://www.smmconference.org/film-festival/) - SMM2024 FILM FESTIVALWhere your work comes to life and inspires others, with open doors welcoming a wider audience to join us on this special night!SMM2024 FILM FESTIVAL The 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals will feature a film festival, showcasing the work of our attendees and inspiring others. This event will be - [Guidance for Presenters](https://www.smmconference.org/guidance-for-presenters/) - GUIDANCE FOR PRESENTERSBelow you will find guidelines for the 4 different presentation formats.We are excited to host SMM2024, which will be an exclusively in-person conference. Gathering in person presents a unique opportunity for our members to re-engage as a global community. Recordings of daily plenaries and most presentations will be available shortly after the conference.CONFERENCE - [Perth, WA](https://www.smmconference.org/perth-wa/) - WELCOME TO PERTH, WAWe acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to country, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA We are honoured and delighted to host the 25th Biennial Conference on - [Media](https://www.smmconference.org/1702-2/) - MEDIA ROOM The SMM2024 biennial conference in Perth, Western Australia, has attracted some of the world’s leading marine mammal scientists, and we are expecting over 1,300 participants from 80 countries to attend. Join us! The Society for Marine Mammalogy convenes in Australia for the first time in its 50+ year history. SMM2024, the 25th Biennial - [Merchandise](https://www.smmconference.org/merch/) - MERCHANDISEPre-ordered merchandise options from the registration menu is now closed! Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered! Products will not be shipped to attendees prior or following the conference. Purchased items may only be picked up at the conference in-person. Only a limited supply of merchandise will be available for purchase during the conference!The deadline to - [Vison](https://www.smmconference.org/vison/) - AN ENRICHING AND SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE, FOR ALLOUR VISION AND AIMS Our vision is to host an enriching and sustainable conference, for all. A key aim is to set a new benchmark for the sustainability of SMM conferences. We are mindful of the carbon footprint associated with conferences, including air travel that will be involved in - [Accessibility](https://www.smmconference.org/accessibility/) - CONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY Marine mammal science is only strengthened by the participation of people representing all ages, career stages, races, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical abilities, as well as national, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. The SMM is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and diversity in its members and conference attendees. ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES CONVENTION CENTER Some of - [SMM2022 Speakers](https://www.smmconference.org/smm2022-speakers/) - PLENARY SPEAKERS FOR SMM2022 In August 2022, eminent scientists, experts and leaders from across the globe will come together in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as virtually, for The Society for Marine Mammalogy’s 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Building off our conference theme, “A Sea Change: Transforming Science into Stewardship”, SMM2022 - [Travel](https://www.smmconference.org/travel/) - TRAVELStart planning your trip to Australia!We are mindful of the carbon footprint associated with conferences, including air travel that will be involved in bringing our community together.To learn more about our vision to host an enriching and sustainable conference, click HERE.GETTING TO PERTH ARRIVING BY AIRWe encourage delegates to optimise their travel by extending their - [Families](https://www.smmconference.org/families/) - FAMILIES AT SMM2024Families are welcome to the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals.Whether you are attending the conference with dependent children or travelling with family and extending your stay in Western Australia beyond the conference program, we are committed to helping you plan and have a successful trip.We are currently fundraising for - [About SMM2024](https://www.smmconference.org/about-smm2024/) - The 2024 biennial conference of the SMM will be held in Australia for the first time. Our theme, “Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change” shines a light on one of the most significant threat to marine mammals worldwide, their interactions with fishing gear. We will further focus on marine mammal cultures, and how conservation and - [Science](https://www.smmconference.org/science/) - MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE IN WAA DIVERSITY OF SPECIES AND HABITATS With over 13,000 km of coastline extending from the tropics to the cold-temperate, and a land area four times the size of Texas, WA is bound by the Indian and Southern Oceans. Its waters are home to a rich diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, marine - [About SMM2022](https://www.smmconference.org/smm2022/) - A SEA CHANGE: TRANSFORMING SCIENCE INTO STEWARDSHIP Marine mammals live in a rapidly changing world and face a wide range of challenges and threats from both the natural environment and human actions. Science focused on marine mammals is addressing these challenges through new and advancing methodologies and techniques.The conference theme, “A Sea Change: Transforming Science - [Schedule At A Glance](https://www.smmconference.org/schedule-at-a-glance/) - SCHEDULES AT A GLANCEWe are pleased to announce our Schedule-At-A-Glance for the 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals! Pre-conference workshops will be available on July 30-31, 2022. The main conference will be held on August 1-5, 2022. SMM2022 is a hybrid conference, which means that the conference will include both an in-person - [Know Before You Go](https://www.smmconference.org/know-before-you-go/) - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!All registered attendees should have received an email with a link to access the virtual conference platform and program. If you did not receive this, please contact conference@marinemammalscience.org.The 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals is almost here! With just days to go before you arrive in Palm Beach for - [Conference Platform](https://www.smmconference.org/conference-platform/) - VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PLATFORMOn the virtual platform, you will find a detailed program for all plenaries, scientific sessions and events, as well as pre-conference workshops.OUR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PLATFORM IS NOW OPEN! All registered attendees should have received an email with a link to access the virtual conference platform. If you did not receive this, please contact - [Events](https://www.smmconference.org/events/) - CONFERENCE EVENTSWe are very enthusiastic to announce our opening and closing events! More information on events will become available closer to the conference. TICKETED CONFERENCE EVENTS Please note that only electronic purchases (i.e. credit, debit, Apple Pay only) can be made at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Purchases can include lunch concessions and cashless - [Transportation](https://www.smmconference.org/transportation/) - TRANSPORTATIONView in Google MapsConferenceVenuePalm Beach County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida, USAConference VenuePalm Beach County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida, USAView in Google Maps NO MATTER HOW YOU ARRIVE, BE SAFE. GETTING HERE Getting Here: Best Ways to Experience Florida Download the PDF on the best ways - [COVID](https://www.smmconference.org/covid/) - YOUR SAFTEY IS OUR TOP PRIORITYPlease rest assured that we will continue to monitor state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19. Our top priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants at SMM2022. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Aloha to everyone considering in-person attendance to the 24th Biennial Conference on the - [Going Hybrid](https://www.smmconference.org/going-hybrid/) - GOING HYBRIDGoing hybrid means there are two ways to participate in SMM2022: live and in person in West Palm Beach and/or virtually through our new online experience. All presenters in all formats (e.g. oral, speed talks, posters and videos) will be required to record and upload their presentation no later than July 1. Virtual content ## Projects - [Mobile Mountains](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/project/mobile-mountains/) - Mobile MountainsMountains on the Go Suspendisse at semper ipsum. Suspendisse sagittis diam a massa viverra sollicitudin. Vivamus sagittis est eu diam fringilla nec tristique metus vestibulum. Donec magna purus, pellentesque vel lobortis ut, convallis id augue. Sed odio magna, pellentesque eget convallis ac, vehicula vel arcu. Sed eu scelerisque dui. Sed eu arcu at nibh - [The Weston](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/project/the-weston/) - The Weston Clean Code Mauris a fermentum metus. Cras euismod neque a massa rhoncus, id congue tellus fringilla. Duis sed diam et tellus bibendum vehicula at nec nulla. Vivamus interdum leo vel ex iaculis tempus. Suspendisse ac bibendum diam. Suspendisse mattis gravida vestibulum. Nam at arcu ante. Praesent dictum dui nec aliquam elementum. Integer urna - [Sea Factor](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/project/sea-factor/) - Sea FactorInspired by the Ocean Suspendisse at semper ipsum. Suspendisse sagittis diam a massa viverra sollicitudin. Vivamus sagittis est eu diam fringilla nec tristique metus vestibulum. Donec magna purus, pellentesque vel lobortis ut, convallis id augue. Sed odio magna, pellentesque eget convallis ac, vehicula vel arcu. Sed eu scelerisque dui. Sed eu arcu at nibh - [Mountain Side](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/project/mountain-side/) - Mountain SideThis project is an example of full width stacked images.Up High Suspendisse at semper ipsum. Suspendisse sagittis diam a massa viverra sollicitudin. Vivamus sagittis est eu diam fringilla nec tristique metus vestibulum. Donec magna purus, pellentesque vel lobortis ut, convallis id augue. Sed odio magna, pellentesque eget convallis ac, vehicula vel arcu. Sed eu - [Only Five](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/project/only-five/) - Only Five Suspendisse at semper ipsum. Suspendisse sagittis diam a massa viverra sollicitudin. Vivamus sagittis est eu diam fringilla nec tristique metus vestibulum. Donec magna purus, pellentesque vel lobortis ut, convallis id augue. Sed odio magna, pellentesque eget convallis ac, vehicula vel arcu. Sed eu scelerisque dui. Sed eu arcu at nibh hendrerit viverra. Vivamus ## Skills - [Branding](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/skill/branding/) - [Photography](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/skill/photography/) - [Print](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/skill/print/) - [Web](https://www.smmconference.org/posts/skill/web/)