AN ENRICHING AND SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE, FOR ALL

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 bringing our community together.  We are aware of the need to source ethical goods and services for delegates, and to minimise waste.  We believe it is important to address questions such as “How can we reduce, and best offset, our footprint?“, “How was it harvested?“, “What were the animal welfare implications?“, “How far has it been transported?“, “How can we avoid the use of plastic?“, and most of all “How can we do this better“? 

While our main theme is Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change, the scientific program invites submissions and conversation on all contemporary issues around human dimensions, climate change and new technology with the view of improving policy that affects marine mammal populations locally, and globally

This conference will be free from discrimination. We will encourage increased participation from under-represented groups. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our community, including people of all cultural and faith backgrounds, classes, gender or sexual identities, ages and abilities and we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all. 

So far, we have followed the plastic free principle by sourcing carbon neutral, plastic free promotional products for our bidding campaign. We have also secured AU$25,000 for carbon offsets, which would be a 50% contribution toward a goal of AU$50,000.

We will have a dedicated sustainability coordinator and develop a framework that can be used for future conferences. Our efforts are ongoing, with actions to date including:

• engaging Traditional Owners and ensuring we follow appropriate protocols
• a diligent investigation of offset investment options
• refusal of single use plastic waste
• reduction and recycling of non-plastic waste
• liaising with venue management to cater sustainably sourced food and beverages, including at opening and closing events.

We have a dedicated DEI coordinator that will ensure all aspects of our conference align with our DEI vision. We have already secured $125,000 AUD for a student and developing country delegate bursary and are committed to cater for delegates travelling with their children. We have an appointed coordinator who will assist families in their travel planning, and we encourage delegates to combine the conference with a bucket-list family holiday to Australia. For more information on travelling with children to Perth, click HERE.