One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite
About this event
A four-hour workshop held at the start of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference. The session brings together whale watch naturalists and educators to share best practices, teaching tools, and storytelling strategies. The workshop features an invited keynote, lightning talks, and facilitated discussions focused on engaging the public around complex and sometimes controversial topics, including entanglement, climate change, vessel strikes, and offshore wind. A central goal is moving audiences from awareness to positive behaviour change that benefits marine mammals. Participants will exchange resources, collaborate on communication strategies, and build a network for ongoing collaboration and mentorship. Abstract submissions are currently open.
What to expect
- Invited keynote, lightning talks, and facilitated group discussions
- Focus on entanglement, climate change, vessel strikes, and offshore wind communication
- Tools for moving audiences from awareness to behaviour change
- Network-building for whale watch educators
- Virtual attendance option planned
- Abstract submissions open
Date and time
18 October 2026
Cost
Conference registration required