In 2019, the members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) voted to establish a Fellows membership category. From our Constitution, a Fellow is a member who is recognized by the Society and its membership as having “rendered conspicuous service or made truly notable contributions to the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of marine mammal science or the fostering of its practical applications through conservation of marine mammals.” Payment of dues to the Society by the Fellow remains the same as for a normal Full member.

The Society recognized that the first Fellows would be setting a standard for the evaluation of future candidates. The inaugural class of Fellows presented below meets the benchmarks both as exemplary in one or more of the evaluation criteria and in the standard they set for what it means to be a Fellow of the Society for Marine Mammalogy.

Nominations for the next group of Fellow Members is currently open. For eligibility and nomination instructions, click HERE.

2021 Fellows of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

(alphabetical order by last name):
 

Dr. Dan Costa

For pioneering work in field physiology, biologging development, and global syntheses, and for training the next generation of marine mammalogists.

Dr. Enrique “Kike” Crespo

For contributions to the knowledge and conservation of the marine mammals of the Patagonian Shelf.

Dr. Ailsa Hall

For being a leader and role model for Women-in-STEM and for contributions to understanding disease pathology and spread in marine mammals.

Dr. Janet Mann

For efforts to improve the participation of women in marine mammal research and contributions to longitudinal studies of dolphin behavior.

Dr. Joy Reidenberg

For cetacean sound production research and teaching the world about marine mammal anatomy through television documentaries.

Suzanne Yin

For the consistent collection of high quality cetacean abundance and behavioral data.

2024 Fellows of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

(alphabetical order by last name):
 

Prof Paul Nachtigall

For advancing international cooperation within the Society and for enduring contributions to our understanding of marine mammal sensory biology.

Prof Terrie M. Williams

Terrie M. Williams, for contributions to understanding marine mammals and their physiological adaptations to survive in a constantly changing world.

Prof Bernd Wursig

For groundbreaking work in behavioral ecology, dedication to student mentorship and championing awareness of mammalian societies living in our oceans.