Boorloo (Perth) (Whadjuk Noongar) Statement

30 September 2026
The Society for Marine Mammalogy recognizes the wisdom, authority, and knowledge held by Indigenous Peoples and the importance of Cultural/First Nations Science in marine mammal science. The Society is committed to respecting Indigenous rights, cultural protocols, and knowledge systems, and to fostering genuine, equitable collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. The Society, therefore, commits to advancing the actions outlined in the Boorloo (Perth) (Whadjuk Noongar) Statement, including establishing an international Indigenous arm of the Society and supporting greater recognition, representation, and integration of Indigenous knowledge in marine mammal science. Read the full statement here.

SMM Resolution on Climate Change

18 July 2008
The Society has determined that climate change has the potential to have long-term detrimental impacts on marine mammal populations. The Society, therefore, calls on the international community to reduce the generation of greenhouse gases to slow down the rate at which climate change occurs. Read the full resolution here.

Barcelona Declaration

12 December 2019
Recognizing the unique momentum of the World Marine Mammal Conference 2019 hosted by the Society for Marine Mammalogy and the European Cetacean Society, and organized by SUBMON and the University of Barcelona, the Organizing Committee of the WMMC19 proposed a “Barcelona Declaration – Together for Marine Mammal Science and Conservation” as a legacy for the future to improve research, conservation, and education and to create synergy between scientist and society stakeholders. Read the Barcelona Declaration here.