The proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (ICMMPA5), co-hosted by the International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas and WWF Greece in April 2019 are now available!

ICMMPA5 gathered overall more than 250 scientists, experts, representatives of both governmental and non-governmental agencies, and private sector representatives (maritime and fishing sectors) from a total of 35 countries around the world.

The proceedings give you a comprehensive overview of the conference and reflect the way this growing community of practice channels efforts, enthusiasm and commitment into practical measures to achieve conservation of marine mammals, with special focus on the Mediterranean Sea and worldwide.

Active discussions resulted in recommendations, declarations, and practical guidance on topics ranging from managing fisheries and shipping interactions and sustainable whale-watching within MMPAs, to anthropogenic noise, to threats-based prioritization of management, to getting actively involved in marine spatial planning so as to achieve sustainable development, while providing a strong foundation for marine mammal conservation. We heard stories, exchanged ideas, furthered knowledge, and made commitments to carry the MMPA collaboration and good work forward, for the next decade and beyond.

For more information, please contact Amalia Alberini, Cetacean Conservation Specialist, WWF Greece, a.alberini@wwf.gr or Naomi McIntosh, ICMMPA Chair, naomi.mcintosh@noaa.gov