The Society for Marine Mammalogy uses the Presidential Letter process as a mechanism whereby the Society may respond to issues of concern in a timely fashion. The SMM Conservation Committee monitors important marine mammal issues via input from the SMM Board of Governors and the SMM membership.
At the request of the Board of Governors, the Committee will research an issue of concern and develop a position. Based on the consensus view of the Committee, the Chair will draft a letter for signature by the President on behalf of the Society. Such letters and appropriate background and responses are published on the Society’s website.
On 27 June 2019, the following Presidential Letter was sent to Dr. Mechtild Rössler, Director of the World Heritage Center in support of recommending the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California to be inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites in danger. View the Vaquita and Gulf of California World Heritage […]
This Presidential letter was sent to the Minister Han expressing concern over recent removals of Critically Endangered Yangtze River finless porpoises for public display. Dear Minister Han, I am writing to express concern about recent removals of Critically Endangered Yangtze River finless porpoises for public display. China has made an important contribution to conservation […]
Dr. Taylor received a reply to her letter regarding Hector’s Dolphins on October 24, 2018. Read the response sent by Drs. Butcher and Anderson here.
27 August, 2018 Dr. Lian Butcher Director Aquatic at Department of Conservation Dr. Stuart Anderson Director Fisheries Management, Fisheries New Zealand Dear Drs. Butcher and Anderson: I recently participated as an independent panelist to provide suggestions on the Threat Management Plan for Hector’s and Maui dolphins, which is in the late stages of development. To […]
Society President, D. Ann Pabst, wrote to express support for a letter from Dr. Barbara Taylor, Chair of the Conservation Committee, addressed to Dr. Lian Butcher, New Zealand’s Director Aquatic at Department of Conservation and Dr. Stuart Anderson, Director of Fisheries Management, Fisheries New Zealand. The letter suggested adopting a scientific team approach to conservation of Hector’s and Maui […]