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.
Dear Senators and Representatives, In June 2017 the Society for Marine Mammalogy wrote to you because President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget would have eliminated the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Congress prevented that outcome and the Society gratefully acknowledges your support for the Commission. Last week we learned that the President’s proposed 2019 budget also takes […]
On 13 June 2017, a Society Presidential Letter was sent to members of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittees of the Appropriation Committees of the United States Congress. The letter stated our Society’s support for the US Marine Mammal Commission, recently targeted for elimination from the US federal budget. The Marine Mammal Commission is […]
The Society was asked by the Government of Mexico (SEMARNAT and International Affairs) to review an impact statement on a proposed dredging project for phosphatic black sands off the Pacific coast of Baja. We accepted this request and referred the review to the Chairs of our Committee of Scientific Advisers (Doug Wartzok) and Conservation Committee […]
This Presidential letter was sent to the Government of India expressing concern over a Bill creating a new waterways development program. Natchiket Kelkar alerted the Society for Marine Mammalogy to the potential danger of this project for Ganges River Dolphins. Our letter expresses the SMM’s concern for the survival of the Ganges River Dolphin. The […]
Excelentísimo Señor Peña Nieto Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos Los Pinos, México Excelentísimo Señor Martinez y Martinez Secretario de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación December 22, 2014 Excelentísimo Señor Presidente, Excelentísimo Señor Secretario: The Society for Marine Mammalogy has contacted the Government of Mexico 5 times since 1998 with the […]