Dear Fellow Members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy,
You asked for it… SMM is delivering!
We are excited to launch the Society for Marine Mammalogy Virtual Seminar Series — a brand-new members-only initiative designed to help you learn, discover, and connect with the global marine mammal community.
And we’re starting with a fascinating journey into the history of whale science.
Presenter: Uko Gorter
March 5, 2026
6:00-7:00 PM CET / 9:00-10:00 AM PST
Location: Online (Zoom link will be emailed to registrants)
To register for this event, click HERE!
In 1787, the Scottish surgeon and anatomist John Hunter lamented humanity’s “unfitness to pursue our researches in the unfathomable waters.” For centuries, the mysteries of whales challenged philosophers, naturalists, and zoologists alike.
In this engaging presentation, Uko Gorter will take us on a journey through the early history of cetology—the scientific study of whales—from classical antiquity through the early twentieth century. Along the way, he will highlight the diverse figures who shaped this field, from ship surgeons and museum curators to acousticians and molecular biologists, and the eventual entry of women into whale science following World War II.
Uko Gorter is a renowned natural history illustrator whose work has appeared in museums, scientific journals, and major marine mammal reference books. His illustrations of all known marine mammal species were featured in the widely used guide Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification.
About the Virtual Seminar Series
This event marks the first in a new SMM virtual series, with 10+ events planned in the coming months, including:
✨ Thought-provoking keynote talks
🎙️ Conservation panel discussions
🛠️ Hands-on skills workshops (graphical abstracts, project design, and more)
🎓 Professional development opportunities
We hope you’ll join us for this inaugural seminar and help us kick off the series in style!
Warm regards,
Cara Gallagher,
Chair of the Education Committee,
Society for Marine Mammalogy