ORCA joined marine mammal scientists, conservationists and policy specialists from across Europe and beyond in Dundee this April for the 37th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society.
Held from 22–24 April, with specialist workshops taking place on 20 and 21 April, the conference marked a welcome return to the UK for ECS, the first since the Society’s 7th annual conference was held in Inverness in 1993. This year’s theme, “Basics to Benefits”, explored the full journey of marine mammal science: from the foundational research that helps us understand whales, dolphins and porpoises, to the applied conservation work needed to protect them.
For ORCA, that theme could not have been more relevant. Our work is built on the principle that good conservation begins with good evidence, but that evidence must then be translated into practical action at sea.
Ahead of the main conference, Lucy Babey, ORCA's Director of Programmes, took part in the joint ECS-ASCOBANS workshop on Risso’s dolphins in the North Atlantic. Risso’s dolphins are found widely across the region, yet their population status, ecological needs and vulnerability to human pressures remain poorly understood. The workshop brought together researchers and conservation practitioners to share current knowledge, identify priority gaps and consider the building blocks of a future conservation plan for the species.
ORCA was also invited to present at the full-day workshop “Advancing towards mitigation of collision risk for marine traffic”. Vessel strike remains one of the most serious threats facing large whales globally, particularly where busy shipping routes, fast ferries and critical habitats overlap. The workshop examined risk assessment, route planning, speed reduction, regulation, technology, mariner education and real-world case studies, including the challenge of vessel strikes involving fast ferries in the Canary Islands.
Lucy presented our vessel strike training and education programmes, showing how working directly with bridge teams, expedition staff and marine operators can help turn conservation science into better awareness, better decisions and safer seas for whales and dolphins.
During the main conference, Lucy presented a joint poster with JNCC on the JNCC-ORCA Pilot Programme, titled “Closing Evidence Gaps for UK Cetaceans”. The partnership is exploring how ORCA’s trained volunteer surveyors and platforms of opportunity can help strengthen cetacean monitoring in UK waters, supporting better evidence for conservation, management and statutory reporting.
Beyond the formal sessions, ECS was a reminder of the strength of the marine mammal community. The conference brought together more than 750 experts and was described locally as one of Europe’s best-known gatherings for those working on whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.
For ORCA, the week reinforced a simple message: understanding is only the beginning. Whether addressing vessel strike, improving protection for lesser-known species such as Risso’s dolphins, or filling evidence gaps around UK cetaceans, the challenge now is to make sure the science reaches the places where decisions are made.
The next ECS conference will take place in Slovenia and ORCA looks forward to continuing these vital conversations, collaborations and efforts to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises across European seas and beyond.
Main image: Lucy Babey, ORCA Director of Programmes, presenting the JNCC-ORCA poster at the 37th ECS conference in Dundee
By joining ORCA, you stand alongside others who care about the future of our oceans, all working toward the same vision: oceans alive with whales and dolphins.