Humpback whale. Sowerbys beaked whaleSpinner dolphinsStriped dolphinNew Zealand Fur SealHarbour porpoiseHectors DolphinsDugongsSperm WhaleGrey seals

Welcome to the European Cetacean Society!

The European Cetacean Society (ECS) was established in January 1987 and aims to promote and advance the scientific studies and conservation efforts of marine mammals and to gather and disseminate information about them to members of the Society and the public at large. The ECS is coordinated by a Council of 11 members and each year organizes an Annual Conference in a European country.

In most countries in Europe the ECS is represented by a National Contact Person. ECS membership fluctuates between 350-550 persons from more than 25 European countries and several countries outside Europe (total 25 -42 countries). Students make up between 35 - 50% of the membership. The Society is financed through the annual membership subscription.


34th Conference of the European Cetacean Society

16-20.04.2023

 We are pleased to announce that the 34th annual European Cetacean Society Conference will be taking place in O Grove, Galicia, North-Western Spain, by the Atlantic Ocean. This conference is being organized by our friends of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) https://www.thebdri.com, a marine science center dedicated to research, education, and conservation of marine mammals and birds. The theme of our next conference is:

‘OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE. MARINE MAMMAL BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY & THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF MARINE RESOURCES '

To talk about sustainability and rational or fair use of marine resources, it is inevitable to address and recognise the importance of a better understanding of the ecology and behaviour of marine mammals and their environment. Like marine mammals, many human communities depend directly or indirectly on marine ecosystems and their biodiversity for their livelihoods. This is the case in Galicia, where fishing and aquaculture are among the most representative economic activities associated with the use of marine resources. Effective management of marine biodiversity conservation is based on science. Likewise, the conservation of marine mammals represents a fundamental field of action to guarantee the balance of marine ecosystems. Therefore, under this theme we are inviting the scientific community to submit any topic related to issues of science and conservation and to contribute together to the conservation of the cetaceans and our future. 

Participants in the 2023 conference are encouraged to present works that relate to this theme or otherwise consider how this issue affects their work.

 

We urge you to keep these deadlines in mind:

WORKSHOPS: 16-17 April 2023

CONFERENCE: 18-19-20 April 2023

Call for Abstracts Opens: 

Wednesday 15 September 2022

Abstract submission deadline:

14 December 2022 (23:45 CET)

Early Bird Registration Deadline:

15 February 2023 23:00 CET

Late registration deadline & Video abstract submission deadline: 

15 March 2023 23:00 CET

 

We look forward to seeing all of you in Galicia, enjoy together the beauty of the coastline around O Grove and share together a lot of marine mammal research and conservation information!