The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA), in partnership with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), successfully hosted the inaugural MMOA Conference on the 7th September 2024 at the Yotel Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. As the first dedicated event of its kind, the conference brought together marine mammal mitigation professionals, consultants, researchers, and industry representatives from across the globe.
The one-day conference served as a landmark gathering for those working in marine mammal monitoring and mitigation, offering a platform to explore the latest developments in regulation, offshore technologies, data analysis, and professional standards. The programme included expert talks, a panel session and networking activities designed to encourage collaboration and elevate discussion across career levels.
Highlights and Feedback
- Strong attendance and engagement: Delegates, speakers, and sponsors included both early-career professionals and senior practitioners.
- Top-rated sessions: Most popular topics included freelance consulting, technological innovation, mitigation practices, and licensing requirements.
- Valued networking: 93.8% of attendees made new connections, with many praising the opportunity to finally meet long-term collaborators in person.
- Community atmosphere: 87.5% of participants reported feeling welcomed and supported, with the event described as “inclusive,” “inspiring,” and “well-organised.”
Looking Ahead
The feedback underscored the value of the event to the mitigation community and called for future enhancements, including:
- Expanding to a multi-day format
- Including workshops on data processing, mitigation tools, and field techniques
- Formalising networking opportunities through structured tools and mentoring schemes
The MMOA is proud of the success of this pioneering event and is exploring plans to make it a recurring fixture in the professional calendar. The conference affirmed the need for a dedicated, collaborative space to advance marine mammal mitigation practice—and we look forward to building on its momentum.
