Happy New Year, that is of course if you celebrate at this time of year and best wishes for 2026 from the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA)! As we reflect on the past year and look forward to even greater strides in marine mammal protection, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support. Your feedback, engagement, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the future of the MMOA. Thank you for being such a crucial part of our community.
Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Forward to 2026
The MMOA’s 2024 conference and 2025 feedback analysis helped us take a step back and assess what’s working and where we can improve. We're excited to share with you the results and changes we’ve made based on your feedback.
Over 81% of respondents to our 2024 membership survey expressed that they felt they were getting ‘value for money’ through their membership, and we're committed to maintaining this level of excellence moving forward. Your insights have led us to refine our mission and vision for 2026, setting an action plan designed to ensure that our association meets the needs of its members and remains at the forefront of marine mammal conservation.
MMOA Mission & Vision
Mission:
The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) exists to protect marine mammals by promoting the highest standards of environmental mitigation and professional practice. We provide a platform for professional development, advocacy, and collaboration across science, policy, and industry, supporting mitigation professionals to lead with expertise, integrity, and impact.
Vision:
To be the global standard-bearer in marine mammal protection and the leading resource for professional development, community, and support for mitigation professionals worldwide.
Our Six Priorities
The MMOA works with professionals at all stages of their careers—whether newly qualified or highly experienced—along with industry leaders, government agencies, NGOs, statutory bodies, and academics, to improve the effectiveness of the mitigation profession. We focus on the following six priorities:
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Set and promote best practice
Developing and sharing evidence-based standards for marine mammal mitigation and monitoring across global offshore industries. -
Support professional development
Providing access to training, technical updates, and mentorship to strengthen skills and career pathways. -
Advocate for effective environmental protections
Engaging with regulators, researchers, and the industry to ensure marine mammal conservation and welfare remain a top priority. -
Encourage a connected global community
Building a collaborative network of mitigation professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and opportunities. -
Enhance representation and voice
Acting as a collective voice in decision-making forums to improve conditions, safety, and recognition in the field. -
Champion inclusion and accessibility
Supporting equity, diversity, and access to professional opportunities across regions and backgrounds.
New & Improved Resources
We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’ve made significant updates to ensure that MMOA membership provides you with the tools and support you need to succeed in the evolving world of marine mammal protection. Here’s a glimpse of what's new for 2026:
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New Information Directory: We’ve reorganized and expanded our directory to make it even easier for you to access essential information.
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Updated Resources: Expect fresh content in key areas, including technology, career development, and report filing. Our aim is to ensure you have the latest tools and knowledge at your fingertips.
MMOA 2026 Strategy
In alignment with our new mission and vision, we've set an action plan for 2026, with clear goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide our efforts and track our progress. Here's an overview of our targets:
| Mission Priority | Goal and KPI |
|---|---|
| Set and promote best practice | Publish 2+ updated or new Position Statements biennially |
| Support professional development | 4+ CPD events/resources annually, with 25% member engagement |
| Advocate for effective environmental protections | MMOA input to at least 2 policy consultations annually |
| Encourage a connected global community | Increase global membership by 15% over the next 2 years |
| Enhance representation and voice | Attend 2+ conferences/panels annually; develop 1 media feature/year |
| Champion inclusion and accessibility | Launch 1 EDI initiative annually; track increase in underrepresented members |
Get Involved: We Want Your Feedback!
As always, your voice matters! We want to hear from you regarding the updates above or any other mitigation issues you’d like to address. Whether you’re providing feedback or suggesting new initiatives, your input is invaluable.
Thank You for Your Continued Support
The MMOA would not be where it is today without your contributions. Whether you've attended our conferences, engaged with our resources, or simply spread the word about our mission, your support has been crucial. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re thrilled to keep growing and evolving with you. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, initiatives, and opportunities as we continue to improve and advance marine mammal protection together!
Once again, thank you for being a vital part of the MMOA community. We look forward to another successful year with all of you.
Wishing you a bright and impactful 2026!
