ABOUT THE SMM
The Society for Marine Mammalogy was founded in San Francisco, California, U.S.A., on December 15, 1981, was incorporated in the State of California on February 17, 1989, and received 501(c)(3) non-profit entity (tax ID: 94-2842655) under United States law on 27 March 1989. View our Articles of Incorporation, Tax Identification Number, and 501(c)3 Determination Letter.
ABOUT THE SMM
The Society for Marine Mammalogy was founded in San Francisco, California, U.S.A., on December 15, 1981, was incorporated in the State of California on February 17, 1989, and received 501(c)(3) non-profit entity (tax ID: 94-2842655) under United States law on 27 March 1989. View our Articles of Incorporation, Tax Identification Number, and 501(c)3 Determination Letter.
Humpback Whales / © Aimee Jan
OUR MISSION
The mission of the international Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) is to promote the global advancement of marine mammal science and contribute to its relevance and impact in education, conservation and management.
OUR OBJECTIVES
At the heart of the Society’s work is a set of guiding objectives that define its role in advancing scientific knowledge, supporting collaboration, and ensuring that research informs conservation and management efforts worldwide.
- Evaluate and promote the educational, scientific and managerial advancement of marine mammal science.
- Gather and disseminate to members of the Society, the public and public and private institutions, scientific, technical and management information through publications and meetings.
- Provide scientific information, as required, on matters related to the conservation and management of marine mammal resources.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its membership, leadership, and readership.
© Jeremy Kiszka
CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE APPROACH
The SMM is a global community dedicated to advancing the understanding of marine mammals and the ecosystems they inhabit. Building on our mission, we support scientists and practitioners at every stage of their careers through a wide range of programs, initiatives, and collaborative opportunities.
Our work strengthens the role of marine mammal science in education, conservation, and management, ensuring that research continues to inform real-world decisions and inspire the next generation of scientists worldwide.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Society for Marine Mammalogy is dedicated to enhancing diversity in its membership, leadership, and readership. The society recognizes that the field of marine mammal science is only strengthened by the participation of people representing all ages, career stages and professional status, races, national, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities.
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Our Society includes more than 2,000 members from 56 countries, representing a broad spectrum of experience—from students beginning their studies in marine biology to leading experts in marine mammalogy. We welcome anyone with an interest in marine mammal science to join our community.
As of December 2025, the map below showcases the worldwide reach of our membership.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“At its core, our Society is about people—scientists, students, and practitioners from around the world—working together to deepen our understanding of marine mammals and to translate that knowledge into meaningful conservation.”
– Jeremy Kiszka – President, Society for Marine Mammalogy
© Grace Russell
THE SOCIETY OVER TIME
