For about 1 penny per American per year, the Marine Mammal Commission has met its Congressional mandate to conserve marine mammals for over 50 years. 

We work to ensure that marine mammal populations are restored and maintained as functioning elements of healthy marine ecosystems in the world's oceans.

Marine Mammal Commission Scientific Advisor, Robert Suydam (right), and Executive Director, Peter Thomas, at the 69th Meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Lima, Peru (Credit: Earth Negotiations Bulletin).

Marine Mammal Commission Staff Changes

It is with immense gratitude for their service that the Commission says goodbye to three long-time staff who have retired. Dennis, Vicki, and Cathy have contributed a combined thirty-seven years of service to the Commission! Their expertise, personalities, and commitment to marine mammal conservation will be sorely missed. 

Dennis Heinemann, Director of Science (2011-2017) and Senior Adviser on Fisheries Policy and Ecology (2018-2024)  

“Thanks to Dennis for his informed, collaborative, and detail-oriented work representing the Commission on tough fisheries issues, including on the Atlantic Large Whale and False Killer Whale Take Reduction Teams and Pacific coast large-whale entanglements, and for leading our work on North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales and southern resident killer whales.” – Peter Thomas, Executive Director of the Commission 

Vicki Cornish, Energy Policy Analyst/Alaska Native Liaison (2010-2024) 

“With her energy, enthusiasm and breadth of experience, Vicki Cornish has excelled, since 2010, in her dual roles as Energy Policy Analyst and Alaska Native Liaison to support marine mammal conservation across the nation, from belugas in the north to Rice’s whales in the southeast. Her commitment to co-management of marine mammals with Alaska Native communities and encouragement of interagency collaborations to assess and mitigate the impacts of offshore energy development on marine mammals have been invaluable. Thank you Vicki for all you have done. We will miss your vitality and dedication to the Commission’s work. Best wishes for many new adventures and happy years ahead.” – Frances Gulland, Chair of the Marine Mammal Commission 

Cathy Shrestha, Administrative Officer (2014-2024) 

“Adept at navigating the myriad administrative tasks necessary to support the function of the Commission, for the past 10 years Cathy Shrestha consistently met every challenge with quiet dedication and intentional focus. Everyone who interacted with Cathy benefitted from her simultaneous commitment to our mission and to them. The opportunity to share such an integrated working relationship with her was very special. Thank you, Cathy, for your unique and personal contributions to us all. We will miss you. Congratulations on your retirement!” – Darel Jordan, Administrative Specialist at the Commission 

Congratulations Dennis, Vicki, and Cathy, and thank you for all you have done for the Commission and marine mammals! 

Hot Topics in Marine Mammal Conservation: Marine Debris Removal Benefits Hawaiian Monk Seals

Cover of Science vol. 385, issue 6716 (Credit: Science).

A new study published in Science by Dr. Jason Baker, Commission Scientific Advisor and NOAA Scientist, and a team of coauthors made waves last month! The authors examined 40 years of data and determined that where marine debris removal efforts were concentrated, endangered Hawaiian monk seal entanglements were substantially reduced. In order to verify this result, collaborators from NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, and Hawai‘i Sea Grant had to create a new and statistically robust way to calculate seal entanglement rates and compare it across multiple locations. 

Since the 1980s, biologists have observed monk seal entanglements and entrapments in marine debris in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. This study provided further evidence that our direct and indirect actions to protect Hawaiian monk seals are worth the investment. Previous research found that about 30 percent of monk seals are alive today due to direct interventions to protect and support their survival. Despite the fact that ship time is limited and field camps are expensive, conservation efforts like marine debris removal must continue in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands; the benefits are numerous, and are now quantifiable, thanks to this new study. 

Barataria Bay Bottlenose Dolphins Interventions

Barataria Bay bottlenose dolphin (Credit: National Marine Mammal Foundation).

The Commission continues to remain an active participant in identifying strategies for monitoring and mitigating harm to the Barataria Bay stock of bottlenose dolphins from the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion (MBSD) project in southern Louisiana. The MBSD will divert freshwater and associated sediment from the Mississippi River into upper Barataria Bay in an effort to replace marshland that has been steadily eroding due to sea level rise, storms, and oil and gas development. Bottlenose dolphins are sensitive to prolonged exposure to freshwater conditions, which can cause skin lesions, increased susceptibility to disease, and death. Projections show that extended freshwater flows into Barataria Bay from the MBSD project are likely to lead to near-extinction of the resident bottlenose dolphin population in Barataria Bay.  

A strategy for monitoring bottlenose dolphin response to freshwater prior to and during MBSD operations is currently being developed, and the Commission and others provided input to the National Marine Fisheries Service last December on potential monitoring approaches. In August, the Commission provided additional input on possible intervention strategies, with an emphasis on testing that might be conducted during the construction phase and that could inform changes in how the MBSD operates to avoid or minimize harm to individual bottlenose dolphins. For more information on Barataria Bay bottlenose dolphins, the MBSD project, and threats to estuarine dolphins from prolonged freshwater exposure, see the Commission's species page for Barataria Bay bottlenose dolphins.

Commission Engagement in Alaska and Arctic Meetings

The Commission works closely with federal and state agencies, Alaska Native Organizations, academic and other partners to address critical information needs regarding the effects of environmental change on Arctic ecosystems and the marine mammal species that reside in them, including the impacts of increased human activities in the Arctic. This information is of particular importance to Alaska Native communities dependent on marine mammals for subsistence and cultural practices. Here are some examples of our recent engagement through attendance at meetings and workshops: 

• Chugach Imaq Research Collaborative Workshop (September 9-13, 2024) – Building on the Chugach Regional Resource Commission’s (CRRC) Chugach Imaq Initiative funded through the Marine Mammal Commission’s grant program, the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and CRRC formed the Chugach Imaq Research Collaborative (CIRC). The goal of CIRC is to build a solid collaborative foundation for co-producing science to support the co-management of marine mammals and ecosystems in the Chugach Region. Commission staff attended this workshop that focused on co-designing collaborative marine mammal monitoring in the Chugach Region. 
• Indigenous People’s Council for Marine Mammals Fall Meeting (September 25-26, 2024) – The Indigenous People’s Council for Marine Mammals (IPCoMM) brings together representatives from other Alaska Native Organizations that are engaged in marine mammal co-management. Commissioner, Dr. Sue Moore, and staff attended IPCoMM’s fall meeting this year. 

*Upcoming meetings and conferences:

• Alaska Beluga Whale Committee Winter Meeting (November 12-14, 2024) 
• Alaska Marine Science Symposium (January 27-31, 2025) 

The call for fiscal year 2024 data for the Commission’s annual Survey of Federally Funded Marine Mammal Research opened on October 7th. This online survey and data repository aids the Commission in fulfilling its duties under the Marine Mammal Protection Act by helping to identify gaps or overlaps in marine mammal research efforts or funding, illuminate areas of strength in federal research investment, and inform recommendations on needed agency actions and budget priorities. The fiscal year 2024 data call is open until January 31st. A summary of the fiscal year 2023 results is available on our website. The Commission thanks all participating federal agencies for providing their information.

Marine Mammal Commission scientific advisors, staff, and science in the news!

Below are a few recent media highlights that reflect some of the ongoing scientific research, collaborations, and accomplishments of our world-renowned marine mammal scientists. For a reminder about our Commissioners, Committee of Scientific Advisors, and Staff, visit our website. 

Consequences of Near-Extinction for the Northern Elephant Seal – Frances Gulland 

Interagency Ocean Observation Committee Strategic Plan – Contributions by Erin LaBrecque 

Marine Debris Removal and Monk Seals – Jason Baker 

Mexico Must Save the Vaquita from Gill Nets  – Frances Gulland, Andy Read, Randy Reeves, and Peter Thomas 

Plastic Balloon Pollution Threatens Dolphins – Randall Wells 

Duke Marine Lab: Community Connections – Andy Read 

Sub-adult male elephant seal

(Credit: Samantha Simmons, NMFS Permit #87-1743).