A letter from our president
It is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to the 54th Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals, to be held in March 2026 at Le Pal Zoo, under the theme “Science Speaks – Shaping the Future of Marine Mammal Protection and Welfare.”
Our community stands at a pivotal moment. Across the world, marine mammals face unprecedented pressures: climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, entanglement, noise, and shifting societal expectations. At the same time, the scientific and professional community has never been more capable, more collaborative, or more innovative. When science speaks clearly and confidently, it has the power to guide policy, improve welfare, and drive real conservation outcomes.
The EAAM symposium has always been more than a scientific meeting. It is a unique annual gathering where colleagues from across the world reconnect, share ideas openly, debate constructively, and build the collaborations that shape our field. The warm and welcoming spirit of this event is part of its identity, and Le Pal Zoo known for its dedication to animal care and its sense of hospitality will undoubtedly provide an exceptional setting for rich discussions and meaningful exchanges.
In 2026, we invite you to push this mission even further. We welcome abstracts that highlight new findings, novel methodologies, welfare advances, behavioral research, veterinary science, population conservation, animal management, and the growing role of accredited facilities in safeguarding species and contributing to global research efforts.
Your work whether in the field, in a laboratory, in a rescue program, or within a zoological institution, helps shape the future we want to build: a future where marine mammals thrive, and where decisions affecting their lives are informed by rigorous science and shared expertise.
On behalf of the EAAM Board, I warmly encourage you to submit your research and help make this symposium a landmark edition in our collective effort to protect and understand the extraordinary species entrusted to us. I look forward not only to discovering your contributions but also to the conversations, new ideas, and friendships that will emerge during our time together at Le Pal.
Martin Böye
President
European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM)
Call for papers, videos & round tables
The European Association for Aquatic Mammals invites authors to submit abstracts and proposals for the upcoming Symposium, which is due to take place at Le Pal, France on 24th to 27th of March 2026.
The EAAM calls for abstracts of oral, poster, and short talk presentations, as well as video presentations and roundtable, like last year! All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandry (including conservation, education, veterinary medicine, operant conditioning, etcetera) are acceptable.
For the 54th Annual Symposium, the EAAM will especially encourage presentations dedicated to these special subjects: marine mammal science and husbandry (including conservation, education, veterinary medicine, operant conditioning, etcetera).
Deadlines, instructions & forms
Students are particularly encouraged to submit presentations. These presentations are eligible for the Prizes for best student presentation (Oral and Poster) and for the EAAM student Grants for Symposium participation, which includes symposium fee and a contribution to housing costs during the Symposium.
Students will only be considered for both the Prize and the Grant if their abstract submission is accompanied by a support letter from their University or Professor. PhD students can equally be candidates for EAAM Student Grants and Prizes, but only if the abstract is accompanied by a declaration that a PhD grant is the only subsistence source or only marine mammal related activity.
About
Le PAL will host the 54th Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) - March 24–27, 2026.
Contact
Event management:
Le PAL
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre
03290 DOMPIERRE-SUR-BESBRE