We are pleased to announce that the upcoming edition of the WIOMSA Magazine will focus on marine mammals in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

Despite their significant ecological and cultural roles, marine mammals remain underreported in this part of the world. This special edition aims to shed light on ongoing research, conservation initiatives, and emerging issues affecting marine mammals in the WIO. We invite you to share your expertise, insights, and experiences by contributing articles, stories, or research summaries. 

Contributions are welcome on the following topics, but we encourage submissions on other relevant themes as well:
  • Ongoing Research: Share findings and developments from current studies on marine mammals in the WIO.
  • Strandings: Provide insights, data, or case studies from stranding events.
  • Recent Publications: Summarize significant research publications or studies.
  • Whale and Dolphin Tourism: Discuss best practices, sustainability, and codes of conduct in marine mammal tourism.
  • Risk Assessments: Explore threats to marine mammals, such as pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
  • Entanglements and Bycatch: Highlight challenges and propose strategies for mitigating human impacts.
  • Biodiversity: Examine the diversity and distribution of marine mammal species in the WIO.
  • Marine Mammal Conferences: Announce upcoming events or provide recaps of recent ones.

We welcome contributions from researchers, conservationists, policymakers, practitioners, and anyone passionate about marine mammal conservation and management. Articles should be written in an accessible style for a broad audience and may include images, infographics, or illustrations to enrich the content.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Deadline: 30th June 2025
  • Length: Articles should be between 800–1,200 words
  • Format: Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format. Images should be high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) and include proper credits.
  • Email: Please send your submissions to secretary@wiomsa.org and cc lilian@wiomsa.org

We are thrilled to announce that this special edition will also be featured at the 13th WIOMSA Symposium, taking place from 28th September to 4th October 2025. There will also be a dedicated session at the Symposium to further highlight the importance of marine mammals in the WIO region.

This is a unique opportunity to bring marine mammals in the WIO into the spotlight, raising awareness and advancing conservation efforts. We encourage you to share this call for contributions with colleagues and networks who may also wish to participate.

We look forward to your submissions and contributions to making this special edition a success.

Together, let’s tell the story of marine mammals in the WIO!


Warm regards,



Arthur Tuda - Executive Director