Dear MARMAM, We are excited to announce the 3rd Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1647455659326-59b2adc5-38db> at the 2024 SMM Biennial conference, which will be held as a full-day workshop on Saturday, November 9. The 3rd Marine Mammal eDNA workshop will bring together early-career and established researchers interested in applying emerging techniques in environmental DNA (eDNA) to marine mammal species. Environmental DNA approaches to characterize organismal DNA from marine and freshwater have shown promise for accelerating marine conservation, especially for cryptic, rare, and logistically challenging species. Following the success of the first two eDNA workshops held at SMM, significant research effort has resulted in novel insight and growth of the field over the last two years. Researchers will share methods developments and lessons learned from recent eDNA work and explore priority areas for further development in the next two years. Participants will then engage in small-group discussion via breakout groups on relevant topics such as experimental design and best practices for eDNA sampling in the field, important considerations for eDNA sample processing, developing methods to move toward quantitative metabarcoding and data analysis, and developing methods for the use of eDNA beyond species detection – e.g. abundance estimation or stock identification, and others based on a pre-survey of participant interests. Throughout the workshop, we aim to broadly address both the challenges and opportunities that eDNA affords for marine mammal science. *Note that we are currently researching options for a virtual component, and will send a separate announcement if we are able to make this available.* We look forward to seeing you there! Warm Regards, Amy Van Cise, Kim Parsons, Julia Sunnarborg, Kristina Cammen, and Maggie Hunter <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: SAFS 216B 206-221-6118 Need to meet with me? Let's find a time <https://calendar.app.google/6S7FAok44L6n2TpF7>. Where is Amy? [Spring 2024 edition]** Monday: UW campus Tuesday: UW campus Wednesday: UW campus Thursday: hiding (focus day) Friday: UW campus **This is not exact. If you can't find me, shoot me an email and I will get back to you. "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin