Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce that the 32nd annual European Cetacean Society conference will be taking place in La Spezia, Italy in April 2018. The theme of this years conference is: 'Marine Conservation – Forging Effective Strategic Partnerships.' The achievement of effective marine conservation measures requires more than good science and the theme of the 2018 ECS conference is intended to help explore the role that partnerships with all other stakeholders have in this. Participants in the 2018 conference are encouraged to bring presentations that relate to this theme or otherwise consider how this issue affects their work, although as usual scientific submissions on all issues relating to marine mammals are welcome. Keynote speakers will help to elaborate the theme along with special focal sessions. WORKSHOPS: Friday 6, Saturday 7 April 2018 CONFERENCE: Sunday 8 – Tuesday 10 April 2018 Further information about the conference will updated in due time on the conference website. We look forward to seeing many of you there! Best wishes, The Local Organizers and ECS Council -------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca Boys Marine Biologist ECS Student Representative IMAR - Dept. Oceanography and Fisheries University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta, Faial, Azores