Greetings MARMAM'ers, We have a great workshop available at the upcoming SMM 2026 Conference in Puerto Rico (virual option as well!). See below: One Ocean, Many Voices, One Mission: Whale Watch Naturalists Unite Workshop at the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference Sunday, October 18, 2026, 1:30-5:30 PM San Juan, Puerto Rico https://sites.google.com/view/nawwna/events/smm Whale watch naturalists and educators: share best practices, teaching tools, and storytelling strategies while building meaningful connections that extend beyond the conference. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: The workshop will feature an invited keynote, lightning talks, and facilitated discussions focused on engaging the public around complex and sometimes controversial topics, including entanglement, climate change, vessel strikes, and offshore wind. A central goal is to explore approaches that move audiences from awareness to positive behavior change that benefits marine mammals. Participants will exchange resources and favorite teaching tools, collaborate on effective communication strategies, and identify shared challenges and solutions. Time will also be dedicated to developing a plan for sustaining this network as a long-term professional resource—supporting continued collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing throughout the Biennial Society for Marine Mammalogy conference and into the coming years. By forming this international community at the start of the conference, naturalists can collectively process new scientific information as it is presented and translate it into clear, compelling public outreach. Together, participants will refine best practices for presenting emerging research, navigating sensitive topics, and inspiring conservation-minded actions among diverse audiences. Establishing these connections early creates a foundation for collaborative learning throughout the event, ensuring attendees leave not only with new knowledge, but also with practical tools, shared language, and an ongoing support network to strengthen whale watch education worldwide. We also have a free virtual option available for attendance that you can sign up for here: https://forms.gle/GfVRBXkf2CrfzeGd6 Laura Howes, Workshop Co-Chair NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary -- Laura Howes Sanctuary Outreach Specialist Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary <https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/> National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Phone: (781) 205-0354 laura.howes@noaa.gov <tammy.silva@noaa.gov> | sanctuaries.noaa.gov <https://stellwagen.noaa.gov/> Follow us on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/stellwagenbanknms/> and Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/SBNMS>