Subject: Invitation to the 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity – Bruges, Belgium (Nov 17–20, 2026) Dear colleagues, I am pleased to share that the 7th edition of the World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB 2026)<https://www.wcmb2026.org/> will be held in Bruges, Belgium, from November 17th to 20th, 2026. This prestigious conference, endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Event, will be organized by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) under the overarching theme: “The marine biodiversity insights we need, for the ocean we want.” Taking place midway through the UN Ocean Decade, WCMB 2026 will offer an excellent opportunity to take stock of progress, evaluate ongoing initiatives, and identify priorities for the years ahead. The conference will bring together policymakers, scientists, conservationists, industry representatives, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss pressing challenges and solutions for marine biodiversity. Do not miss our special session! 🔹 Special Session – Marine Mammals in the Anthropocene I am delighted to announce that Prof. Krishna Das (University of Liège) and Prof. Ursula Siebert (University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover) will be convening a dedicated session: Session 2.1 – Marine mammals in the Anthropocene: Navigating challenges, shaping recommendations Marine mammals are sentinel species that provide unique insights into ocean health and ecosystem changes. This session will highlight: * The role of marine mammals in biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem assessments * Advances in passive acoustic monitoring, telemetry, and new technologies * The impacts of contaminants, including legacy and emerging pollutants, on marine mammal health * Climate-driven shifts in distribution and behavior * Policy implications and conservation strategies informed by monitoring data By integrating perspectives from ecotoxicology, marine mammal biology, and conservation science, the session will foster cross-disciplinary discussions, identify knowledge gaps, and formulate actionable recommendations. Abstract submission is now open until 17 March 2026: Call for abstracts<https://www.wcmb2026.org/call-abstracts> wcmb2026.org<https://www.wcmb2026.org/call-abstracts> [favicon.ico] <https://www.wcmb2026.org/call-abstracts> Best wishes, Ursula Siebert and Krishna Das