Dear All, The SMM 2017 conference is almost here and we would like to draw your attention to the following workshop to be held on Saturday October 28th, 2017 at the upcoming SMM conference in Halifax. Title: Not all is black and white: Identifying research challenges and solutions for the lesser known blackfish Summary: This workshop will facilitate a gathering of scientists who study blackfish species (pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, and lesser known killer whale populations). Innovative technology and study methods are leading to exciting new research possibilities within this group of cetaceans. However, given their generally pelagic or rural distribution, many populations of blackfish species are poorly understood.The goal of this workshop is threefold: to identify gaps in research effort and the challenges that arise while researching these species, to present new and exciting observations, and to encourage collaboration amongst the scientists who study them. This day will consist of series of presentations (morning – 20 minutes in length by invited speakers and 5 minutes by additional workshop participants) and a group discussion identifying common research challenges and possible solutions (afternoon), with time allotted for networking (late afternoon). The outcome of this workshop will be a document - with the goal of publication - reviewing recent advances in our understanding of these species with suggestions for future work, as well as working collaborations amongst those who study these species worldwide. We invite any researchers involved in work with blackfish species around the world. In addition to the invited speakers, we will have a few 5 minute presentation slots open for other workshop participants to share their current research. Please email elizabeth.zwamborn(at)dal.ca if you would be interested in one of these or have any other questions regarding this workshop. All the best, Elizabeth ********************************* Elizabeth Zwamborn MSc PhD Student Whitehead Lab Dalhousie University