Join us online for an exciting evening filled with fascinating discussions about these magnificent marine creatures. Our lineup of speakers includes experts in the field who will share their knowledge and insights with you.

Whether you’re a seasoned marine enthusiast or just curious about whales and dolphins, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about these amazing animals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your knowledge!

Date: [29/07/2025]

Time: [18:30]

Location: Online

Tickets: Register by donation

Register now to secure your spot and get ready for an evening of learning and discovery!

Speakers

Dylan Coundley-Hughes: Conservation in Storytelling

Dylan is a biology graduate and emerging marine science storyteller. This year he was a Period 1 Research Intern with the Sea Watch Foundation, where he had the opportunity to create a nature story based in Wales. He chose to focus on the bottlenose dolphins of New Quay an experience that allowed him to blend science with storytelling to produce a piece Sea Watch can use for outreach and education. Dylan is passionate about visual science communication and hopes to continue developing his skills while championing the role of storytelling in scientific outreach.

Erich Hoyt (OBE): Employing Important Marine Mammal Areas to Save Ocean Habitat

Erich Hoyt, Whale and Dolphin Conservation research fellow, co-chairs the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force which is rolling out the ocean conservation tool called ImportantMarine Mammal Areas, or IMMAs. Erich’s books include Creatures of the Deep, Planktonia and Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. In 2025, Erich received an OBE for services to marine conservation.

Grant Ellis: East Coast of Scotland Bottlenose Dolphins: A Changing Population

Grant is a PhD student and researcher at the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews. His research at SMRU over the past 7-years has centred on the ecology ofendangered and protected small cetacean populations to inform knowledge gaps needed for evidence led conservation management. He is also dedicated to promoting engagement in marine science through Citizen Science, art-nature collaborations and public outreach events.Grant’s current collaborative project combines Citizen Science, photo ID surveys and passive acoustic monitoring to investigate the bottlenose dolphins increasingly being spotted in the Northeast of England, and the potential management implications for the ‘East Coast’population.