We're proud to support the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030), a global initiative dedicated to advancing ocean science and sustainable development.
It is currently the largest international programme of its kind, led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and involves governments, international organisations, scientific institutions, NGOs, and the private sector worldwide.
How does the IMarEST support the UN Ocean Decade?
With formal recognition through IMO consultative status and special consultative status with ECOSOC, we play a role in shaping global marine and maritime governance.
We provide informed, impartial advice on marine policy and regulation to ensure that existing and emerging activities are safe, technically sound, environmentally responsible, and economically viable.
We play a key role by aligning our activities with the aims of the Ocean Decade through supporting policy development, engaging our global membership, and capacity building programmes.
MMOA Bursary for Aspiring Marine Mammal Observers
Our bursary supports aspiring marine mammal observers, protected species observers and passive acoustic monitoring operators.
Oceans of Knowledge 2023
Our biannual ocean science conference addresses key challenges facing our oceans and what action needs to be taken.
Empowering Nigeria to create change
Read about how our representatives secured Ocean Decade endorsement for a marine conservation, sustainability, and education initiative in Nigeria.
Mammal Monitoring Innovation Stakeholder Workshop
Produced in collaboration between the IMarEST, Defra, and mNCEA, this online workshop brings together experts from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies to discuss solutions that enhance monitoring practices and address technological gaps.
Bil Loth Award
Established in memory of former IMarEST president Bil Loth, this award encourages research and development projects that explore transformative solutions for sustainable development in the oceans.
Building Skills for the Blue Economy: Marine Mammal Careers
This webinar between the IMarEST and Blue-jobs is designed to inspire and guide individuals seeking meaningful careers in marine mammal science and industry.
ESB MMO Training Initiative 2024
In September 2024, a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training course - jointly endorsed by the IMarEST and Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) - took place in Scalloway, Scotland.
Our representation to the UN Ocean Decade
We have appointed Niru Dorrian to represent us to the UN Ocean Decade.
Niru takes over the position from Professor Stephen de Mora, who served as our representative from 2021 to 2024.
Niru Dorrian
Niru is an offshore ecologist and marine mammal specialist. Formally educated in Marine Biology and a Chartered Marine Scientist and Fellow of the IMarEST, his journey encompasses diverse environmental and ecological project management and field work around the world on over 60 projects. Niru’s passion for marine mammals also extends beyond academia and industry, where he has dedicated 20 years to marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, science communication outreach, mentoring, education and working with NGOs, earning him Outstanding recognition as a Marine Ambassador.
Stephen de Mora
Professor Stephen de Mora CSci CMarSci FRSA FIMarEST is the President of the IMarEST. Educated in chemistry and oceanography, he obtained a BSc from the University College of Swansea and a PhD from UBC, Vancouver. He has taught chemistry, environmental science, and oceanography at universities in the United Kingdom (University of Lancaster), New Zealand (University of Auckland) and Canada (Université de Québec a Rimouski). After a 20 year career in academia, he joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Marine Environment Laboratory in Monaco.
Through the IAEA, he worked with several Regional Seas Programmes and Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects around the world. Steve was awarded a Distinguished Service Award in the year that the IAEA was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in 2005. Before returning to the UK to take up the position at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) in 2008, he had established an environmental consultancy based in Canada working for various UN bodies and the World Bank on assignment mostly in Eastern Europe, Western Asia and Central Africa. Steve has retired as the Chief Executive of both the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and PML Applications Ltd and now works as an independent environmental consultant.