In March 2008, the Marine Connection organised a workshop to bring together researchers, stakeholders and managers to share knowledge, information and experience of managing the often difficult situations which arise around sociable, solitary cetaceans. The aim of the workshop was to provide a discussion forum for evaluating current protective mechanisms and to make recommendations for how future sociable, solitary individuals should be protected and the situations around them managed where necessary.

Presentations were given from Margaux Dodds and Dr Lissa Goodwin, both, Marine Connection; Laura Stansfield, Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS); Alex Levine, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR); Dr Simon Berrow, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG); Dr Steven Benjamins, currently Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); and Mike Parfit, Saving Luna Project.

These talks presented the International and multi-species nature of the solitary cetacean phenomenon. We wish to express our thanks to all involved, but to Mike Parfit in particular. Whilst Mike could not attend in person, he filmed a special presentation with accompanying footage of Luna, especially for the workshop. Attended by over 20 delegates, with representatives from academia, research institutions, government/non-government organisations, museums and students, the workshop provided a diverse group, which lead to an interesting and worthwhile debate.

In sharing experiences and knowledge it became apparent that similar situations and difficulties have been encountered across the world. It was recognised by all that at present solitary cetaceans represent a unique group, which often sit outside of the ‘normal’ protective considerations given to cetacean populations as a whole. There is a clear need to provide targeted legislation to offer these individuals the protection they so clearly need and deserve.

In addition to the workshop, some of the results from the Marine Connection solitary cetacean report 'Lone Rangers' were presented at the ECS in poster format.