Integrating Science and Policy for Aquatic Mammal Conservation

Aquatic mammal conservation is a critical area of research at the intersection of ecological science, management, and policy. Despite decades of scientific progress in understanding the biology, behavior, and distribution of aquatic mammals, many species remain at risk from cumulative anthropogenic pressures, including fisheries interactions, vessel traffic, habitat degradation, and pollution. Despite major advances in ecology, behavior, and population monitoring, many species continue to face intense anthropogenic pressures due to low policy integration and limited implementation of evidence-based management. The current challenge lies in translating this expanding body of scientific knowledge into concrete, adaptive policy and management responses that are both timely and effective across scales—from global policymaking to community-led initiatives

This Research Topic focuses on the intersection between science and policy in efforts to conserve aquatic mammals. The main objectives are to highlight how scientific research informs, shapes, and supports the design and implementation of adaptive conservation measures and policies. We seek to address key questions such as: How effectively is current ecological or behavioural research translated into management action? What are the mechanisms for embedding scientific evidence in policy cycles? How do local, regional, and international governance models incorporate or respond to the latest science? By answering these, the Research Topic seeks to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and promote strategies that are responsive to emerging threats, new technologies, and evolving conservation priorities.

By bringing together scientists, managers, and policymakers, this collection aims to strengthen the science–policy interface for aquatic mammal conservation and highlight how applied research contributes to effective, adaptive, and evidence-driven management across governance levels.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Identification of ecological and biological knowledge gaps relevant to conservation policy relevant to current or potential conservation frameworks

o Integration of acoustic, genetic, spatial, or behavioral data to inform or subsidize conservation planning and management decisions

o Science-based recommendations or case studies linking research with effective conservation actions, policy development or adaptive management strategies

o Innovative and interdisciplinary research tools or approaches that enhance policy relevance - such as telemetry, acoustic monitoring, drones, genetics, or citizen science

o Community-led , co-management, and participatory models that bridge local research initiatives with broader governance and policy structures

o Frameworks and priorities for advancing evidence-based, integrative aquatic mammal conservation strategies

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: aquatic mammals, mammal conservation, policy conservation, applied conservation, science-policy interface, adapative management, conservation planning

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.