Program


Acoustics

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Genetics

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Conservation

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Migrations

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Innovations & new knowledge (AI, satellites)

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Behavior

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Sustainable economy

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Citizen Science

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Health assessment & long term monitoring

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Acoustics 〰️ Genetics 〰️ Conservation 〰️ Migrations 〰️ Innovations & new knowledge (AI, satellites) 〰️ Behavior 〰️ Sustainable economy 〰️ Citizen Science 〰️ Health assessment & long term monitoring 〰️

Thematic Sessions

The Humpback Whale World Congress 2025 will bring together experts, enthusiasts, innovators, and decision-makers around key themes aimed at better understanding, protecting, and sustainably coexisting with these giants of the ocean.
Throughout a series of engaging and diverse sessions, we will explore:
The hidden language of the sea, to decipher complex songs and sonic interactions

Acoustics


To better understand social dynamics, rituals, and unexpected aspects of whale life

Behavior


Empowering collective engagement and public participation in knowledge and action

Citizen Science


At the heart of today’s challenges, balancing human impact with species resilience

Conservation


Offering insight into humpback lineages, adaptations, and evolutionary mysteries

Genetics


Essential for building forward-looking, science-based strategies

Health assessment & long-term monitoring


Including artificial intelligence, satellite technologies, and new monitoring methods transforming how we study whales

Innovations & Emerging Tools


The epic ocean journeys we are only beginning to fully chart

Migrations


Reimagining our activities to foster respectful coexistence with marine ecosystems

Sustainable Economy


 Whether you are a researcher, student, artist, manager, fisher, or simply an ocean lover, these themes are an open invitation to collectively shape an ambitious, informed future for humpback whales and marine environments.
Join us in Tadoussac for a unique gathering of knowledge, collaboration, and commitment.

Congress activities

Since the congress will take place in Tadoussac — one of the best places in the world to observe whales — a whale-watching boat tour will be offered (available as an option when registering).
You’ll also have the chance to observe whales from land every morning, thanks to the incredible location where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River.

Whale Watching

Workshops on various topics will be open to everyone for a fee, except for those already registered for the congress. A dedicated registration tab will be available soon for those who wish to attend workshops only. It is also possible to sponsor a workshop on a specific topic — if you're interested, please contact us!

Workshops

Arts & Science events

Movie projection,  Live performance in danse and music

Other activities to come …

Preliminary Calendar

Day to day calendar to come

Scientific program (Key speakers)


"Coexisting with whales, for our ocean"

An outstanding lineup of experts dedicated to whales, science, and conservation.
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn from renowned voices in marine mammal research and protection. Each speaker brings decades of insight, innovation, and impact.

Erich Hoyt

Topic: Marine Protected Areas and Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs)

Author, researcher, and co-founder of the IMMA initiative, Eric Hoyt is a global leader in marine conservation. His work focuses on identifying and protecting key habitats for marine mammals around the world — a cornerstone for the future of our oceans.

Ted Cheeseman

Topic: Global Humpback Whale Tracking through Photo-ID (Happywhale)

Explorer, marine biologist, and founder of Happywhale, Ted Cheeseman is transforming whale science through global collaboration. Learn how his platform empowers the public and scientists alike to track individual whales worldwide.

Phil Clapham

Topic: Unveiling the Life of Humpback Whales – 40 Years of Discovery

 An internationally recognized authority on humpback whales, Phil Clapham brings a deep perspective on four decades of research, offering a rare and invaluable look into the behavior and biology of these majestic animals.

Robert Michaud

Topic: Human-Whale Coexistence in the St. Lawrence

Founder of the GREMM (Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals), Robert Michaud is a pioneer of citizen science in Quebec. He will share insights on coexistence challenges and conservation successes in one of the most studied marine ecosystems in the world.

Joy Reidenberg

Topic: Cetacean Anatomy and Adaptation – A Tribute to a Life's Work

Expert in comparative anatomy and one of the world’s leading specialists in marine mammal adaptations. She brings unique insight into the anatomy, evolution, and resilience of whales and other cetaceans.