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29-06-2026

Live dolphin stranding in Slovenia

Live dolphin stranding in Slovenia

On the morning of Sunday, 28 June 2026, Morigenos received a call about a live stranded dolphin in Seča, Slovenia. Members of the public who were present at the beach initially tried to push the animal into deeper water, but the animal immediately returned to the beach. Following communication with Morigenos team, they helped keep the animal afloat and provided shade until the Morigenos team arrived.

Upon arriving at the scene, Morigenos researchers determined that the animal was a female bottlenose dolphin in very poor condition. It was unable to stay afloat, was malnourished and exhibited multiple external parasites and subdermal abscesses, leading to very poor prognosis. Morigenos team continued supporting the dolphin and assisting its breathing, recorded its vocalisations and breathing patterns, and collected morphometric measurements, to better understand the animal’s condition and holistic circumstances surrounding the event. Colleagues from University of Padua, veterinary experts in dolphin pathology, and Dr Zlatko Golob, Slovenian veterinary expert on free-ranging animals, were also informed and consulted. The dolphin continued to deteriorate quickly and died in the arms of the research team at approximately 10:15 a.m.

This is the first case of a dolphin live stranding in Slovenia in the past 25 years since Morigenos has been studying dolphins here. The exact nature and cause of the dolphin’s condition remain unknown and will be investigated through a post-mortem examination. Bottlenose dolphins are known as a coastal species which do not typically strand alive due to navigation error. Instead, such events are typically associated with illness, injury, or another serious condition affecting the animal.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone that informed us about the dolphin, and provided the necessary support and shade to the animal and to our efforts.

If you encounter dolphins in difficulty, please contact us at +386 31 77 10 77.

22-06-2026

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society contributes to new research on endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society contributes to new research on endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales

A new international study, to which Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society contributed, provides important new insights into the Arabian Sea humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), one of the most endangered and least studied populations of large whales in the world. The study was published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

Photo: Environment Society of Oman; D.MacDonald

Arabian Sea humpback whales are unique because, unlike other humpback whale populations, they do not undertake long seasonal migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. Instead, they remain year-round in the waters of the northwestern Indian Ocean. “Arabian Sea humpback whales are a biological anomaly,” said Dr Andrew Willson of Future Seas, the lead author of the study. Due to their small population size and long-term isolation, this population is classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, with an estimated abundance of approximately 82 individuals. “Many humpback whale populations have recovered strongly since the end of commercial whaling, but this population remains on the brink of extinction,” said Dr Tilen Genov of Morigenos, the co-author of the study.
To better understand their movements and habitat use, researchers tracked 14 humpback whales off the coast of Oman using satellite tags between 2014 and 2017. The results showed that the whales spend most of their time over the continental shelf, with the Gulf of Masirah in Oman emerging as the most important area. It was there that researchers recorded the highest frequency of behavioural patterns indicating intensive use of this habitat.

Photo: Environment Society of Oman; T.Collins

Among the study’s most remarkable findings was a female whale that crossed the Arabian Sea and reached waters off southern India. Over a period of 103 days, she travelled at least 7,330 kilometres between the Gulf of Masirah and the Gulf of Mannar before returning to Oman. This represents the first direct evidence of such a crossing of the Arabian Sea by this humpback whale population.
The study also revealed that key humpback whale habitats overlap with areas of intensive fishing activity and maritime traffic. This increases the risk of entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, and other human-induced impacts. The authors therefore stress that these findings will be important for developing more effective conservation measures aimed at protecting this small and endangered population.
The study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the ecology of Arabian Sea humpback whales and highlights the need for international cooperation in their conservation, as their range extends across the waters of several countries. At Morigenos, we are proud that our work contributes not only to a better understanding of dolphins in the northern Adriatic, but also of whales in other parts of the world.
The study is available HERE.
15-06-2026

Morigenos Receives Slovenia’s Highest National Award for Nature Conservation

Morigenos Receives Slovenia’s Highest National Award for Nature Conservation

We are proud to announce that Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society has received the 2026 Rado Smerdu Award, Slovenia’s highest national recognition in the field of nature conservation.
The award was presented to the Society during the Nature Day 2026 event, held on 12 June 2026 at Brdo pri Kranju. The award is granted by the Republic of Slovenia for outstanding achievements that make a significant contribution to the development of nature conservation as a professional field and to the conservation of nature itself. It represents the highest national recognition in this area.
In the year that Morigenos celebrates its 25th anniversary, this award serves as a special acknowledgement of the Society’s long-standing work in dolphin research and marine conservation. In its justification, the award committee stated, among other things: “Morigenos has elevated the paradigm of Slovenia as a maritime nation to an entirely new level. Through the civil-society activities of this year’s award recipient, including outstanding scientific and professional work, education, the promotion of citizen science, and the strengthening of active citizenship, Slovenia is reaching the highest civilisational standard of a maritime nation – one that respects, studies, and protects its marine ecosystems.”
For us, this justification represents an exceptional honour, as it recognises the importance of connecting science, education, and public engagement in marine conservation – an approach on which Morigenos has built its work for a quarter of a century.
Upon receiving this award, we would like to sincerely thank all our members, employees, volunteers, collaborators, partners, supporters, and funders who have helped shape the story of Morigenos over the years. This recognition is also a tribute to their work, support, and trust.
11-06-2026

The Programme for the 19th Dolphin Day Has Been Announced

The Programme for the 19th Dolphin Day Has Been Announced

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society is pleased to announce the official programme for this year’s 19th Dolphin Day, which will take place on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at 2:00 PM in Piran.
This year’s event carries special significance, as Morigenos celebrates the 25th anniversary of its work. A quarter century of research, education, and active marine conservation will be marked together with those who give our work its true meaning – you.
“My, Your, Our Dolphins”
The story of Dolphin Day began back in 2006, when we organised the very first event of its kind in Slovenia. At that time, we presented to the public the first comprehensive scientific evidence that the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is not merely an occasional visitor to our sea, but a resident species. The slogan born then – “My, Your, Our Dolphins” – emphasising that dolphins are part of a shared natural heritage for which we are all responsible, continues to guide us today.
What does this year’s programme offer?
The event remains true to our mission: to present the importance of dolphin research to the public in an engaging, accessible, and informative way. We have prepared a diverse programme for all generations, including:
  • hands-on and creative workshops,
  • a live demonstration of dolphin searching from land,
  • a treasure hunt,
  • guided tours of the Dolphin Centre,
  • a panoramic boat trip,
  • and much more.
Dolphin Day is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time by the sea, gain new knowledge, and directly support the work of our society. We warmly invite you to reserve the first Saturday in July for a shared celebration of life in the blue.
Notice regarding the boat trip: capacity is limited. The activity is not intended for organised groups, and reservations are not possible.
The patron of Dolphin Day is the Municipality of Piran. The event sponsor is Luka Koper.
26-05-2026

Dolphin Day Returns to Piran for the 19th Time

Dolphin Day Returns to Piran for the 19th Time

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society cordially invites you to the 19th Dolphin Day, taking place on Saturday, 4 July 2026, from 2:00 PM onwards in Piran.
The aim of this traditional event is to bring the importance of protecting the marine environment and dolphins closer to the wider public – especially families and nature enthusiasts – in an engaging and accessible way, while also presenting the long-term research carried out by marine biologists in Slovenian waters.
The event is free of charge and offers an excellent opportunity to spend quality time by the sea. We warmly invite you to reserve the first Saturday in July and join us in celebrating life in the blue!
We sincerely thank the Municipality of Piran, the patron of the event, and Luka Koper, the event sponsor, for their support in helping create an event that connects people with the marine world and the importance of its conservation.
♦ Notice regarding the boat trip: Capacity is limited. The activity is not intended for organised groups, and reservations are not possible.
13-05-2026

International Whale and Dolphin Experts Return to Bled

International Whale and Dolphin Experts Return to Bled

Last week marked the end of a two-week meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which took place in Bled, Slovenia. Held every two years, the meeting brings together around 150 leading international experts in biology, ecology and conservation of marine mammals and natural resources, and is regarded as one of the most important global events on whale and dolphin research and conservation.
Despite containing the word “whaling”, the work of the IWC today no longer focuses solely on issues related to whale hunting. Instead, the main focus is now on the research and conservation of whales and dolphins, as well as on finding solutions to modern threats faced by marine mammals worldwide — from underwater noise, entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes to plastic pollution and the impacts of climate change. The Scientific Committee is the expert body that prepares scientific recommendations and advice for the International Whaling Commission. Among other things, it assesses the size and genetic diversity of cetacean populations worldwide and provides expert advice on the appropriateness of quotas for certain forms of whaling.
Dr. Tilen Genov from Morigenos also participated at the meeting, where he chaired the sub-committee on Environmental Concerns,which addresses chemical pollution, marine litter, diseases of whales and dolphins, underwater noise, climate change, habitat degradation, and responses to stranded cetaceans. The recommendations of the Scientific Committee will be discussed by the Commission at its regular meeting, which will take place in September 2026 in Hobart, Australia.
For Morigenos, participation in the work of the International Whaling Commission represents an important part of international cooperation and involvement in global discussions on the future of the oceans and the conservation of marine mammals.
07-05-2026

Morigenos’ participation at ECS 2026 in Dundee, Scotland

Morigenos’ participation at ECS 2026 in Dundee, Scotland

Nearly 800 marine mammal experts and students from institutions from different countries attended the 37th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, held in Dundee, Scotland (UK), from 20 to 24 of April. The conference, titled “From Basics to Benefits”, highlighted the importance of connecting basic scientific knowledge to conservation outcomes for marine mammals and their environment, fostering expert discussion on key challenges and practical solutions. Our president, Dr. Tilen Genov, kicked-off the meeting with his welcoming message as the chairperson of ECS.

On photo: Elena Pazhenkova (DivjaLabs), Urška Kajtna (Morigenos), Shakira Quiñones (Morigenos)

Two of our researchers presented posters. Our researcher and PhD student, Urška Kajtna, presented a poster titled “Identifying common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) prey using photographs collected during focal follows”, which demonstrates a non-invasive approach to studying cetacean diet based on rare images of surface feeding events. While this method is insufficient in describing the overall diet of bottlenose dolphins, it can provide useful insights in a well-studied population. Her attendance at the conference and the presentation of the research was enabled by the Interreg IPA ADRION SAMESEA project.
Dr. Shakira Quiñones presented a poster titled: “Friendly transboundary collaboration enhances understanding of bottlenose dolphin movement ecology in the northern Adriatic Sea”, where she showed the results of our collaboration with Dolphin Biology and Conservation under the Interreg Italy-Slovenia SeaInsights project, reporting on the movement of our dolphins between Slovenia and Italy, and the overall population estimates.
Our team had a fantastic time in Dundee, and we are looking forward to next year’s ECS conference.

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SAMESEA project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme. https://samesea.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu
The SeaInsights project is financed by the European Union as part of the Program VI-A Italy-Slovenia. https://www.ita-slo.eu/en/seainsights
22-04-2026

United for the future of marine mammals: the 37th European Cetacean Society conference begins in Scotland

United for the future of marine mammals: the 37th European Cetacean Society conference begins in Scotland

The Morigenos team is currently attending the 37th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS), which is taking place this year in Dundee, Scotland.
Today marked the official opening of the conference, led by Dr Tilen Genov, President of Morigenos and of the European Cetacean Society. This is the second conference held under his presidency, following his election to the position in 2024.
The ECS conference is one of the key scientific meetings in Europe dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals. Each year, it brings together researchers, conservationists and other experts from around the world.
This year’s conference, titled “Basics to Benefits”, highlights the importance of linking fundamental scientific research with its practical applications for effective conservation of marine mammals. The programme includes numerous scientific presentations, posters and expert discussions, offering an important platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience. The work and research of Morigenos will also be presented at the conference.
The European Cetacean Society, founded in 1987, promotes the advancement of scientific research, the conservation of marine mammals, and public awareness.
More information about the conference and its programme is available on the official ECS website.
24-03-2026

Dolphin education at sea: collaborations with local panoramic boat operators

Dolphin education at sea: collaborations with local panoramic boat operators

At Morigenos, we are excited to begin a new season of spring educational programmes. Each year, our “blue classroom” at sea welcomes numerous school groups, offering students the opportunity to explore the world of marine mammals in their natural environment.
To ensure a high-quality experience for schools and to accommodate groups of varying sizes, we regularly collaborate with local panoramic boat operators. These partnerships provide us with the logistical flexibility needed to deliver our programmes at different locations along the Slovenian coast.
A new season aboard Bracera Meja
This spring, some of our first groups will be hosted aboard the vessel Bracera Meja. We are grateful to the crew for their openness and support in enabling us to deliver our educational content on dolphin biology, marine conservation, and biodiversity in a setting that brings participants closer to the natural environment.
We are pleased that the Slovenian coast offers diverse opportunities for the implementation of such programmes. Collaborating with a range of local operators allows us to adapt to different group sizes and the specific needs of individual schools, ensuring a high-quality experience for every participant.
Our programmes are designed to complement the school curriculum while encouraging a deeper appreciation of nature through direct experience. During the programme, pupils and students will learn:
    • How individual dolphins are identified using photo-identification techniques
    • Why the Gulf of Trieste is a key habitat for the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
    • How marine research is conducted and why scientific data are essential for conservation
    • How individuals can contribute to the protection of a clean and healthy marine ecosystem
Book your “blue classroom” experience
We invite all primary and secondary schools to join us in exploring the richness of our marine environment. Spring and autumn programme dates are filling up quickly, so we recommend securing your preferred date as early as possible.
How to get in touch
    • E-mail: submit your enquiry via our e-mail morigenos@morigenos.org;
    • Phone: call us at +386 590 140 67 — we will be happy to assist you in planning your educational visit
We look forward to welcoming you at sea.
19-03-2026

Analyzing Seawater for New Insights into Marine Predators: Morigenos Society Successful in ARIS Call

Analyzing Seawater for New Insights into Marine Predators: Morigenos Society Successful in ARIS Call

Morigenos has secured a new research project under the public call of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), titled “eDiNA: Environmental DNA for Individual and Population Level Monitoring of a Marine Top Predator.”
About the Project
The aim of the project is to investigate the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for non-invasive genetic sampling of marine predators, particularly whales and dolphins. Traditional methods of acquiring genetic data at sea are challenging, as they are either invasive or limited to samples from deceased individuals. Instead, the project proposes the analysis of seawater samples containing animal DNA, representing a less intrusive method for studying these elusive species.
Objectives and expected outcomes
The research will focus on developing methods for isolating sufficient quantities and quality of DNA from individual organisms directly from seawater samples. Through this project we aim to:
    • improve the capacity for representative sampling of marine predators in the wild;
    • collect data essential for their management and conservation;
    • gain a better understanding of how global climate change affects these species.
The expected results will provide new insights into the genetic composition, population structure, connectivity, and demography of marine apex predators.
Research team
The project is led by the president of Morigenos, Dr Tilen Genov, and is carried out in collaboration with the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. The research team therefore brings together experts in molecular genetics, ecology, and conservation biology.
New knowledge for more effective marine conservation
The eDiNA project will enable the development of advanced methods to obtain key information about marine predators without disturbing the animals. Such knowledge is essential for their long-term conservation and for improving our understanding of the impacts of changes in the marine environment on these species.
13-03-2026

SAMESEA project partners meet at the fourth meeting in Podgorica

SAMESEA project partners meet at the fourth meeting in Podgorica

Partners of the SAMESEA project met once again on February 25th, this time in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. The project, which is now entering its final year, brings together 11 partners from the adriatic-ionian region with the aim of addressing key challenges in marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem monitoring in a coordinated manner.
At the meeting, Morigenos presented preliminary results of the Pilot Action in Piran bay, during which we collected reports on the presence of dolphins and sea turtles in the bay, monitored the presence of the two species and investigated potential interactions of dolphins with a fish farm. We reviewed deliverables and outputs created so far in the project and planned our next activities. In the upcoming months we will focus on improving the standardised methods for collecting and reporting data on sentinel species in the adriatic-ionian region and expanding the SAMESEA Network.
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme.
Project website: https://samesea.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu/