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13-10-2026

Celebrating 25 Years of Morigenos: An Evening of Memories, Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Celebrating 25 Years of Morigenos: An Evening of Memories, Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Twenty-five years of research, marine conservation, continuous learning and overcoming all kinds of challenges. Above all, those years have been shaped by people. It was to them that we dedicated the anniversary celebration held on 3 October 2026 at Caffè al Teatro in Piran. The evening brought together staff, current and former members, volunteers, friends and many supporters, each of whom helped shape the organisation in their own way and at different points in its history. It gave us an opportunity to pause, look back on the journey so far and revisit the events and decisions that have made Morigenos what it is today.
The official programme opened with an address by the Society’s Vice-President, Polona Kotnjek, followed by President Dr Tilen Genov. Also sharing their reflections on the anniversary were Robert Fakin, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Piran; Sime Simič, a long-standing friend and supporter of the Society; and Violeta Potočnik, the Society’s founder and Honorary President. Their words offered different perspectives on the Society’s beginnings, its development and the importance of its work in improving our understanding of the sea and helping to protect it.
Deputy Mayor Robert Fakin highlighted how the work of Morigenos over the years has also left its mark on Piran and its relationship with the sea: “When you began your story in 2001, it was the story of a small group of young people interested in the lives of dolphins in our sea. Today, Morigenos is an internationally recognised research organisation, and thanks to you, Piran has also become a place where the sea is not merely talked about, but seriously studied, understood and protected.”
He also identified a change in the way we perceive the dolphins in our sea as one of the Society’s most important achievements: “You have given the dolphins in our sea names and stories. Thanks to you, we no longer see them as something we occasionally glimpse from the shore or a boat. We know that they belong here, that this is their home, their space. And by protecting them, we are ultimately protecting our shared sea.”
He also emphasised that the Municipality of Piran is proud that the Dolphin Centre has found its home in the very heart of Piran, and wished the Society continued curiosity, perseverance and courage over the next 25 years.
After the speeches, we shifted our focus from official milestones to the stories behind the scenes. In a relaxed conversation prepared by the staff, some of the most remarkable moments came back to life, along with anecdotes that rarely make it into reports and memories of challenging periods when continuing was far from certain. The conversation offered a more personal insight into what it means to remain true to the same mission for a quarter of a century, adapt to change and preserve the drive with which it all began.
The evening reminded us once again that Morigenos is shaped not only by research and projects, but also by the community behind it. To everyone who has given the Society their time, knowledge, trust or support over the past 25 years, our heartfelt thanks. We look forward to everything we will create and achieve together in the years ahead.

Photo galery:

Photos: Aljaž Bajs

09-10-2026

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society to host Europe’s largest conference on marine mammals in Slovenia

Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society to host Europe’s largest conference on marine mammals in Slovenia

Morigenos will host the 38th European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference in Piran next year. The event is Europe’s largest international gathering dedicated to marine mammals and will also be the largest of its kind worldwide in 2027.
The conference will bring together researchers, conservationists and other experts from around the world to present the latest findings on the biology, ecology, behaviour and conservation of marine mammals. Krista Lokar and Polona Kotnjek of Morigenos are leading the organisation of the conference. As part of the preparations, Morigenos is hosting the ECS Council in Piran this week for a pre-conference meeting that includes a visit to the conference venue.
Hosting the conference is an important mark of international recognition for Slovenia and reinforces the country’s role in marine research and conservation. The event is also of considerable economic importance to the local community. In recent years, ECS conferences have attracted between 600 and 800 participants from around the world. With many international visitors staying for several days, these events make a significant contribution to local tourism, hospitality and other services. According to the organisers’ estimates, this year’s conference in Dundee, Scotland, generated approximately £1.9 million in revenue, further illustrating the wider impact and potential of such international events.
“Hosting an event of this kind offers an exceptional opportunity both to raise Slovenia’s profile and to further develop scientific collaboration in marine mammal conservation,” Morigenos emphasises.
Piran will thus become a global hub for marine mammal research and conservation next year, bringing together the international scientific community to exchange the latest scientific findings and best practices.
The European Cetacean Society, currently chaired by Dr Tilen Genov of Morigenos, was founded in 1987 and works to advance scientific research, strengthen marine mammal conservation and raise public awareness.
21-09-2026

From the northern Adriatic to West Africa: Tilen Genov visits the University of St Andrews

From the northern Adriatic to West Africa: Tilen Genov visits the University of St Andrews

From 8 to 10 September, Dr Tilen Genov, president of Morigenos, visited the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he delivered a seminar and a practical workshop for staff and students. The visit took place as part of the collaboration between the university and Morigenos, at the invitation of the Bell Edwards Geographic Data Institute, which is part of the School of Geography and Sustainable Development.
In his seminar, entitled »Dolphins of Slovenia, Africa and Globally: The Importance of Studying Dolphins and Whales«, he highlighted the broader significance of studying these animals. Whales and dolphins attract considerable public interest, helping to draw attention to the importance of biodiversity conservation. At the same time, they serve as important indicators of human-induced changes in the marine environment. While some species are abundant and globally distributed, others have restricted ranges and are on the brink of extinction.
Drawing on two separate yet interconnected case studies from his own work, he presented research and conservation efforts focused on two very different dolphin species—one in the northern Adriatic and the other off the coast of West Africa. He also demonstrated how research on individual species contributes to a broader understanding of the marine environment and explained why whale and dolphin conservation is important in the context of climate change mitigation.
The seminar was followed by a workshop on photo-identification, one of the key methods used in whale and dolphin research. Participants learned what data researchers collect using this method, how individual animals are identified from the distinctive natural features of their dorsal fins, and how the resulting data can be used for research. During the practical session, they put what they had learned into practice by identifying individual animals themselves.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration with the University of St Andrews, and present the research and conservation work of Morigenos in an international academic setting.
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.
During the event, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the SAMESEA project, funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme. Through engaging demonstrations, interactive activities, and conversations with researchers, you will discover the richness of marine biodiversity, learn about dolphins and other sentinel Adriatic marine species, explore the challenges they face, and find out how each of us can contribute to their conservation and the protection of healthy marine ecosystems.
♦ 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.