Membership

Membership Process and Criteria

Specialist Groups of the Species Survival Commission are established for 4-year terms, which begin immediately following the quadrennial IUCN World Conservation Congress. The current term began in 2026 and will continue until 2029.  Members of the Cetacean Specialist Group (CSG) are appointed for 4-year terms, or whatever portion of a given 4-year term remains at the time of appointment.

New members are typically nominated by existing CSG members, but may also be nominated from outside the Group. All nominees are evaluated by the CSG Co-Chairs, in consultation with the Deputy Chair, CSG Regional Coordinators, other CSG members from the region, or CSG members with relevant expertise.  Self-nomination is strongly discouraged and only considered in exceptional circumstances.

CSG members are expected to meet all, or most  of the following criteria:

• • Expertise in cetacean research, conservation management, or education.
  • Expertise in a related field that is  contributing significantly to advancing the conservation of cetaceans.
  • High standards of scientific achievement and ethics .
  • Ability and commitment to actively contribute to the CSG’s work.
  • A demonstrated commitment to conservation.
  • Recognized leadership within their field.

Peale’s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis), photographed in the Chiloé Archipelago, Chile, by Sonja Heinrich

The CSG is a voluntary network, and so it is necessary to limit its size for manageability and effectiveness. The size of the group is kept within the range of 125-150 individuals and only a small number of new membership nominations can be considered each year. Members are selected so that the membership in totality encompasses a broad range and balance of expertise and experience in terms of geography, taxonomy, and technical know-how. Also, a serious effort is made to maintain both a significant element of ‘institutional memory’ (longstanding members) and a steady infusion of emerging scientists and conservation leaders who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. Members can be reappointed for a second and subsequent 4-year terms but only if they have demonstrated significant activity on behalf of the CSG.

“Chilean dolphins, Cephalorhynchus eutropia, photographed in the Chiloé Archipelago, Chile. Photo: Sonja Heinrich.