For the first time in their histories, the European Cetacean Society and the Society for Marine Mammalogy joined forces to organise the first World Marine Mammal Science Conference, in Monaco between 20th and 24th January 1998. This represents the Twelfth Annual Conference of the ECS. In line with previous years, the proceedings comprise those papers on subjects relating to European marine mammals or from ECS members. The conference was attended by around 1,200 persons from 55 countries.
Contributions have been arranged broadly by subject. Those extended summaries which have been accepted after review appear first in each subject category, followed by half-page abstracts (including those who did not wish to submit extended summaries). Each set is airanged alphabetically by first author.