Thirty-seven experts from 14 countries are gathering at the Cistercian Monastery in Heilsbronn—Nuremberg from December 14 to 18 to discuss conservation options for coastal and riverine species of dolphins that are experiencing significant population declines and could be facing extinction in the foreseeable future. The group of scientists, conservationists, veterinarians and managers will be discussing whether, and how, in-situ conservation (conservation in natural habitats) recovery plans for small cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) at risk of extinction, could be enhanced with ex-situ conservation (conservation outside of natural habitats) options. “In today’s world we are facing what many experts are calling an extinction crisis.” said Douglas DeMaster, member of the workshop steering committee and