Advancing Marine Mammal Conservation Through Omics Tools and Integration of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge.

Conservation of biodiversity is a global priority as human-driven pressures continue to intensify and alter ecosystems worldwide. Marine mammals are vulnerable species, facing numerous escalating anthropogenic threats. Here, we evaluate how, as omics technologies become more accessible and affordable, established and emerging tools are advancing effective marine mammal research and conservation management. Assessments of genetic diversity, adaptive capacity, demographic history and local adaptation provide vital insights into how marine mammal populations respond to environmental change across contemporary and evolutionary timescales. Whole-genome sequencing, functional genomics, epigenetics and multi-omic integration enable deeper insights into the molecular basis of complex fitness-related traits. Approaches like epigenetics, ancient DNA and environmental DNA offer new opportunities to study cryptic, rare, or historical populations and evolutionary processes. Yet, effective marine mammal conservation management cannot rely exclusively on increased availability of omics tools and data. We emphasize the need and obligation for genuine collaboration and integration of Indigenous perspectives with marine mammal genomics approaches to foster ethical, inclusive and effective conservation, and suggest best practices for this. Additionally, we highlight that translating omics data into practical conservation outcomes remains challenging, requiring clear communication, collaboration and integration into management. Using marine mammal genomics to address conservation challenges in a changing world requires innovation, partnership and the integration of diverse knowledge systems, such as Indigenous Ecological Knowledge.