I was privileged last week to chair a workshop on the effects of climate change on cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Monaco at the famous Oceanographic Museum where Jaques Cousteau was once based. Cousteau was the man who probably did more for marine conservation than anyone else of his generation. When I was growing up his films - the first that combined scuba diving and filming marine life - opened up a whole new submarine world for TV viewers around the world. .
Monaco itself is a fascinating place - a principality where the rich and famous go to play, with a long history, a famous car race and a selection of incredible boats in its harbours. Monte Carlo is probably most famous for its Casino and wealthy citizens and visitors but the Oceanograhic Museum built in 1907 has its own claims to fame and is still a centre of marine research.
I have been to Monaco many times over the years because of its central role in international conservation work - something which is strongly supported by its royal family - and also because the Agreement for Cetaceans of the Mediterranean and Black Seas and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) is based there.
Here are some some photos from around the town and the museum during my latest visit.
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| The super-yachts of Monaco marina |
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| Close-up of a super-yacht |
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| Main harbour |
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| The grand entrance to the museum |
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The museum was hosting a shark art exhibition
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 Below - our magnificent meeting room
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| Simone Panigada presents on the vulnerability of cetaceans |
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| Mark Simmonds - blah blah blah.... |
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| Monaco's law court |
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| Dolphin detail on a funfair |
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| The Royal Palace |
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