All three of our expeditions to the Kuril Islands were completed successfully. The season began with the “Abode of Thunder” research expedition to the seven islands of the Southern and Middle Kurils, from Iturup Island in the south to the beautiful Yankich Island in the north. The second research expedition “Kunashir” covered two islands of the Kuril Chain – Iturup and Kunashir. And the third – an informative mini-expedition “Unknown Iturup” passed through the southwestern part of Iturup Island. During the expeditions we managed to collect interesting information on the distribution and abundance, as well as on the behavior of marine mammals and some species of birds. Among the most interesting were the observation of the “farewell procession” of sperm whales and the unusual behavior of a pair of fin whales. During all the expeditions, the participants got unforgettable emotions from communication with the unique nature of the Southern and Middle Kurils.