Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium 2009
Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium 2009
Paradise Island Resort and Spa, Ari Atoll, Maldives
The past ten years has seen a rapid expansion of the cetacean research in the Indian Ocean. However, there has so far been no opportunity fo regional researchers to gather, to share their findings and plan collaborative research activities. This conference aims to do just that, bringing together active cetacean researchers from across the region, as well as representatives of international organisations concerned with cetaceans and marine research funding.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) established the Indian Ocean Sanctuary (IOS) in 1979. One of the main objectives of the IOS is to promote benign research cetaceans. This meeting, occuring as it will during the Sanctuary’s 30th anniversary year, will provide an opportunity to review progress on benign research in the IOS. It will also provide opportunities for researchers to forge collaborations to enhance Indian Ocean cetacean research in the future.
The Maldives lies in the Central Indian Ocean, at the very heart of the IOS. It is home to remarkable abundance and diversity of cetaceans. All whales and dolphins are protected in Maldivian waters. Perhaps more importantly, all pelagic gill-net and purse-seine fishing is banned in Maldives, in order to protect the traditional pole-and-line tuna fishery. As a result there is no catch (directed or incidental) of cetaceans, and the Maldives is a sanctuary within the Sanctuary.
The beautiful island scenery and magnificent coral reefs of the Maldives are major factors in the remarkable growth of tourism over the last 30 years. However, in recent years whale and dolphin watching has also become popular. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in an excursion to see Spinner Dolphins during the course of the conference.
Dates and Venue
The symposium will be held from the 18 - 20 July 2009 at the Paradise Island Resort and Spa, North Malé Atoll, Maldives. Sun Island set in the magnificent island of Nalaguraidhoo in the Southern tip of Ari Atoll. The island is located 62 miles from the Malé International Airport and takes 25 minutes by seaplane or about 1 hour by speed boat. It has Conference Facilities which is more than adequate for this symposium.
Sessions
Session 1: Country reports
Session 2: Species reports
Session 3: Conservation and management
Session 4: Future directions
Eligible papers will be published in a peer-reviewed proceedings volume. Abstracts to be submited before by march 15, 2009. Poster submissions are encouraged.
For details on registration and payments please contact:
Shahaama A. Sattar
Marine Research Centre
H. White Waves, Malé, Maldives
tel: +(960) 331-2242; 332-2238; fax: (+960) 332-2509
email: sasattar@mrc.gov.mv
NOTE: We are currently seeking external funding and sponsorship from various sources. This funding will be mainlyused for the sponsorship of some participants, but priority will be given to keynote speaker(s) and regional scientists. We will be putting up links which can be used to apply for sponsorship once we have finalized funding sources.