Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium
Vice President Dr. Waheed Inaugurates the Cetacean Symposium
18 July 2009: The Indian Ocean Cetacean Symposium kicked off in Paradise Resort and Spa this morning as planned. The three-day international symposium is taking place from July 18-20 and was inaugurated by the Vice President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku. In his opening remarks he said that cetacean research has flourished in the Indian Ocean in recent years and the gathering would provide an ideal opportunity for researchers to forge further collaborations. Noting that Maldives is not a member of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the Vice President noted that the Maldives nevertheless wholeheartedly supports the Indian Ocean Sanctuary (IOS), its aims and its continuation.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad also addressed the gathering. He stressed the importance of whales and dolphins for both their economic and ecosystem values, and that they required conservation in the Maldives and elsewhere. He recalled that three areas in Maldives have recently been declared as marine protected areas due to their importance as whale shark and manta-ray watching sites. These were in South Ari Atoll near Maamigili, as well as Angafaru and Hanifaru in Baa Atoll. Dr. Sawad also stated that his Ministry would be introducing guidelines for whale and dolphin watching in the near future.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Maniku speaking at the Inauguration of the IOCS in Lankanfinolhu (Paradise Island Resort and Spa, 18 July 2009
Sixty scientists from some 22 countries are taking part in the Symposium, and will be making 43 presentations on various aspects of the status of whales and dolphins populations, behaviour, ecology, conservation and management. The Symposium is organized by the Marine Research Centre with support from international and local sponsors.
