Sirenian International, Inc.

Who Are We?

The mission of Sirenian International is to ensure the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations.

Sirenian International, Inc., is a organization of grassroots people who share a dedication to manatee & dugong research, education, and conservation through inter-cultural collaboration. We are a partnership of scientists, students, educators, conservationists, and the public. We believe in the process of integrating science, education, and culture to catalyze positive change in our shared environment, Mother Earth.

Our Participating Members are actively involved in sirenian projects around the world. They share knowledge through educational outreach programs, effect change by providing scientific data to decision makers concerned with conservation issues, and provide opportunities for students and local communities to participate in the field and the laboratory. Our Supporting Members provide financial support to projects and services funded by Sirenian International. An International Board of Directors governs our activities and our Scientific Advisory Council insures the scientific integrity of projects we fund. Our Participating Members, our Board of Directors, and our Scientific Advisory Council are volunteers, there fore 100% of donated support goes directly to our projects and services.

GOALS | SUPPORTED PROJECTS | BOARD OF DIRECTORS | SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL | PATRONS & CONTRIBUTORS

Sirenian International is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Virginia, USA

OUR GOALS:
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, and CONSERVATION through Inter-cultural Collaboration

RESEARCH GOAL: To to foster, promote, and support scientific research related to manatees & dugongs with a focus on populations in developing nations where resources are limited.

Encourage sound and professional scientific research related to sirenian populations by providing feedback, support, and funding
Support international network of existing sirenian researchers; provide a platform for the international exchange of ideas and information, accessible via the Internet
Promote inter-cultural exchange and foster enduring collaborative relationships between host countries and researchers
Provide internship opportunities for students from both host and visiting countries; encourage respect for and consideration of the local knowledge in each study area, e.g. students, teachers, fishermen, tour operators, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental agencies

EDUCATION GOAL: To facilitate meaningful exchange of information among scientists, students, regulatory agencies, NGOs, and concerned citizens and to promote effective communication about science & conservation to diverse audiences.

Provide educational materials suitable for science programs at multiple educational levels, including higher education
Organize forums that bridge communication barriers related to diversity of language, experience, academic training, and access to resources, e.g. dynamic multi-lingual website
Coordinate presentation of information about research projects, in a format suitable for distribution via ongoing outreach programs, e.g. seacow ambassador program, traveling road show, participation in educational tourism
Encourage mutual respect for diverse perspectives, in a manner that enhances awareness, knowledge, and evaluation of sirenian projects

CONSERVATION GOAL: To support conservation efforts by local people in developing nations and to provide scientific data to local decision makers concerned with manatee & dugong conservation.

Facilitate information transfer from researchers to regulatory agencies in a manner that is both timely and in a format suitable to meet decision-making needs
Incorporate the information and implementation needs of regulatory agencies and in the design of research projects
Enhance awareness, knowledge, and use of collaborative problem-solving approaches to management of conflicts related to conservation of sirenians and their aquatic habitats
Commitment to low environmental impact in research design with a focus of contributing to conservation of the subject and its environment

The benefits of projects funded by SI reach far beyond science - each project facilitates the sharing of knowledge with local communities, students, governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, and other conservation groups. Although our focus is on manatees and dugongs, SI fosters a better understanding of the complexity of conservation issues, and the compelling need for partnerships among all parties involved, in both developing and industrialized nations. Won't you please JOIN our global efforts by becoming a member of Sirenian International today?

Projects Supported by Sirenian International

2008

ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND HABITAT USE OF MANATEES IN CHETUMAL BAY, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO: Principal Investigators: Nataly Castelblanco-Martinez and Benjamin Morales In recent decades, populations of the Caribbean manatee have been affected by human actions as poaching, accidental captures in fishing nets, boat coalitions, and natural catastrophes. A low reproductive rate limits the ability of this species to recover from population reductions, and some populations have been reduced relative to historical levels. The Caribbean manatee is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red Data Book and legally protected throughout its range. Studies showed that in the Mexican Caribbean coasts, manatees are concentrated mostly in Chetumal Bay, which has been designated as a manatee natural protected area. Despite ongoing manatee ecology research in the Bay, interesting habitat related subjects remain to be studied. Studying habitat requirements is useful for designing management programs oriented toward species conservation. Knowledge of fine-scale habitat use is fundamental to understanding many key aspects of an animal�s ecology. Even animals with large home ranges often concentrate their activities on small patches where they locate food, mates and shelter. This proposal differs from previous research on manatee movements in Chetumal Bay in several important aspects. First, we will rely heavily on data from satellite-monitored transmitters using the Argos system, which will yield a substantially greater number of locations and more systematic collection of data compared to previous VHF tracking studies. Second, we will be able to study the bay as a whole, complementing information obtained from aerial and boat surveys. Finally, we will provide the first detailed description of diving behavior of some manatees in the Bay, along with new information on their food choices and feeding habits in relation to environmental and ecological characteristics. The proposal is part of the Manatee Project under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Morales., as a part of my thesis to obtain the Ph.D. degree in Ecology and Sustainable Development. Results will be presented in pubications and at international conferences.

Earthwatch/NCRC/Sirenian International West African Manatee Fellows Training Program in conjunction with the EW/NCRC Volta Lake Manatee Community Conservation Project: Principal Investigators: Patrick Kwabena Ofori-Danson and Lucy Ward Keith This program will train 8 West African Fellows (from 6 countries) and 3 staff members from NCRC and the University of Ghana on how to collect skull morphology data, ear bones and tissue samples from manatee skulls for contribution to a large scale collaborative project to investigate and differentiate local populations within the West African manatee species (Trichechus senegalensis). While we acknowledge that skull morphology is highly variable within populations, subject to measurement error, and cannot generate population data at the same resolution as genetic data, it is more readily available and more easily shared. To generate genetic data, samples must be processed, which generally requires the exportation of body parts (ear bones, blood, and tissue) to a lab in the USA or other developed nation. CITES and other export permits often take years to get approved. However, skulls are often available in local villages and can be measured in situ, requiring no exportation or permits. In West Africa manatees are taken primarily for food. The entire animal is butchered into small parts and consumed by the local villagers. The only parts (if any) saved include the skull and penis�often saved as trophies by the manatee hunter. Skulls are often available for years after a take and can provide a source of historical data. This small contribution of funds ($500US) will enable us to provide each Fellow, NCRC, and the University of Ghana, with the small field kit necessary to collect morphology data on these skulls and contribute to a larger database without the necessity of permits to allow exportation of materials. The funds herein requested will be used to purchase the tools necessary for 11 post-mortem measurement kits (Table 1) to be distributed to the Fellows and Staff for use in their primary study areas after the completion of the November field season. Data collected with these tools during the training session and by individual Fellows upon return to their home countries will be contributed to a larger database on skull morphology, currently housed by Dr. Daryl Domning at Howard University. Additional equipment for ear bone and tissue samples is being requested from Bob Bonde (USGS Sirenia Project) and Lucy Keith (Wildlife Trust). Matching funds for this project (travel and field expenses for PIs, Fellows, and Staff) are being provided by the Earthwatch Institute and NCRC.

2007

Rehabilitation of Orphaned Neonate, Dominican Republic

Principal Investigators: Acuario Nacional de la Rep�blica Dominicana. Small grant to provide interim support for food and supplies for orphaned manatee.

Earthwatch/NCRC/Sirenian International West African Manatee Fellows Training Program in conjunction with the EW/NCRC Volta Lake Manatee Community Conservation Project: Principal Investigators: Patrick Kwabena Ofori-Danson and Caryn Self-Sullivan This program will train 8 West African Fellows (from 6 countries) and 3 staff members from NCRC and the University of Ghana on how to collect skull morphology data, ear bones and tissue samples from manatee skulls for contribution to a large scale collaborative project to investigate and differentiate local populations within the West African manatee species (Trichechus senegalensis). While we acknowledge that skull morphology is highly variable within populations, subject to measurement error, and cannot generate population data at the same resolution as genetic data, it is more readily available and more easily shared. To generate genetic data, samples must be processed, which generally requires the exportation of body parts (ear bones, blood, and tissue) to a lab in the USA or other developed nation. CITES and other export permits often take years to get approved. However, skulls are often available in local villages and can be measured in situ, requiring no exportation or permits. In West Africa manatees are taken primarily for food. The entire animal is butchered into small parts and consumed by the local villagers. The only parts (if any) saved include the skull and penis�often saved as trophies by the manatee hunter. Skulls are often available for years after a take and can provide a source of historical data. This small contribution of funds ($500US) will enable us to provide each Fellow, NCRC, and the University of Ghana, with the small field kit necessary to collect morphology data on these skulls and contribute to a larger database without the necessity of permits to allow exportation of materials. The funds herein requested will be used to purchase the tools necessary for 11 post-mortem measurement kits (Table 1) to be distributed to the Fellows and Staff for use in their primary study areas after the completion of the November field season. Data collected with these tools during the training session and by individual Fellows upon return to their home countries will be contributed to a larger database on skull morphology, currently housed by Dr. Daryl Domning at Howard University. Additional equipment for ear bone and tissue samples is being requested from Bob Bonde (USGS Sirenia Project) and Lucy Keith (Wildlife Trust). Matching funds for this project (travel and field expenses for PIs, Fellows, and Staff) are being provided by the Earthwatch Institute and NCRC.

2006

Symposium for the Biology and Conservation of the Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Mesoamerica

2005

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize, Central America: Principal Investigators: Friends of Swallow Caye. Small grant to provide interim support for enforcement rangers at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rehabilitation of Orphaned Neonate, Belize, Central America: Principal Investigators: Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Small grant to provide interim support for food and supplies
Rehabilitation of Orphaned Neonate, Puerto Rico: Principal Investigators: Caribbean Stranding Network. Small grant to provide interim support for food and supplies

2004

Feeding Ecology of West Indian Manatees in the Orinoco Basin, Colombia, South America: Principal Investigators: Delma Nataly Castelblanco Mart�nez, Isabel G�mez Camelo, Ana Luc�a Berm�dez.. The principal goal of this proposal was to provide information about the feeding ecology of manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) at the Orinoco Basin (Colombia), in a manner that would be useful for decision-makers to minimize the potential human impacts to manatees. 2005 Castelblanco Final Report.pdf

2003

Seagrass & Dugong Mapping Program in Palau: Principal Investigators: Patricia Davis & Jason Kuartei. The dugong study started in July 2002 with the aim of collecting baseline data on dugong habitat utilization throughout Palauan waters. Currently there is no information about seagrass or dugong in Palau aside from aerial survey data collected from four studies over the past 20 years, which provides only snap-shot information about their distribution. C3 will be participating in another aerial survey in September this year, the results of which will be combined with past data in order to compile a report on our current status of knowledge of the dugong population in Palau. Davis-Kuartei Executive Summary Report.pdf
The Actual Status of the manatee (Trichechus manatus) in the Tablazo Bay, Zulia State, Venezuela: Principal Investigator: Adda G. Manzanilla Fuentes. During years populations of Trichechus manatus have been reporting, in the Maracaibo lake, those which in spite of the changes in the habitat conditions and the man's influence, they still stay in this ecosystem. However don't exist studies on the status of these animals in the area during the last ten years. This survey will found within an to trapezoidal area of 640 km2, connecting the gulf of Venezuela with to narrows at the entrance of the Maracaibo lake known such the Tablazo bay. To determines the population's state they were carried out direct counts of the sighted animals and they were categorized in frequent, few, and scarce. Sampling routes will be travelled an east-west direction in near areas to swamps and banks where plentiful the aquatic vegetation and of bank. They will settle down coordinated with the Global position satelital G.P.S. and cartographic information. The quality of the habitat to manatee will be analysed. And was identified the sources of food of the species. Also a work of community education for the conservation of the manatee and their habitat.
Interview Surveys in the Gulf of Mannar (Sri Lanka & India)to Assess the Status of the Dugong (Dugong dugon) in the Region: Principal Investigators: Ellen Hines, Anouk Ilangakoon & Dipani Sutaria. In this proposed project we will carry out reconnaissance surveys to identify the present range of occurrence and distribution of the dugong off both the north-western coastline of Sri Lanka and the south-eastern coastline of India bordering the Gulf of Mannar through an initial pilot survey. Subsequently we jointly propose to assess the status of the sea grass habitat, the size of Dugong population, conservation status, and major threats to the population within the Gulf of Mannar.

2002

Awareness, education and protection of Manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) in Gabon, West Africa: Principal Investigator: Christian Mbina. Available information from literature and the results of surveys and studies conducted between 1986 and 1995 on the distribution and biology of trichechus senegalensis show that, the West African manatee occurs in the middle and lower reaches of rivers from Senegal to the Quanza in Angola (Powell, 1996; Dodman ,1999). The same study reported that manatees are common in Gabon and the country may contain one of the highest densities of the species in Africa. During four terms, two volunteer leaders will be assigned to intervene in villages and schools situated in and around the basin of the Ogoou�, in ordre to educate local populations and the youth in conservation and respect of the last populations of manatees of this region. In spite of the largeness of the region, leaders will be able to set up various activities to reach their objectives. Mbina Preliminary Report.pdf
Genetic population structure of the Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus) and the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in Colombia: Principal Investigators: Susana Caballero & Juan Pablo Giraldo. In this study, we suggest the analysis of the control region of the mitochondrial genome to describe the population structure of both species in Colombia. This research will generate deeper conclusions about the status of these species in the country and it will help to develop management measures to protect these populations. The mitochondrial DNA control region has been widely used in similar studies to determine population genetics parameters in various species (Caballero et al, 2000). This region presents a high mutation rate, founding polymorphisms in different groups of the same species evidencing geographical differences between populations. It is also a sensitive technique to use when the number of different control region types or haplotypes are supposed to be low, has the case might be with these species (Mortiz, 1987).
The Effect of an Oil Spill on Manatees in Ci�naga de Paredes, Colombia: Principal Investigators: Susana Caballero & Nataly Castelblanco. Fundaci�n Omacha in association with the Ministry of the Environment have been articulating a process that wants to connect the ideas of the Regional Corporation (local environmental authorities) on this respect. Part of these initiatives is the monitoring of the manatee population at �Ci�naga de Paredes� (Paredes marsh), a water system of approximately 700m� located on the right margin of the Magdalena River. In this region, the local community has been developing efforts in order to manage the manatee population for 14 years, with very low technical assistance. The main problem for the animals in this marsh is that the water level is very low during the summer months, and sometimes the animals stranded in the mud and they needed help to be transported to deeper places. This situation became more serious in October 2002, with an oil spill of more than 500 barrels in La G�mez waterfall, 30 km from the mouth of the marsh, covering the majority of it surface. The cause of the spill was an accidental explosion of the pipeline by vandals to steal oil. Approximately 95% of the vegetation of the marsh margins was contaminated and the fishing resources wiped out. Caballero Final Report.pdf
Proposal for participation in the Marine and Coastal Programme of WWF Indochina in Vietnam and Combodia: Principal Investigators: Kanjana Adulyanukosal & Ellen Hines. The goal of this visit, with Dr. Ellen Hines, is to assist the Marine and Coastal Programme of WWF Indochina design and set-up a dugong and seagrass habitat research and monitoring project in a few key sites. In the past 2 years, Hines and I have created and implemented a repeatable and practical field protocol to provide baseline information and monitor populations of dugongs along the Andaman coast of Thailand (Hines and Adulyanukosol, 2001). To achieve the full potential of the ideals of marine conservation biology, scientists and conservationists need to work together for truly effective conservation and management planning. Our knowledge and experience in Thailand will be very useful for the study of dugong and seagrass in Vietnam and Cambodia. Andulyanukosol Final Report.pdf
Genetic Investigation of Antillean Manatees in Venezuela: Principal Investigator: Maria Gabriela Montiel-Villalobos & Hector Barrios-Garrido. General objective: To determine the existent haplotipos in the population of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the System of the Lake of Maracaibo, using the molecular technique Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA: RAPD. Specific objectives: To identify the possible present unique haplotipos in the samples of the Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) coming from the System of the Lake of Maracaibo. To quantify the number of exclusive haplotipos found in the analyzed samples of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) coming from the System of the Lake of Maracaibo. To provide useful data to the local and international organisms of environmental surveillance for the creation of effective plans of conservation and protection of this species.
Publication and Distribution of Dugong Children's Book in Cambodia: Principal Investigator: Nick Cox. Summary: The aim of this project is to translate into Khmer and print the Dugong storybook originally produced for Con Dao National Park, Vietnam, and distribute to coastal communities in Cambodia.

2001

Dugong Survey in Con Dao National Park, Vietnam: Principal Investigator: Nick Cox. The aim of this project is to undertake boat-based surveys of a small but endangered population of Dugongs Dugong dugon in Con Dao National Park, and produce materials for raising awareness in the local community. Cox Final Report.pdf

Our 2008-2010 Board of Directors

Kanjana Adulyanukosol, Ph.D., Phuket Marine Biological Center, Thailand
Michael Bragg, Florida, USA
Dalila Caicedo Herrera, Omacha Foundation, Colombia
Haydee Dominquez Tejo, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Alejandro Ortega-Argueta, University of Queensland, Australia
Patti Thompson, Florida, USA
Angie Sullivan, Parkview Solutions, Virginia, USA
Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D., Georgia Southern University, USA

Our Scientific Advisory Council

Cynthia Taylor, Wildlife Trust, Florida, USA
Catharine Muir Joynson Hicks, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Nicole Adimey, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Florida, USA
Ellen Hines, Ph.D., San Francisco State University, California, USA
Lucy Keith, Wildlife Trust, Florida, USA
Miriam Marmontel, Ph.D. Sociedade Civil Mamirau�, Brazil
Fernando Rosas, Ph.D. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amaz�nia (INPA), Brazil
Robert K. Bonde, Ct. E.S., USGS Sirenia Project, Gainesville, Florida
Gregory Bossart, Ph.D., VMD, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida
Daryl P. Domning, Ph.D., Department of Anatomy, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Helene Marsh, Ph.D., School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, Ph.D., Puerto Rico Manatee Center, Caribbean Stranding Network, Puerto Rico
Jane M. Packard, Ph. D., Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Cameron Shaw, Law Enforcement Coordinator, Endangered Species Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jacksonville, Florida
Jim Valade, Wildlife Biologist, Endangered Species Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jacksonville, Florida
Graham A. J. Worthy, Ph. D., Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology and Hubbs-Sea World Professor of Marine Mammalogy; Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida
Leszek Karczmarski, Ph.D., Head: Cetacean Unit, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Associate Research Faculty, Texas A&M University at Galveston, USA; Swire Institute of Marine Science, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Our Patrons and Contributors

BIG SLOPPY MERMAID KISSES and our most sincere thanks and appreciation go to the following Patrons and Contributors who have made donations of funds and/or services exceeding $100 in any one year: Thinkhost.com, Dolphin Wild Eco-Adventures, Bill & Pat Braker, Brett Irwin, Brian Casey, Brooke Michaels, Cheryl Lechtanski, Clifton Jones, David Pouliot, Doug Perrine, Dr. & Mrs. William Evans, Dr. Jane M. Packard, Edmund Gerstein, Francis Burtt, Hayley VanderStel, Heather Van Wagner, Holly Twining, HostMySite.com, Howard & Michele Hall, Hunton & Williams, Jack Burtt, John Patrick Sullivan, Karen Downen, Kathryn Karn, Kieran J. Carew, Linda Hurt, Maija Gadient-Heberlein, Mary Turlington, Michael Bragg, Mike Winkler, Mr. & Mrs. James H. Self, Nancy Smith, Patricia Witt, Paul Camp, Renee Bicker, Sandra Rosenberg, Scott Carle, Sue Otto, Susan & Rodney Wagner, Martin Packard Family, Thomas W. Evans, Tim Hayes, ...YOUR NAME HERE!

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