Sirenian International, Inc. Mission Statement The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research and education. Background: Most manatee and dugong populations are fragmented, threatened or endangered due to over harvesting and habitat destruction. In attempting to develop management and recovery plans, the assumptions made about sirenian biology, ecology, and behavior are based on a few well researched populations located in industrialized nations, such as the USA and Australia. Given the taxonomic and geographical differences between species and populations, we would expect to need site specific conservation management plans. However, there is very little funding for research, education, or conservation projects in less-developed nations where most populations exist. Sirenian International is dedicated to supporting grassroots efforts to protect sirenian populations in these less-developed areas.

• 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

• 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

• 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?

• Sarita Kendall, Colombia, The Omacha Foundation
• Renata Santoro de Sousa Lima, Brazil, Laboratorio de Mamiferos Aquaticos - INPA, Cornell University
• Ester Quintana Rizzo, Guatemala, University of South Florida
• Nicole Auil, Belize, Coastal Zone Management Institute & Authority, Texas A&M University
• Katherine S. LaCommare, USA, University of Mass, Boston
• Tamra Gilbertson, USA, Washington, DC
• Angela K. Sullivan, USA, Fredericksburg, VA
• Caryn Self Sullivan, USA, Texas A&M University

• 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., Caribbean Stranding Network, Universidad Metropolitana, 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., Texas A&M University, Marine Mammal Research Program, Galveston, Texas.

Our most sincere thanks and appreciation go to the following Patrons who have made donations of funds and/or services at the Patron or Contributing Membership level during our organizational process:

• Scott Carl, Alliance Computer Systems, Myrtle Beach, SC
• John Patrick Sullivan, Artist, Fredericksburg, VA
• Tim Hayes & Bill Gray, Hunton & Williams Law Firm, Richmond, VA
• Peter Gadient & Maija Gadient-Heberlein, Cape Coral, FL
• Sue Otto, Fairview Park, OH
• Thomas W. Evans, Richmond, VA
• Jane M. Packard, College Station, TX, IN HONOR OF MARTIN PACKARD
• The Martin Packard Family, California
• Kieran Carew, California
• Mr. and Mrs. James H. Self, IN HONOR OF THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Add your name to this list in perpetuity. JOIN our Membership at the Patron or Contributing Level.