CZMAI Trains Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network (BMMSN) Members in Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response

Belize City, Belize, March 31, 2004 - - Data collection of marine mammal strandings is vital to supporting conservation management strategies. However, technical expertise in the data collection is important to maintaining accuracy. Today, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) is training members of the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network (BMMSN) in data and specimen collection protocol at a one day Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Training Workshop.

The workshop primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of the BMMSN in data collection of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. BMMSN members will be trained in sample collection and storage techniques, necropsy (animal dissection) methodology, and record keeping. In addition, workshop participants will be introduced to procedures for emergency care for live strandings.

The BMMSN is a non-profit group dedicated to the study and conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. It falls under the auspices of the CZM Institute's Manatee Research Programme. Four district teams from the Belize, Toledo, Stann Creek and Corozal Districts, along with a sub-team in Gales Point, assist in data collection and the initial care of live strandings.

At the completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate and a necropsy kit. Assistance for the workshop was received from the Wildlife Trust (WT) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Today's workshop is being hosted at the CZMAI Training Room from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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