October 7, 2024 Vancouver, BC, Canada – Next week, the Alliance for Manatees, a flagship project of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, will host a crucial workshop in Brazil aimed at advancing the conservation of the endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). The event, coordinated by Dr. Carol Meirelles, Research Associate at UBC, will take place from October 14 to 18 in Fortaleza, with participation from key researchers across Latin America. Dr. Meirelles and Prof. Andrew Trites, Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, will both attend.
Collaborative Efforts for Conservation
The workshop will bring together 23 researchers from 18 institutions representing Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Suriname, French Guiana, and Colombia. These experts will work on refining habitat models and developing a conservation priority map for the species, which is threatened by habitat degradation and climate change. The gathering marks a pivotal moment for the region's conservation efforts, with a focus on identifying critical habitats and the most effective strategies to protect them.
Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center - Caucaia/CE - Brazil / Image: Mika Holanda / Aquasis' Collection
Over the past year, these researchers have collaborated virtually, contributing vital data and knowledge to the initiative. The workshop in Brazil will serve as an opportunity to validate findings and align on conservation priorities. The event’s logistics are being supported by Aquasis, a local NGO committed to wildlife conservation.
About the Alliance for Manatees
The Alliance for Manatees is coordinated by Dr. Carol Meirelles and is part of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, directed by Prof. Andrew Trites at UBC. The project unites leading institutions across Latin America to protect the West Indian manatee and its habitats. The initiative receives vital financial support from Nuremberg Zoo, Pairi Daiza Foundation, Yaqu Pacha e.V., and IUCN Species Survival.
Acclimatation Corral - Icapuí/CE - Brazil / Image: Lucas Santos / Aquasis' Collection
Workshop Location
The workshop will be hosted in Icapuí, state of Ceará, offering participants an inspiring coastal venue to collaborate on critical manatee conservation initiatives.
For more information, please contact: Carol Meirelles
Alliance for Manatees
Marine Mammal Research UnitInstitute for the Oceans and Fisheries
University of British Columbia
Email: c.meirelles@oceans.ubc.ca
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