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BOBLME-2015-Ecology-63
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The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal and development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The BOBLME Project encourages the use of this report for study, research, news reporting, criticism or review. Selected passages, tables or diagrams may be reproduced for such purposes provided acknowledgment of the source is included. Major extracts or the entire document may not be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the BOBLME Project Regional Coordinator. BOBLME contract: LOA/RAP/2014/38 For bibliographic purposes, please reference this publication as:
BOBLME (2015) Report of the shark identification and conservation training, 17-21 May 2015, Mon State, Myanmar. BOBLME-2015-Ecology-63
Report of the shark identification and conservation training
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Table of contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Training report ................................................................................................................................ 1
Appendix I List of participants, lecturers and facilitator ................................................................... 3
Appendix II Agenda ............................................................................................................................ 5
Appendix III Photos taken during the training (17-21 May 2015)....................................................... 8
Appendix IV List of sharks and rays used during the training ........................................................... 12
Acronyms used
BOBLME Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora
FFI Fauna and Flora International
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
MFRDMD Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department
MSAM Marine Science Association, Myanmar
NPOA National Plan of Action
SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre
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Final report
Shark identification and conservation training,
17-21 May 2015,
Mawlamyine University, Mon State, Myanmar
1. Introduction
Sharks and rays are one of the focus activity for Fauna and Flora International (FFI) and the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project (BOBLME) in Myanmar. These included supporting studies on biodiversity, taxonomy, collecting socio-economic information from small-scale fisheries, marketing, effectiveness of conservation and management measures (after total ban on direct hunting for sharks was imposed by the government), and alternative livelihoods for stake holders who are previously active in sharks and manta/mobula rays fishery using long-line and big size gill nets.
FFI and BOBLME are also collaborating and supporting capacity development in identification of sharks and rays in order to improve data collection and overall understanding about the nature and extent of landings and catches. This is also expected to contribute to the identification of species and products from the point of view of listings under CITES. Information gathered from these activities will be used in the development of National Plans of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks for Myanmar (Myanmar, NPOA-Sharks). In this regard, Myanmar needed support in capacity building on shark and rays in identification, conservation and management from regional experts.
With its expertise in trainings on sharks and rays data collection, taxonomy and its contribution to formulating and implementing the National Plan of Action of for Malaysia, researchers from SEAFDEC/MFRDMD is well placed to provide a training on shark and rays taxonomy for Myanmar. In 2015, FFI in collaboration with BOBLME, SEAFDEC/MFRDMD and Mawlamyine University organized a special training on sharks and rays identification for officers and scientists from Myanmar from 17 to 21 May 2015, at Mawlamyine University, Mon State. This training was a follow-up activity in 2015, after SEAFDEC/MFRDMD successfully conducted a training for trainers in Malaysia from 30 November to 4 December 2014, which involved five participants from Myanmar.
2. Training report
The training was conducted from 17 to 21 May 2015, at the Department of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University, Mon State. Eighteen personals from the Department of Fisheries Myanmar, Mawlamyine University, Pathein University, Myeik University, Fauna and Flora International, Forestry Department, Marine Science Association, Myanmar, Dawei Research Association participated in a five-day training program.
Two lecturers conducted the training. They were Mr Ahmad Ali, a senior researcher and Regional Vice Chair IUCN sharks specialist group for Southeast Asian region and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok, a senior laboratory assistant and a member of IUCN sharks specialist group for Southeast Asian region. They were assisted by retired Professor Saw Han Shein, who had attended a training for trainers in Malaysia in 2014. Manuscript in Myanmar language entitled ‘Field guide of Sharks in Myanmar’ prepared by FFI and SEAFDEC/MFRDMD was very useful and widely used during the training.
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The training was started on the first day with two lectures entitled (i) Introduction to the taxonomy and biology of Chondrichthyan and (ii) Chondrichthyan biodiversity in the Southeast Asia region and Andaman Sea. On the second day, a lecture on external and internal morphology of sharks and rays, dissecting and measurement technique, determining of sex and maturity stage of sharks and rays was given. Participants were also guided on the correct techniques to take photos and identify fresh specimens of six species sharks and seven species of rays as well as methods of preservation for sharks and rays specimens in formalin and ethanol.
On the third and fourth day, participants were divided into four working groups. Each group was given photos of all six species of sharks and rays respectively. They were guided to identify important morphological characteristics of each species using a manuscript on ‘Field Guide of Sharks in Myanmar’ written in Myanmar language. Lecture on ‘Look-alike sharks and rays species in the Southeast Asia Region and Andaman Sea’, and ‘Transportation and preservation of sharks and rays Specimens’ were also presented. In the afternoon of the fourth day, the Rector of Mawlamyine University presented a lecture on conservation of sharks and rays. Finally on the fifth day, all participants presented the outcome of their work. Based on their presentation, participants showed improvement in their knowledge on elasmobranchs taxonomy especially all species identified during the course. Specimens used during the training are now preserved at Marine Department Science for future reference. The list of participants is shown in Appendix I and time table in Appendix II. Photos of activities are shown in Appendix III and photos of sharks and rays used during the training in Appendix IV.
The outcomes of this training were:
Eighteen trained personnel in sharks and rays taxonomy from Myanmar
Improved technique of taking photo for taxonomy use
Improved knowledge on elasmobranch taxonomy and biology
The outputs of this training were:
Trained staffs will be able to make the right and valid identification of common species and increase number of competent sharks and rays taxonomists in Myanmar.
Trained staffs will be able to take correct photos of sharks and rays for future reference and publication.
Preserved specimens deposited at Department of Fisheries will be used as future references and the number of specimens will be increased from time to time. This university will become a main references centre for sharks and rays biodiversity collection in Myanmar.
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Appendix I List of participants, lecturers and facilitator
No Name Current position
Office address Email
1 Ms Ei Mon Aung Demonstrator Dept. of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University [email protected]
2 Ms Phyo Hay Mar Hlaing
Demonstrator Dept. of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University [email protected]
3 Ms Nyo Nyo San Demonstrator Dept. of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University [email protected]
4 Ms Myat Thae Mon Demonstrator Dept. of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University [email protected]
5 Mr Myo Min Tun Demonstrator Dept. of Marine Science, Mawlamyine University [email protected]
6 Dr Nyo Nyo Tun Lecturer Dept. of Marine Science, Myeik University [email protected]
7 Mr Soe Win Assistant lecturer
Dept. of Marine Science, Myeik University [email protected]
8 Ms Su Su Hlaing Lecturer Dept. of Marine Science, Myeik University [email protected]
9 Ms Thu Thu Min Assistant lecturer
Dept. of Marine Science, Myeik University [email protected]
10 Mr Zaw Linn Htun Marine Biologist Marine Science Association, Myanmar (MSAM) [email protected]/[email protected]
11 Ms Moe Moe Wor Member Dawei Research Association (DRA) [email protected]
12 Ms L. K. C. Yun Ranger Director’s Office, Nature & Wild Life Conservation Division, No. 39, NWCD, Forest Department, Naypyitaw
13 Mr Soe Win Deputy Officer Research & Development Division, Dept. of Fishery, Naypyitaw
14 Mr Kyaw Tun Nyo Deputy Assistant Officer
Dept. of Fishery, Mon State
15 Mr Soe Linn Kyaw Deputy Assistant Officer
Dept. of Fishery, Rakhine State [email protected]
16 Mr Chit Oo Lwin Deputy Assistant Officer
Dept. of Fishery, Mon State [email protected]
17 Mr Thant Zin Tun Facilitator Meinmahlakyun Wildlife Sanctuary, FFI, No. 35, 3rd Floor, Shangone St. & Myaynigone St., Sanchaung Tsp., Ygn
18 Mr Soe Tint Aung Diver Myanmar Marine Programme, Tanintharyi, FFI, No. 35, 3rd Floor, Shangone St. & Myaynigone St., Sanchaung Tsp., Ygn
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19 Mr Ahmad bin Ali Senior Researcher
Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department, Southeast Asian Fishery Development Centre, 21080 Chendering, Terengganu, Malaysia
20 Ms Lim Pek Khiok Senior Laboratory Assistant
Pusat Biosekuriti Perikanan, Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia, Wilayah Sarawak, Jalan Buruh, Bintawa 93450 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
21 Mr Saw Han Shein
Consultant FFI Yangon (Flora & Fauna International) (Part Time) Room no. 303, Bld. 29, Kamayut Butayon Rd, Hlaing Yangon, 530219 Yangon, Myanmar. Telephone : 09-73255913
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Appendix II Agenda
Shark identification and conservation training
17-21 May 2015,
Mawlamyine University, Myanmar
Day Time Lecture/lab Title Responsible officer(s)
Sunday 17 May (Day 1)
0830-0845 hr Registration Marine Science Department
0845-0900 hr Welcome speech Rector, Mawlamyine University
0900-0910 hr Opening speech Mr Ahmad Ali
0910-1030 hr Coffee break/group photography
1030-1230 hr Lecture 1 (2 hrs)
Introduction to the taxonomy and biology of Chondrichthyans
Mr Ahmad Ali
1230-1400 hr Lunch
1400-1600 hr Lecture 2 (2 hrs)
Chondrichthyan biodiversity in the Southeast Asia region and Andaman Sea
Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1600 hr Tea break
1630 hr End of Day 1
End of Day 1
Monday
18 May.
(Day 2)
0830-0930 hr Lab 1
(1 hr)
External and internal morphology of sharks and
rays. How to take photos, dissect, measure,
determine sex and maturity stage of sharks and
rays
Group 1 and Group 2
Mr Ahmad Ali
Group 3 and Group 4
Mrs Annie Lim Pek Khiok
0930-1030 hr Lab 2
(1 hr)
Classification of sharks and rays
1030-1045 hr Coffee break
1045-1245 hr Lab 3
(2 hrs)
Key to order, family and genus of sharks and
rays
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1245-1400 hr Lunch
1400-1530 hr Lab 4
(1.5 hrs)
Key to species of sharks and rays
1530-1630 hr Lab 5
(1 hr)
Preservation of sharks and rays specimens Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1630 hr Coffee brake
End of Day 2
Tuesday
19 May (Day 3)
0830-0930 hr Working group
(1 hr)
Classification of sharks and rays
Group 1 and Group 2
Mr Ahmad Ali
Group 3 and Group 4
Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
0930-1030 hr Working group
(1 hr)
Key to order, family, genus and species of
sharks and rays
1030-1045 hr Coffee break
1045-1245 hr Working group
(2 hrs)
Preparation guide to sharks and rays in
Myanmar language
1245-1400 hr Lunch
1400-1630 hr Working group
(2 hrs)
Preparation guide to sharks and rays in
Myanmar language
1630hr: Coffee break
End of Day 3
Wednesday
20 May
(Day 4)
0830-0930 hr Lecture 4
(1 hr)
Look-alike sharks and rays species in the
Southeast Asia region and Andaman Sea
Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
0930-1030 hr Lecture 5
(1 hr)
Transportation and preservation of
specimens
Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1030-1045 hr Coffee break
1045-1245 hr
Group activity
Preparation guide to sharks and rays in
Myanmar language
Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
Preparation guide to sharks and rays in
Myanmar language
Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
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1400-1600 hr Lecture 6
(2 hrs)
Conservation of shark Prof. Dr Htay Aung
1600 hr Coffee brake
End of Day 4
Thursday
21 May
(Day 5)
0830-0915 hr Group presentation Presentation by group 1 Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
0915-1000 hr Group presentation Presentation by group 2 Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1000-1030 hr Coffee brake
1030-1115 hr Group presentation Presentation by group 3 Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1115-1200 hr Group presentation Presentation by group 4 Mr Ahmad Ali and Mrs Lim Pek Khiok
1200-1215 hr Evaluation of the
training
All trainees
1215-1230 hr Presentation of certificate by Head of the Marine Science Department
1230-1245 hr Closing remarks by Mrs Lim Pek Khiok and Rector of Mawlamyine University
1245-1330 hr Lunch
1330 hr End of the training
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Appendix III Photos taken during the training (17-21 May 2015)
Participants and resource persons
Participants during lecture session
Some common sharks specimens used during the training session
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Some of the common rays specimens used during the training session
Group exercise on the technique to take photos for taxonomy used
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Group exercise under the guidance of experts
Study on reproduction and biology
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Study on reproduction and biology
Group presentation under guidance of experts
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Appendix IV List of sharks and rays used during the training
Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Black tip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Indonesian bambooshark (Chiloscyllium hasselti)
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Brownbanded bambooshark (Chiloscyllium punctatum)
Arabian smooth-hound (Mustelus mosis)
Spadenose shark (Scoliodon laticaudus)
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Japanese butterfly ray (Gymnura japonica)
Whitespotted whipray (Himantura gerrardi)
Scaly whipray (Himantura imbricata)
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Round whipray (Himantura pastinacoides)
Whitenose whipray (Himantura uarnacoides)
Dwarf whipray (Himantura walga)