Marine Mammal Stranding Network established in Guyana
The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency, World Wildlife Fund, and Protected Areas Commission and succeeded in establishing a Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Guyana.
Conservationist Annette Arjoon-Martins addressing the issue of marine mammals stranding at the launch
At the recently concluded Caribbean Veterinary Conference hosted in Jamaica, conservationist Annette Arjoon-Martins addressed the issue of marine mammals stranding.
Following her presentation, she was requested by Dr Ayanna Phillips, Marine Mammal Medicine and Aquatic Animal Health veterinarian to offer her services to GMCS.
GMCS is hopeful that the Guyana-Trinidad partnership will now be strengthened in networking.
Arjoon-Martins’ presentation covered the various incidents of marine mammal stranding between the periods 2009 to 2015.
These included a Baleen Whale at Almond Beach in 2009, a Killer Whale at Almond Beach in 2010, a Sperm Whale at Kitty foreshore in December 2014, a West Indian manatee on the East Coast in 2014, a Pygmy Sperm Whale in Region 5 in January 2015 and a male Sperm Whale at Suddie beach in April 2015.
Over the last five years, there have been notable increases in the numbers of sea turtles that are being found bobbing in the Demerara River and along coastal waters. This issue was majorly addressed by Arjoon-Martins.
The Guyana Coast Guard as well as the Guyana Defence Force were both highly praised for their ready support of both aerial and terrestrial resources when called upon.
New members for 2016 includes the Fisheries Department, MARAD and the Sea and River Defences departments whose collective technical and other expertise are a welcome addition to the 16-year-old Guyana Marine Conservation Society.
