project update

4 time free diving world record holder Frederic Buyle joined us 16 - 20 June to assess the feasibility of tagging thresher sharks in situ. Pursuant to 36 hours field observation conducted on site (05:30 - 17:30 daily coverage), we found hydrodynamic conditions to be too aggressive and erratic to render free diving an effective method of tagging them on its own. We therefore recommended that local knowledge be employed to long line thresher sharks away from Monad Shoal and that established scientific methods be used to expertly apply tags under clinical conditions, to minimise stress on the animal. Feedback on these recommendations has been positive and we are expecting funding decisions shortly.

13 - 15 June, 2008:

Celebrate the Sea Festival

Manila Ocean Park, Manila

Invited and sponsored by Michael Aw (OceanNEnvironment & Asian Geographic).

2 April, 2008:

The Thresher Shark Forum

University of Batangas, Batangas City

Invited and sponsored by UWB, BCRMF and FPCI

Simon presented ‘The distribution, biology and behaviour of thresher sharks (Alopiidae spp.) in response to cleaning, anthropogenic pressures and conservation solutions in Philippine waters’ as keynote speaker to policy makers, stake holders, conservation groups and members of the press.

26 - 27 March, 2008:

Marine Key Biodiversity Areas Definition Workshop Mimosa Leisure Park, Clark Air Base

Invited and sponsored by Conservation International

Simon presented ‘The distribution, biology and behaviour of thresher sharks (Alopiidae spp.) in response to cleaning, anthropogenic pressures and conservation solutions in Philippine waters’ as keynote speaker to scientists, academics and conservation groups.

The group conducted forensic analysis on 14 Pelagic thresher sharks (A. pelagicus) and 1 Bigeye (A. superciliosus) at a lab donated by the University of Batangas, 30 March - 14 April, 2008. These specimens provided us with the unique opportunity to advance scientific knowledge in thresher shark biology, life history, ecology and parasitology, and served as catalysts for a significant public awareness campaign to protect them. Taken from Batangas City fish markets by Cecille Rosales in February, the samples were frozen in chest freezers (donated by SM - Shoe Mart) until adequate facilities were set up to dissect them. Once defrosted, morphometric, parasite, stomach content and condition data were assimilated, and genetic, stable isotope and EM samples were taken for future analysis in our affiliate labs based in the UK and Canada. From these we aspire to gain insight into the population structure and dynamics of thresher sharks in Philippine waters, as well as their vulnerability to pressures levied upon them by fisheries.