Dear all, I am pleased to announce the first regional workshop on the Incidental Catches of non-targeted Marine Species in the Western Indian Ocean, with a focus on by-catch of marine mammals and sea turtles in this region. Incidental catch of non-targeted marine species: Problems and mitigation measures, 13-15 November 2006, Mayotte (France) INCIDENTAL CATCH OF NON-TARGETED MARINE SPECIES: PROBLEMS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Catch of non-target species in fishing gears is known to occur throughout the Western Indian Ocean region, and there is an urgent need to address this problem. This workshop will aim to: - Bring together relevant marine mammal and turtle sicentists, conservationists and managers in the region to share ideas and exchange information. - Review the level of threat from fisheries, both coastal and pelagic, in the WIO region. - Discuss and resolve common issues relating to by-catch. - Discuss and resolve common issues relating to data collection and analysis, survey techniques and specific threats (other than by-catch) such as eco-tourism, pollution, habitat destruction/disturbance and boat collisions. - Produce recommendations for research and management, fund-raising and future regional and international collaboration. - Give particpants the opportunity to observe and partake in practical field research and conservation activitites. This workshop will be organized by the Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (French Wildlife Service), which is actively involved in marine mammal research programmes around Mayotte. Sea Sense, a NGO based in Tanzania will be one of the co-organizers. Sea Sense works hand in hand with local communities to protect endangered marine life in Tanzania, with a special focus on dungongs and turtles, through conservation, research and education. The workshop is funded by WIOMSA through MASMA. To download the 1st Announcement, please go to the following link: http://www.wiomsa.org/default.asp?groupid=2004121143411905&pageid=2006761439...