The Sirenian International Participating Members Biennial Meeting will be held Thursday night, December 15th, 2005, 7-9:30 PM in Elizabeth "A" (NOT December 17th as previously posted).  The Agenda is included below.  No registration fee, but please register online at http://www.sirenian.org/membership.html.  Walk-ins also welcome as space permits!

An opportunity will be provided for networking among manatee & dugong scientists and for follow-up discussion from the USGS/USFWS International Sirenian Workshop on Sunday morning.  Cheers, Caryn

WHAT:  Sirenian International, Inc., Biennial Participating Membership Meeting
WHEN:  Thursday 15 December 2005 19:00 – 21:30 
WHERE:  SMM Meetings – Room Elizabeth “A”

The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. 

AGENDA

19:00   Introductions and Thanks

•                 Sirenian International is a totally inclusive organization of grassroots people who share a dedication to manatee & dugong conservation on a global scale.  We are a research, education, and conservation organization, not an advocacy group.  However, we encourage Participating Members to be advocates at their local level as they deem appropriate. 
•                 Introduction of our current Board of Directors (SIBOD)
•                 Introduction of our current Scientific Advisory Council (SISAC)
•                 Participating Membership (PM) - What is it?
•                 Supporting Membership (SM) - What is it"
•                 2006-2008 SIBOD Slate of Nominees & Nominations from the Floor

19:30   Financial Report 2000-2005

19:45   New Business – Background and Open Discussion

•                 A Brief History of Sirenian International
•                 Calls for Proposals & Manatee & Dugong Projects Supported to Date
•                 Where do we go from here?  Recommendations for fundraising & recruitment of both Participating and Supporting Members

20:15   Break-out Groups

•                 Leadership Roundtable – Current SIBOD and Nominees gather round and discuss the future of Sirenian International
•                 Networking Roundtable –Sunday’s Workshop Presenters, Attendees, and SAC gather round to make connections, share ideas, and mentor new sirenian scientists
•                 Association to Save the Northernmost Dugong – Please join Yuuki Iwashina who is seeking scientific advice regarding conducting an EIA in Japan on the new proposed US Military Site.

21:15   Final Feedback and Discussion

21:30   Adjourn