International Sirenian Symposium In conjunction with the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Tampa, Florida November 27, 2011 Initial Announcement You are invited to participate in the Fifth International Sirenian Symposium being held on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 08:30AM-5:00 PM in Room 23 at the Tampa Convention Center. The aim of this symposium is to foster communication between sirenian researchers, managers, and policy makers from around the globe. Over the last couple of years we have made marked progress regarding sirenian conservation, management and research. At this symposium we hope you will be able to share your expertise and experiences. Scientists and managers are invited to submit an abstract to speak at the symposium; priority will be given to those presentations focusing on international efforts outside the U.S. to promote collaboration and information exchange with foreign programs. Abstracts will be considered for work involving the latest advances in Sirenian Conservation and Management; Stranding Response and Captive Care; Monitoring Applications; and Biology and Research. Those abstracts not selected for a talk will be invited to present a poster. In support of the Biennial Conference theme, it is suggested that presentations attempt to address some aspect of cumulative effects from human activities on local sirenian populations, and identify possible conservation approaches to address those effects. All presenters will be given up to 15 minutes, which includes time for questions. Abstract submissions should be in Word format, no longer than 300 words (excluding title and authors), and contain the primary author’s full contact information and affiliation. Abstracts must be submitted electronically to Nicole Adimey (nicole_adimey@fws.gov) by August 31, 2011. Instructions on how to register for this workshop, will be available in the near future on the Biennial Conference web site at: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference. There will be a small registration fee of $10.00/US for this symposium collected at the door. ________________________________________ Nicole Adimey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200 Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7517 904.731.3079 (direct) 904.731.3336 (main) 904.731.3045 (fax) nicole_adimey@fws.gov http:/www.fws.gov/northflorida