PENANG, 6 August 2014 - Participants who attended the special seminar-cum-workshop organised by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) were generally of the opinion that the programme was effective in helping them to improve their knowledge, especially in Cetacean study.

CEMACS organised the seminar/workshop on Capacity Building in Conducting Cetacean Abundance Surveys in Southeast Asia which focuses on the study of cetacea, marine mammals that included dolphins and dugongs in Teluk Aling, here recently.

One of the participants, a marine biologist of a research centre in Singapore, Jesus Rey Dongallo said that the special seven-day workshop is a great opportunity for the participants to enhance their knowledge in this field.

He who has been involved in marine research for a long time, added that the opportunity to participate in this intensive workshop with the world's leading facilitators provides an experience that is invaluable in advancing his career.

“I have the opportunity to update my knowledge, in particular the methodology used in conducting scientific research as well as the opportunity to conduct field work with a facilitator who is an expert in this field,” he said.

The Filipino also said that his experience at CEMACS motivated him to continue with marine mammals conservation, besides giving him a boost to expand his knowledge in the related subject.

“This workshop also provides a comprehensive training that included theoretical and practical aspects of the subject, including data analysis to conduct cetacean research relevant to developing countries,” he said.

Besides him, the chief facilitator-cum-founder of Tropical Marine Research for Conservation (TRC), based in San Diego, California, Dr. Louella Dolar said that the opportunity to interact with young scientists is one effective step in developing a network for field research at a regional level.

Dr. Louella Dolar who has over 20 years of experience in the fields of biology and ecology of marine mammals hoped that the knowledge she shared in the programme would benefit the field which is still less popular among researchers.

“The interaction between the experts and the fresh scientists will provide a better understanding and a more holistic knowledge in the study of marine mammals.

“It also helps to introduce more opportunities in widening the network of cooperation among researchers, particularly at the international level to develop a more comprehensive study in understanding the ecology of marine mammals,” she said.

A Visiting Professor from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA, Dr William Perrin, said that it is very heartening to see young scientists in the ASEAN region coming together to share their knowledge.

“We really hope to see more cetacean studies conducted in the future by young scientists for universal benefits, the awareness impact and knowledge gained through this workshop.

“We are also hoping that more conservation efforts of marine mammals can be done to contain the threat to the environment, and this includes unregulated fishing activities and pollution,” he said.

William Perrin is also a world-leading cetacean marine biologist who, until now, has published more than 12 books on cetacea and dolphins around the world.

His first publication in the field of cetacean studies was ​​in 1972 and he is still active in contributing to academic publications that have been referred to internationally. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohamad Danial Shahri