Sirenian International
The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of endangered manatee and dugong populations and their aquatic habitats around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. The idea behind Sirenian International was born on the bow of a small boat in Belize in 1998.
Two young scientists, Caryn Self-Sullivan and Katie LaCommare, spent hours discussing how they might contribute to the conservation of sirenians on a global scale as they searched among a labyrinth of mangroves for elusive manatees. In 1999, together with Tami Gilbertson, they co-founded Sirenian International, Inc., which has since grown into a network of over 400 manatee and dugong professionals around the world.
Although our participating and supporting members often advocate for manatees and dugongs in their local communities, SI is not an advocacy organization per se. All contributions and donations are use exclusively for sirenian conservation through research, education, and networking services. Services provided to our international network of professionals include: mentoring and advising; access to a professional listserv, online bibliography, and connections to authors for reprints of publications; scientific reports and letters to support people who are involved in conservation issues; and small grants for research, education, and collaborative projects in developing areas around the world.
Our small grants program supports educational outreach projects, community conservation programs, scientific research projects, emergency funds for rescue and rehab, and networking meetings in developing countries where alternative resources are scares. To date, we've awarded grants to projects in Vietnam, Thailand, Colombia, Belize, Puerto Rico, Gabon, Venezuela, India, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Palau, and Honduras. With your support, we can continue to support passionate people working in these and other developing areas to protect endangered manatees, dugongs, and thier aquatic habitats.
As an organization, we also conduct educational outreach programs at schools, libraries, zoos, aquariums, museums, and festivals. Our 2008 program includes the US Tour, ‘Mermaids: Ambassadors from Sea to Sea', which will launch on Earth Day in Virginia. The tour will travel across the United States via ‘Mermaid Van' through August conducting educational outreach events for all ages groups from pre-schoolers to seniors. Learn more about SI and follow the tour online at www.sirenian.org .