Latest Symposium

Past Symposiums

9th PMMSN National Symposium (Virtual)
Host: UP Diliman-IESM

8th PMMSN National Symposium (Virtual)
Host: UP Diliman-IESM

7th PMMSN National Symposium
Host: PMMSN Region 5 chapter (Naga City)

6th PMMSN National Symposium
Host: PMMSN Region 8 chapter (Palo, Leyte)

5th PMMSN National Symposium
Host: PMMSN Region 12 chapter (General Santos City)

2nd South East Asian Marine Mammal Stranding
Network Symposium
November 7 to 11, 2016
Thailand

4th PMMSN National Symposium
October 6 to 7, 2016
Host: PMMSN Region 1 chapter

In 2016 the symposium goes north, before it makes its way down south to the Visayas and Mindanao. This year’s theme is “Convergence of PMMSN Members Through Engaged Participation”. We will all converge at Vigan City where we aim to strengthen our participation and networking among and within the chapters. We will also review our Action Plan in order to further our goals on:

• Best practices in response, decision making, release criteria, euthanasia, others
• Research
• Collection of samples for repository purposes
• Development of more relevant IEC materials

3rd PMMSN National Symposium
October 5 to 6, 2015

This symposium gathered 15 PMMSN chapters from around the Philippines, whose members include officials of government institutions, stakeholders of coastal communities, and those from the medical and academic institutions, industry and non-government agencies, in order to share experiences about marine mammals strandings in the country. Chapter updates were presented and important scientific information from various research and the database were shared. An ambassador from SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund also presented the work done by the organization and how PMMSN plays a role in it. Participants from Thailand and Malaysia also attended this year’s symposium. It was truly a celebration of PMMSN’s 10 awesome years! #10awesomeyearsPMMSN

Objectives of the Symposium:

• Share knowledge and experiences in marine mammal stranding activities from all over the Philippines.
• Discuss relevant data and issues on marine mammal strandings in the country, in recognition of marine mammals and their strandings as valuable sentinels of ocean and human health.
• Expand the network and identify key issues and concerns related to the network and its functions, particularly rehabilitation and medical management aspects.

Download the Symposium Proceedings here.

2nd PMMSN National Symposium
October 28 to 30, 2014

The theme for the 2nd National Symposium was “Empowerment of PMMSN Members by Promoting Best Practices in Stranding Response, Research and Repository”. None other than Director Asis Perez of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources delivered the keynote speech. The objectives of the symposium were:

1. Serve as a forum for discussing results and sharing experiences
2. Revisit the best practice for stranding response, decision making, release criteria, and euthanasia
3. Promote more research (e.g. histopathology, blood chemistry, population genetics) and collection of samples for repository purposes (long term storage/archiving)
4. Review the status of previous Action Plans and encourage and support efforts to achieve these goals
5. Encourage more participation and networking from certified members
6. Develop more relevant IEC materials (e.g. impacts of dynamite fishing)

1st PMMSN National Symposium
October 9 to 11, 2013

This symposium brought together all the PMMSN chapters from all over the country for the very first time. Ninety two (92) people representing national and regional government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non government organizations, and academe participated in the symposium to share their experiences and data, recruit new members, and review the mission and objectives of the PMMSN.

Twelve PMMSN chapters gave an update on their progress and experiences. Technical papers were presented on various topics including stranding protocols, rehabilitation, governmental related issues, emerging diseases and IEC’s for marine mammals. An empowerment activity and small group discussions identified priorities for the organization in the coming years. Results of the discussions were presented at a plenary on the 3rd day.

The symposium ended on a high, with all participants signing the PMMSN Covenant or Subic Declaration. The Covenant declared the commitment of the organization to supporting and advancing their goals. Click here to read the full document.

1st South East Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium
February 4 to 9, 2013

57 delegates from 9 countries throughout the region attended this groundbreaking symposium. This event led to the formation of the Southeast Asian Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. PMMSN continues to be a leader in this important multi-nation collaborative effort.