Results of the Austrian-Ceylonese hydrobiological mission 1970 of the Institute of Zoology of the University of Vienna (Austria) and the Department of Zoology of the University of Sri Lanka, Vidyalankara Campus, Kelaniya. Pt. 19. Aquatic and semiaquatic Hemiptera of Sri Lanka from the Austrian Indo-Pacific expedition, 1970-71

This report concerns the aquatic and semiaquatic Hemiptera collected in Sri Lanka by Prof. Starmühlner and Prof. Costa during November and December 1970. A surprising number of new species have been found in the Starmühlner-Costa material, even in groups for which comprehensive revisions exist. Seven new species are described here.

Meeting on BOBLME engagement in the International Indian Ocean Expedition 50th anniversary initiative (IIOE-2), Bangkok, Thailand, 17-18 March, 2015

Objectives included; a contribution to understanding large-scale processes affecting the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project (BOBLME) and it's living resources; and to align with International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2) (2015-2020) which will extensively explore and study the Indian Ocean to improve understanding of the ocean and coupled climate processes.

The Philippine seaweed industry

A brief outline is given of the Philippine seaweed industry, which involves mainly the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii, produced as a source of the semi-refined or Philippine natural grade (PNG) carrageenan. Other species cultured and marketed include: Gracilaria changii, G. firma, G. heteroclada, G. manilaensis and G. tenuistipitata. The Philippines has the largest carrageenan refinery in Asia. However, production of seaweeds is rather erratic, which is attributed to the following factors: 1) indiscriminate harvesting, seasonal abundance of different species in different areas and lack of proper management; 2) shortage and deteriorating quality of seedlings, especially for Kappaphycus; and 3) natural calamities.