Report of the sub-regional workshop to validate the scoping study of nutrient pollution on the coastal and marine systems of South Asia, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 21-22 May, 2014

The workshop agenda included: presentations from collaborative institutions, national governments and resource persons; a draft scoping study on nutrient loading; and an ecosystem approach to pollution management was tested.

Understanding nutrient loading and sources in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

Inputs of nitrogen, phosphorous and dissolved silica from watersheds draining into the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem are calculated for the present day and predictions made for 2030 and 2050 are presented. The major sources are identified and the Indicator of Coastal Eutrophication (ICEP) is calculated.

Copepods of the genus Hermilius (Caligidae) parasitic on marine catfish of Kuwait, with a key to the species of Hermilius

Three species of caligid copepods (Siphonostomatoida) belonging to genus Hermilius Heller, 1865 were recovered from the giant marine catfish, Arius thalassinus Ruppell, taken from the Persian Gulf. They are H. pyriventris Heller, 1865; H. longicaudus n. sp.; and H. longicornis Bassett-Smith, 1898. H helleri Pillai, 1963 is proposed to be relegated to the synonym of H pyriventris. A key to the eight species of Hermilius is provided.

A method of immersion of panels for ecological studies on marine fouling and boring organisms

The importance of studies on the biology of marine foulers and borers needs no emphasis since they cause damage to submerged wooden structures resulting in considerable economic loss. In order to study their occurrence, settlement and to assess the rate of destruction to timber, several immersion techniques using iron racks, cages and rafts have been adopted. On the east and west coasts of India, at the Marine Centres of Forest Research Institute (Waltair, Madras, Cohin and Bombay) investigations have so far been carried out employing the first two methods.

Report of the workshop on assessing governance in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem, Bangkok, Thailand, 28-30 October, 2014

The objective of the workshop was to begin a structured discussion on regional governance in the BOBLME, drawing on lessons from a region with similar issues, the Carribean. Conclusions were made about principles, regional governance arrangements, national-regional interface and national science-policy interfaces. Future work was also planned.

Assessing, demonstrating and capturing the economic value of marine & coastal ecosystem services in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

The objective of the study was to assess the economic value of ecosystem services in the Bay of Bengal.The manin aim was to support the development of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP). Findings included: economic consequences of ecosystem change; potential economic instruments to strengthen sustainable management; and recommendations on next steps in using economic valuation.

Biodiversity and socio-economic information of selected areas of Sri Lankan side of the Gulf of Mannar

Rapid biodiversity and socio-economic studies of the Gulf of Mannar were required as part of the process to propose the Sri Lankan side as a Biosphere Reserve. These included livelihoods; land use; infrastructure; biodiversity; agriculture; fisheries; archaeological and cultural significance; and development and environmental issues.

Marine pollution and water quality monitoring in Myanmar: assessment and bridging capacity needs

This study looked at improving knowledge base capacity and enhance capacity to address marine pollution and water quality monitoring issues in Myanmar. Significant capacity needs were identified and a follow up plan presented.

How drugs from marine sources are isolated and produced

The document illustrates the processes on the isolation of bioactive compounds from marine organisms and the production of marine drugs.

Some marine toxins

The article presents some toxins of marine origin. These are tetrodotoxin from pufferfish, saxitoxins from red microalgae that mussels and shellfish ingest, and palitoxin the most toxic marine product isolated from zoonthurian Palythoa toxica.

Report of the SocMon capacity development workshop for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem countries in South Asia, St Martin's Island, Bangladesh, 2-11 January, 2015

Socio-economic Monitoring (SocMon) is an approach and set of tools for conducting socio-economic monitoring of changes in coastal communities. Planned outputs of the workshop included: training of local staff i SocMon methodologies; draft a SocMon report for St. Martin's Island; a workplan for implementing the SocMon; a communication strategy; and key inputs to a regional SocMon strategy

Report of the SocMon capacity development workshop for the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem countries in South Asia, Vidathaltivu, Northern Province, Sri Lanka, 3-11 March, 2015

This Socioeconomic Monitoring (SocMon) training workshop was coordinated by the Small Fisher Federation of Lanka (SFFL). Planned outputs included: participants from Mannar trained in SocMon methodologies; draft SocMon reports fro Vidathaltivu; a workplan for Mannar; a communication strategy for Vidathaltivu/ Mannar; and key inputs to a regional SocMon strategy