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Marine Turtle Newsletter 66:31-32, © 1994

Conservation Genetics Workshop

Brian Bowen
BEECS Genetic Analysis Core, 2123 Fifield Hall, P. O. Box 110699,
Gainesville, Florida 32611-0699 USA

On March 21-26, 1994, the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (ICBR) at the University of Florida conducted a Conservation Genetics Workshop for biologists from developing nations, with a conceptual focus on marine turtles. This workshop was the pilot for an anticipated annual series of workshops designed to transfer state-of-the-art conservation genetics techniques to wildlife managers and conservation biologists. The workshop was funded by the National Science Foundation Conservation and Restoration Panel and the U. S. Agency for International Development.

Recent developments in molecular genetics, particularly the advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology, have brought the cost of genetic analysis down to the level at which wildlife managers in developing countries can consider these research options. However, a shortage of trained personnel remains a major obstacle to widespread application of conservation genetic techniques. The ICBR workshops are designed to overcome this critical gap in training.

The first workshop brought together scholars from 12 nations: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Nicaragua, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela. During the five-day workshop, participants learned about DNA techniques from lectures and laboratory exercises and then met with authorities in the field of conservation genetics for a series of informal seminars. These authorities participated in discussions about how genetics studies may be designed and most effectively applied in conservation of biodiversity in developing countries. Dr. John Avise (evolutionary geneticist, University of Georgia) and Dr. Colin Limpus (sea turtle conservationist, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage) delivered keynote addresses.

The first workshop focused on marine turtles as this is a traditional strong point of research at the University of Florida. Subsequent workshops will focus on marine mammals, migratory birds, and other endangered groups. This organismal approach allows the workshop organizers to address specific conservation issues, and to assemble the authorities who can provide practical solutions. We hope to offer these workshops on an annual basis. For more information, please contact me at the BEECS Genetic Analysis Core.