WORKSHOP ON CONSERVATION OF SHARKS AND RAYS THROUGH PARASITES’ PERSPECTIVE

Workshop on Conservation of Sharks and Rays Through Parasites’ Perspective was held on December 1-2, 2021 at SEAFDEC/MFRDMD, Kuala Terengganu. A total of 17 participants comprising of research officers, research assistant officers, laboratory assistants, and contract staffs from SEAFDEC/MFRDMD had participated the workshop. Dr. Melissa Beata Martin, Dr. Muhammad Hafiz bin Borkhanuddin, and Dr. Afiq Durrani bin Mohd Fahmi, lecturers from Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) were invited to give lecture and lead practical work during the workshop. The objective of this workshop was to expose all participants on conservation sharks and rays through parasites’ perspective. Participants were introduced to parasitology in sharks and rays and effects of parasites on these groups’ population. Participants were also trained and guided practically dissecting specimens, examining and screening parasites under microscope, identifying and preserving parasites. At the end of the workshop, participants presented list of parasites found in all specimens. Based on the observation, most participants showed interest in parasitology and determination to improve their skills in screening and identifying parasites in sharks and rays.