"Training Workshop on Identification of Deep‐Sea Bbenthic Macroinvertebrate Vulnerable to Fishing Gear"

A set of knowledge on the identification of deep-sea benthic macro-invertebrate with emphasis on the species found from the fishery resources survey aboard M.V. SEAFDEC 2 was provided during 11-15 July 2011.

The workshop was attended by researchers and specialists in the field/area of marine biologist, taxonomist, and person who involved in benthic invertebrate identification from the SEAFDEC Member Countries, benthic ecological expert from England, Professor, lecturer, graduate students, and undergraduate students from Kasetsart University (Bangkok, Thailand).

This training provides a set of knowledge on the identification of deep-sea benthic macroinvertebrate with emphasis on the species found from the fishery resources survey aboard M.V. SEAFDEC 2 at the continental shelf and slopes of Southeast Asian waters. The training attempted on building the capacity of the participants to identify species captured at water depths between 100 and 400 m by using morphology and habitat preferences out with the specific objectives to enhanced Participants’ ability on deep‐sea benthic macroinvertebrate identification through practical works.

Six resource persons (Dr. Mike Kendall, benthic ecologist and a consultant for Plymouth Marine Lab Application at Plymouth, United Kingdom; Dr. Sumaitt Putchakarn, Senior Scientist at Biodiversity Research Unit, Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand; Dr. Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chittima Aryuthaka, Assistant Professor Puntip Wisespongpand and Assistant Professor Teerrapong Duangdee from Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand) who professional in benthic macroinvertebrate identification and marine macrobenthic survey were facilitated to the workshop to guided participants to identify the group/species (Polychaete, Gastropod, Bivalves, Echinoderm, Porifera, Shrimps, Lobsters, crabs) commonly captured in the South China Sea and Andaman Sea.

During four days of practical work in laboratory, participants were requested to identify the specimens up to family level or the lowest taxa. The practice on counting, measuring, and examining the pertinent external anatomical structures those necessary keys to be used in identifying the specimens.