Coastal Dolphins of Sarawak - Research and conservation issues

Talk by Dr. Gianna Minton

Monday - February 08 at 20.00. Pelangi room – Panaga club,

After a year of coastal boat surveys in Miri, Bintulu and Kuching, the researchers have gained insight into the habitat preferences and conservation needs of the 4 species of dolphins in the study. The talk will cover basic aspects of dolphin biology and ecology & more detailed information on the coastal dolphins of Sarawak, it will include photographs, video footage, and preliminary survey results.

Bio Gianna Minton:

After graduating from Stanford University in California, Gianna Minton started her professional life as an teacher and curriculum developer, working and living in Spain and Holland, as well as the US. She was reinvented as a cetacean researcher during her 8 and 1/2 years in Oman. Between 1999 and 2005 she raised funds, engaged in PR activities, and conducted boat and beach surveys for whales and dolphins all along the coast of Oman . Her PhD thesis, which was completed in 2004, focused on the amazing non-migratory humpback whales of the Arabian Sea. Since July 2005 she has been living with her husband and two young daughters in Sarawak, Malaysia. In May 2008 she was appointed as a Research Fellow at University Malaysia Sarawak to fulfill the role of Principal researcher on on the Sarawak Dolphin Project, and continues to work with Cindy Peter, MsC candidate to study coastal dolphins in the Kuching, Bintulu and Miri regions. When not bouncing around on a boat looking for dolphins or looking after her daughters, aged almost 3 and almost 5, Gianna is swimming, running, or enjoying Borneo's terrestrial wildlife.

ps. non panaga club members please notify PNHS@gmail.com to apply for a day pass