The structure of the collaborative research network (IPSN) is such that data will be shared across the network to allow for large-scale analysis (and cross-site comparisons). Each contributing team retains ownership of submitted data. Each collaborating location is encouraged (and will be supported through the IPSN mentor program) to publish and share their data with local and national fisheries and other environmental authorities.
The theme for IPSN is “seagrass gleaning” (defined here as fishing or collecting invertebrates with no or very basic gear in the water where it is possible to stand). Data collection to contribute to the theme “seagrass gleaning” is expected to be conducted between July 2018 and February 2020.
The idea behind IPSN is that there is a research protocol that is easy to follow, accompanied by instruction videos and photos where helpful. Following the research protocols will provide insightful and valuable data. The research protocols are designed to generate publishable data, for example in management plans, policy documents and/or as research findings as reports or in academic journals. Access to protocols is granted once you have signed up as a member.
Within IPSN there is also a mentor program so that each member has someone to turn to for support regarding any aspect of the research process.
We would like to build and advance a network of seagrass and fisheries practitioners across the Indo-Pacific. If you are a practitioner in the Indo-Pacific and interested in seagrass and/or fisheries we look forward to hearing from you and hope you would like to become a member or collaborator of IPSN.
Please contact us if you would like any further details or if you have any questions!
In 2018 training workshops was held in the following locations:
- Singapore, June 15th, part of the International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW13). For more information about the conference click here.
- Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, June 22nd, as part of the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC5). For more information about the conference click here.
- Zanzibar, Tanzania, August and October 2018.
Indo-Pacific Seagrass Network (IPSN) 