Midriff Island Meeting in Kino Bay, Sonora, Mexico

A diverse group met at the Prescott College Field Station in Kino Bay, Sonora from November 29- December 1, 2007 to participate in a meeting focused on linking research, education, and conservation in the Eastern Midriff Island Region of the Gulf of California. The meeting, which was hosted by Prescott College, brought together researchers, educators, and those working in conservation in the region to share experiences and knowledge.

The meeting included two days of lectures by a diverse group of presenters on topics including seabird conservation on Isla Rasa, plants diversity on islands in the region, rat eradication on Isla San Pedro Mártir, and much more. SJV Education and Outreach Coordinator Jennie Duberstein gave a presentation about the work of the SJV in the region and our goal of facilitating coordinated seabird monitoring for islands in the Gulf of California.

The meeting culminated with a field trip to the Seri village of Punta Chueca, where participants enjoyed a desert hike led by Richard Felger. Participants also discussed threats to mangroves in the Punta Chueca area and possible solutions to these threats.

Prescott College is currently in the process of creating a database that will contain details about research being conducted in the Eastern Midriff Island Region. The database is envisioned to provide one-stop shopping for those interested in finding out who is conducting research in the region, what kinds of data have been collected, and how to contact the various researchers. For more information about the database, contact Bete Pfister.