Diving into Myanmar marine science

Teaching local marine biologists how to swim is just part of Flinders casual academic Dr Sue Murray-Jones contribution to Myanmar’s ecosystem conservation.

When the former State Government marine biologist first went to the Southeast Asian country in 2016, researchers at the country’s four Marine Science Departments relied on local fishermen to collect samples.

Now her involvement has grown, seeking support from Flinders University for older safe ‘recycled’ equipment from biological science labs to build capacity in three universities in Myanmar (previously Burma).

“The first transfer of 20 donated automatic pipettes of various sizes were delivered to staff and students in May and were enthusiastically received,” she says.

“They now have a new life in three universities, Pathein, Myeik and Sittwe. Sittwe’s marine science department is so new, they have no equipment at all.”

Students in the new Sittwe Marine Science Department learning to use the pipettes, in a new laboratory still in need of more research equipment.

Initially working with Fauna & Flora International for a six-month stint, Dr Murray-Jones has run training in everything from underwater survey methods, coral, seagrass and mangrove identification and assessment, habitat mapping to swimming, snorkelling, diving and even computer skills.

“Myanmar was closed off to the world for a long time and is still one of the poorest countries around,” she says.

“While Myanmar’s marine scientists have excellent knowledge of natural history, they are a bit lacking in modern ecological methods,” she says, acknowledging the help of Flinders University biodiversity centre technician Dr Sam Davies for helping to coordinate, collect and organise signoff of cast-off equipment.

“Myanmar’s marine scientists are very grateful for the generous donations and have recorded Flinders in their donations books as a kind benefactor.”

The initial six months has extended part time over the past four years, and will hopefully continue into the future.

Dr Murray-Jones is still on the lookout for text books and any other donations of older, still-functional laboratory equipment. Please email susan.murrayjones@flinders.edu.au

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