G’day mates!  Finally got through the loooong lines to get back on the internet! :)  The conference is going very well!  The opening ‘Welcome Reception’ on Monday night included a demonstration from an aboriginal dance troop, which was super cool! 

 Tuesday, Wednesday and today have been filled with lots and lots of talks!  Although there are a lot about Australia conservation, rehabiliation, research and education programs, countries from around the world have been well represented.  I believe about half of the participants this year are from Australia and this is their first ISTS!  Crikey!

Wednesday night was the LIVE auction…boy was that a crazy time (as always!).  But it looks like they raised a good amount of money for next year’s Symposium!  The GSTC beach towel sold for $95AUS!!!

Poster sessions have been going well too, with a number of people stopping by and asking lots of questions!  I have a few ‘hellos’ to pass on when I get home….

Today (Thursday) they have a special treat for us….a live Flatback sea turtle!!  They let you feel it and take photos!  It is very different from the other species in that it has a skin over it’s carapace!

Well, that’s it for now from ‘down under’.  I’ve got to get to my poster session! :)  Hope all is well ‘up over’!

Sincerely,

Stefanie
Marine Field Programs Coordinator

G’day mates!  For those of you who don’t know, I was fortunate enough to be sent to the 29th Annual International Sea Turtle Symposium in Brisbane, Australia to represent the Georgia Sea Turtle Center…and that’s where I am now!  The internet is more readily available and working much better than last year in Loreto, Mexico so I will try to BLOG throughout the week and keep everyone updated on the happenings in ‘turtle world’.  I will be presenting a poster titled “The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 1 Year Later”, which summarizes all the accomplishements the GSTC has had since opening in June 2007.  It represents all 3 departments: Education, Rehabilitation and Research as well as other on-going projects such as the Diamondback Terrapin Conser. Proj., SEANET, international work and conferences we’ve hosted.  I also brought a number of items to donate to the silent auction that are representative of the GSTC.  The silent and live auctions help to fund the next year’s symposium (2010=India) and student travel grants. 

Stay tuned for more from down under!

Stefanie
Marine Field Programs Coordinator