In addition to having Icha and Yanti as regular trainers for stranding training workshops, we have several associate trainers and volunteers from other institutions that assist us whenever they are needed. These amazing trainers are as follows:
Dr. Danielle Kreb is a conservation biologist with a specialization on both freshwater and marine cetaceans and now working as scientific program advisor for the Samarinda-based NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI. She developed several action plans based on dedicated field studies on both coastal and freshwater cetaceans in Indonesia since 1999. Her main interests and current activities include conservation-oriented and capacity building research of cetaceans and their habitats in Asia, development of integrated conservation programs to protect rare and endangered species, including initiating biodiversity and socio-economic studies that aid in the preservation of aquatic habitats of cetaceans and other species. Danielle is a seasoned trainer for the national marine mammal stranding network, particularly in species identification and the management of river dolphins.
Sekar Mira is a seasoned trainer for the national marine mammal stranding network. She works at the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI - Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia), and she is now the go-to person in her institution on stranding-related matters. Mira is also the unofficial liaison between government institutions and WSI for workshop schedules. In the context of stranding, Mira's main interest is genetics and anatomy of marine mammals.
Dwi Suprapti, DVM is also a veterinarian, also interested in sea turtle conservation. Currently the Species Program Manager of WWF Indonesia, Dwi was exposed to marine mammal stranding issues when she was stationed in West Kalimantan. Dwi is also a seasoned trainer for the national marine mammal stranding network, specialising in veterinary-related subjects, including anatomy and necropsy. Dwi's help in providing funding through WWF for the Phase Two reconstruction of this website was very crucial.
Pariama Hutasoit is the Director of the Nusa Dua Reef Foundation, a Bali-based NGO. Pariama's interest in marine conservation started during her career as a journalist in Bali in 1997. She was involved in several marine mammal stranded rescue efforts in Bali. She was one of initiators the Bali Whales and Marine Mammals Stranded Rescue (a precursor to the current stranding network). Pariama is a regular trainer for the national marine mammal stranding network, particularly for Bali.
Sheyka Nugrahani is an artist and a cetacean enthusiast with a dream to raise public awareness in Indonesia about the importance of the ocean through the collaboration of art and science. As an artist, Sheyka contributed to the website by donating her painting for the beautiful WSI logo (the orca). As a communication enthusiast, Sheyka has immense contribution in social media, news gathering and publishing, and networking with fellow responders. Per September 2015, she will take a Masters coursework on marine mammal science at the University of St. Andrews. She will still contribute to the website and the stranding community through online means.