21 March 2013: The Western Hemisphere Migratory Species Initiative (WHMSI) has approved funding for six projects under its Small Grant Fund. The decision, taken during the WHMSI Steering Committee meeting on 28-29 January 2013, follows a call for proposals issued during the fall of 2012.

After examining 37 applications, six projects were selected for funding, which include: projects on sharks in Panama and the Franciscana Dolphin in Argentina; a shark identification workshop for law enforcement in Mexico; and sharing best management practices for coral reef and mangrove conservation in the Grenadines. The goal of the Small Grants programme is to enhance the conservation of shared marine migratory species and habitats of greatest concern in the Western Hemisphere, with emphasis on sharks and rays, marine mammals, coral reefs and mangroves, as well as beaches.

Recently strengthened relations between the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other wildlife related agencies may increase the benefits of this initiative for migratory species conservation in the region. The CMS has welcomed support for the six projects.

The WHMSI Small Grant Fund is supported by the Organization of American States (OAS) under the “Special Multilateral Funds of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (FEMCIDI)” and USFWS. [CMS News] [Project Proposals]