Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, Principal Investigator of the UP Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Laboratory and President of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network, delivered a keynote talk at the ongoing 5th Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium and Workshop. The conference is being held from 3 to 5 June 2026 at the Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.

In his keynote talk, “Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine Mammals in Asia: Insights from Strandings,” Dr. Aragones discussed human-induced threats affecting marine mammals in Asia and highlighted the role of stranding networks in marine mammal research, conservation, and coordinated response efforts. Dr. Aragones will also serve as one of the facilitators of the Marine Mammal Stranding First Response Workshop, together with Carlos Camarena, Jerson Vitug, and Dr. Leo Suarez. The workshop is scheduled for 4 and 5 June at the Research and Learning Centre and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

The symposium-workshop, co-hosted by the Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Resorts World Sentosa, Thai Coral Reef, and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, brings together participants from different backgrounds under the theme “Interfacing In-situ and Ex-situ Marine Mammal Conservation Efforts in Asia.”

Dr. Aragones will also deliver remarks during the closing ceremony on 5 June, alongside Dr. Alfonso Lopez of the Singapore Oceanarium. The ongoing event includes technical sessions, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at strengthening regional preparedness and conservation action for marine mammals in Asia as part of the One Health agenda.