WE OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTECIPATE IN A SPERM WHALE PROJECT ON CANARY ISLANDS
Greetings MARMAN,
We’re happy to announce a new project!
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a Citizen Science program that promote the study and conservation of Sperm Whale in the Canary Islands, Spain.
The Society for the Study of Cetacean in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC) is a non-profit scientific organization focused on research, conservation and scientific dissemination on cetacean in the Canary Islands, Spain. Thirty species (mostly oceanic and little known worldwide, such as sperm whales and beaked whales) have been recorded in these waters. SECAC is based on the island of Lanzarote, a Biosphere Reserve. SECAC offers interested people a Citizen Science program that promotes participation, environmental education, the study of marine biodiversity and the conservation of cetaceans and their habitat, in addition to maintaining this long-term research program.
The purpose of this study is to deepen the scientific knowledge of the sperm whale (and other cetacean) and evaluate their conservation status. The work methodology includes conducting marine visual and acoustic surveys to know the distribution, abundance, habitat use, movements, social structure and conservation status of this species in the area. This project aims to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures. Field trips are carried out on the SECAC research vessel; field work is subject to weather conditions. No previous experience required. All you need is interest in cetaceans, conservation and a positive attitude.
Participants:
Receive training and gain experience in research, biology and ecology of sperm whale and other cetacean.
Participate in daily research expeditions by boat (subject to weather conditions).
Collect data on cetacean behavior, group size, photo-identification, acoustic recording (passive acoustic monitoring using a towed hydrophone array ), drone images, etc.
The data analysis will be carried out daily and will involve entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo identification processing and preliminary data interpretation.
The donation required for 7 project days (trips to the sea, theoretical and practical sessions, accommodation on the sailboat and full board meal) is 950 euros.