Sea Watch Foundation Cetacean Survey Training Courses in New Quay, West Wales June - September 2006 Join a short course to learn all about British cetaceans, how to survey for them, and contribute to their conservation! Book Now! Introductory weekend course 24th-25th June 2006 15th – 16th July 2006 5th-6th August 2006 Extended 4-day course 2nd -5th September 2006 Courses will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local whale-watching vessel. There are two types of course: a weekend course for those with little previous knowledge or experience of cetaceans; and an extended 4-day course for those who already have some knowledge of cetacean watching. For the introductory course, the programme will include an extra lecture introducing cetaceans – their biology, ecology and behaviour. For the extended course, there will be more "in-depth" lectures including research studies, and, weather permitting, extended time at sea, with additional training in field techniques like photo-identification. Both courses will include lectures/videos on conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, species identification, and recommended survey methods for monitoring cetaceans. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based watches allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Boat-based work will also teach participants the skills needed for: (r) estimating group size and distinguishing calves, juveniles and adults (r) assessing sea state and other key environmental details (r) photographic techniques There will also be the chance to practice species field identification and the recording of different behaviours. All participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans. The courses will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff from the Sea Watch Foundation. Cost of workshop, per person (excluding accommodation and meals) Introductory weekend course - £150 Organisations; £120 Individuals Extended 4-day course - £200 Organisations; £170 Individuals On both courses, there are discounts available as follows: - £10 for members of the Sea Watch Foundation - £10 for unwaged participants (incl. students) - £10 for people sent by other charities These discounts can be added together. To book on a course, obtain more information about the work of the charity, or take part in surveys, please contact: The Sea Watch Foundation, Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545-561227 • www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk • info@seawatchfoundation.org.uk ____________________________________________________________ Outline of the course Indoor Session 1: - introduction to cetaceans: biology, ecology and behaviour (beginners course only) - cetaceans in UK: methods and applications for surveying and monitoring cetaceans, including acoustics - species identification: introductory lecture and video Indoor Session 2: - conservation problems currently faced by UK cetaceans - methods for monitoring conservation threats ( followed by video and discussion session) - cetacean research in Cardigan Bay: a review of survey and photo-ID studies Boat Trips - how to use recording forms, conduct watches, identify species, record group size and behaviour, and record environmental parameters - estimate range, measure bearing to sighting (extended course only) - how to use a camera to photograph cetaceans, key ID features to be photographed - photo-ID: individual features to photograph, how to develop and maintain ID catalogues (extended course only) Land-based Watches - watches from a nearby headland will enable participants to practise their identification skills - learn how to monitor boat activity and their possible effects on cetaceans The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity dedicated to monitoring the status and the distribution of cetaceans throughout the UK and Ireland, running training courses, and various research projects as well as managing the National Sightings Database.