Dear collegues, we are pleased to annouce a special edition of a practical intensive course on cetaceans, in Madeira Island (Portugal), between 17-19th March, after the 30th ECS. INCLUDES:four lectures, three pelagic trips , a visit to the Whale Museum, a look-out post experience, insurance and certificate. TARGET PARTICPANTS:undergraduate / recente graduated students and naturalists. ORGANIZED BY:Ventura | nature emotions, in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Envirnomental Research (CIIMAR-Madeira) and the Madeira Whale Museum, with the participation of Madeira's Regional Agency for the Development of Research Technology and Inovation (ARDITI) and the Oceanic Observatorium of Madeira (OOM).Lectures will be given by researchers with experience on the field, and the pelagic trips guided by an experienced tour leader. GOALS:to provide the participants thechance to learn more about the marine life in general, covering aspects of the biology,species identification, and standard research techniques applied to the studyof whales and dolphins, as well as of other associated megafauna inhabiting theMadeiran waters such as sea birds, turtles and the endangered Mediterraneanmonk seal. To provide the participants anintensive sea life watching experience during the week, covering: datacollection (visual and photographic data) and the chance to discuss real lifedifficulties in data collection and species identification; adequateapproaching procedures / best practices when near the animals; and ‘reading’animals signs of stress.PRICE:290€ (early registration: 261€, untill 15 February). 10% discount for students. INFORMATION and BOOKING:please contact the responsibles for the course: Luís Dias / Filipe Alves at ventura@venturadomar.com with the subject 'Whales & Dolphins Practical Course'.A brochure with more details is available upon request. Best regards, Filipe Alves Marine biologist, PhDCIIMAR-Madeirahttp://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=filipealves Ventura | nature emotionshttp://www.venturadomar.com/team