INVESTIGACION

RESEARCH

The programme of research “Preliminary study on the ecology of cetaceans in the Basque seaboard”, will be based on information obtained from marine samples aboard the Marloi.

Our first approach to the problem is to ascertain the variety of cetaceans and their distribution in the Basque waters, and also to estimate their relative abundance in the 25 miles nearest the coast.

Apart from assimilating information concerning cetaceans, we intend to obtain facts related to seabirds, turtles and other protected species.We will also take note of the stains and fuel remains from the “Prestige” and other sources of contamination, thus providing information on the state of the sea after this petrol tanker disaster.

This research will be carried out displaying, in sucesive campaings, the coast betwen Cabo de Higuer and Playa de Muzkiz. During these campaings we will collect information and take photographs of the animals, and from these, reach some analytical conclusions. As a result, we hope to increase existing data base, and also supply new information concerning the variety and distribution of these animals in the Gulf of Biscay.

We need the public to participate in our project, and so, we offer this opportunity to everyone who loves sea, navigation and cetaceans, to participate and contribute in the sampling campaings, which we will be carrying out this summer (2004).

Sampling Campaings

   These campaings will take place in April, June, July and August. The survey is composed of 5 stages, each lasting from 7 days during which we will sail along the Basque coast in search of cetaceans.

The working days will start at sunrise and end at sunset.

During the day we will sail up to 25 miles from the coast, tracking the surface of the sea. Once we have found the animals, we will take notes and photographs for use in our research.

At the end of each working day, the “Marloi” and its crew will refuel and take supplies at port on the Basque coast.

The crew is made of the Captain, 2 researchers and 7 investigation assistants.

Anyone who accompanies us will be classed as investigation assistant , and will form part of the work group and help in the various tasks on board. These include research, navigation, preparing food and maintenance of the ship.

In the course of the research, the assistants will be trained in navigation,cetacean biology, research techniques, systematic classification and its application to marine environment.

As well as scientific information, those taking part in the research, will learn some rudiments history of whaling and of traditional fishing in the Basque Country. Information on the subject will be supplied by the Captain of the Marloi, Hilario Martinez, who apart from possessing extensive knowledge of the Cantabrian Sea, knows, from personal experience, the secrets and attractions of fishing in these waters.

When we have gathered all the information together, we will have a frame of reference that cannot be bettered; the Basque coast and the typical fishing harbours, which will be our ports of call during our sampling expeditions.

Investigation Assistants Programme

   Anyone who wishes to participate and take part in the research programme, has the chance to come on board with us and enjoy being a member of the research team.

   We offer you the opportunity to get to know, in a unique and wonderful way, the Basque Coast with its hidden riches and, at the same time, to contribute to the conservation of all of them.

   Come with us on our Summer campaings and you will attain the dream of many - The requirements are few, and the conditions and expenses are within the reach of everyone.



RESEARCH The programme of research “Preliminary study on the ecology of cetaceans in the Basque seaboard”, will be based on information obtained from marine samples aboard the Marloi. Our first approach to the problem is to ascertain the variety of cetaceans and their distribution in the Basque waters, and also to estimate their relative abundance in the 25 miles nearest the coast. Apart from assimilating information concerning cetaceans, we intend to obtain facts related to seabirds, turtles and other protected species.We will also take note of the stains and fuel remains from the “Prestige” and other sources of contamination, thus providing information on the state of the sea after this petrol tanker disaster. This research will be carried out displaying, in sucesive campaings, the coast betwen Cabo de Higuer and Playa de Muzkiz. During these campaings we will collect information and take photographs of the animals, and from these, reach some analytical conclusions. As a result, we hope to increase existing data base, and also supply new information concerning the variety and distribution of these animals in the Gulf of Biscay. We need the public to participate in our project, and so, we offer this opportunity to everyone who loves sea, navigation and cetaceans, to participate and contribute in the sampling campaings, which we will be carrying out this summer (2004).






Sampling Campaings These campaings will take place in April, June, July and August. The survey is composed of 5 stages, each lasting from 7 days during which we will sail along the Basque coast in search of cetaceans. The working days will start at sunrise and end at sunset. During the day we will sail up to 25 miles from the coast, tracking the surface of the sea. Once we have found the animals, we will take notes and photographs for use in our research. At the end of each working day, the “Marloi” and its crew will refuel and take supplies at port on the Basque coast. The crew is made of the Captain, 2 researchers and 7 investigation assistants. Anyone who accompanies us will be classed as investigation assistant , and will form part of the work group and help in the various tasks on board. These include research, navigation, preparing food and maintenance of the ship. In the course of the research, the assistants will be trained in navigation,cetacean biology, research techniques, systematic classification and its application to marine environment. As well as scientific information, those taking part in the research, will learn some rudiments history of whaling and of traditional fishing in the Basque Country. Information on the subject will be supplied by the Captain of the Marloi, Hilario Martinez, who apart from possessing extensive knowledge of the Cantabrian Sea, knows, from personal experience, the secrets and attractions of fishing in these waters. When we have gathered all the information together, we will have a frame of reference that cannot be bettered; the Basque coast and the typical fishing harbours, which will be our ports of call during our sampling expeditions. Investigation Assistants Programme Anyone who wishes to participate and take part in the research programme, has the chance to come on board with us and enjoy being a member of the research team. We offer you the opportunity to get to know, in a unique and wonderful way, the Basque Coast with its hidden riches and, at the same time, to contribute to the conservation of all of them. Come with us on our Summer campaings and you will attain the dream of many - The requirements are few, and the conditions and expenses are within the reach of everyone.