18 July 2011

CSR_09 (July, 11th - 17th)


The non collaborative weather did not stop us from having an ace time with the people of the 9th CSR cruise.
The rough sea seemed to make striped dolphins particularly lively and playful. We sighted several large groups that followed us for miles, bow-riding, performing aerial displays and surfing the waves.
On the other hand, the encounters with sperm whales gave us the chance of experiencing two of the most serious threats to cetaceans in the Med: collisions and noise pollution. The first whale had a massive scar resulting from the collision with a boat. It was an individual that we have met several times during this season as well as last season, and all the crew wondered how its swimming behaviour could be affected by the big bump on its head. Moreover, while we were recording the animal, a cargo ship crossed the area and allowed everyone to witness firsthand how these loud vessels can completely mask echolocation sounds thus interfering with the sperm whale’s ability to search for food.
During our time in the harbour, in-between lectures, delicious meals, games and just relaxing altogether, the people onboard opened interesting debates about many issues that affect our seas, making the week even more stimulating and enjoyable.

Enrico, Monica, Marie and Sydni

Following link is for participants of this week's expedition, showing the ship's route, pictures of some of the sightings and of some moments of the cruise which were memorable (or even not so...)

Ai partecipanti al turno รจ dedicato uno spazio con il percorso effettuato durante la settimana, le foto di alcuni avvistamenti e qualche immagine dei momenti da ricordare - importanti e non

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