CSR_20 (September 26th - October 2nd)

The Cetacean Sanctuary Research season finale was spent in exceptionally hot weather, with a wonderful group of enthusiastic and dedicated international participants, who diligently joined the Tethys team to survey the Pelagos Sanctuary with unwavering passion and optimism. Their efforts were rewarded with multiple sightings of striped dolphins almost every day. We were thrilled that after weeks of observing elusive pods of this species, several of our sightings consisted of large groups of playful adults that came to bow ride and leap around our boat. We also sighted some smaller groups of adults with calves. In addition, the participants helped with some data analysis by matching photo-identification pictures of sperm whale flukes with our catalogue of known individuals. This analysis revealed a potentially unknown individual which was affectionately named “Leomas” by the participants. Other daily activities included a trip to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on Thursday, and later in the week we were also able to visit the beautiful town of Villefranche where we spent the night anchored in the bay. The fantastic attitude and atmosphere on board all week could not have made for a better end of season.
All the researchers from the Tethys team would like to send a special thank you to all the volunteers that have participated in the CSR research cruises this season, without whom our work would not be possible. It has been a real pleasure. See you next year!

Viridiana, Joanna, Anna and Eva

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 è 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.