Away from the computer and at sea for a day

A problem with a knee has forced me to abandon almost completely the work at sea, to the point that over the last five months spent at our field station in Galaxidi, on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth, I've had no chances of meeting my study subject - dolphins - at sea.

While in Greece, I have been devoting most of my time to computer work and have enjoyed very much the return of my collaborators from their daily dolphin surveys, with all their lively stories and hundreds of photos or videos to download. This made me feel quite close to the animals even if I was actually not seeing them.

After many years spent observing dolphins from boats, I can now survive not watching them every day. And yet, it is sometimes sad to look at the calm sea from the coast and not being out on the inflatable.

Today, however, conditions were ideal for a survey: no volunteers around and three of my colleagues (Stefano, Zsuzsanna ad Silvia) ready to take the sea. For a change, I decided to join them, with a commitment to remain seated.

We were blessed by an unusually calm sea. In about six hours of navigation we surveyed a large portion of the study area and found striped and common dolphins that immediatly came to bowride (see photo), although our boat was moving very slowly.

We saw lots of beautiful Cotylorhiza jellyfish, as well as tunicate colonies and individuals (I touched a transparent Salpa for the first time). We sighted a fish school jumping to avoid a predator, spotted what looked like the pectoral and caudal fins of a billfish or a shark, photographed the flight of a shearwater, and enjoyed the deep blue waters of the Gulf, over which every object or animal looked intersting and worth of our attention. We inspected some fish farms far away and recorded their position. Then, we discussed and questioned our research protocols, perhaps for the thousandth time.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience that reminded me of how incredibly lucky we are to be doing this work of dolphin researchers - whether we actually spend a lot of time with the animals or we study them through a computer monitor.

Giovanni Bearzi

Cetacean Sanctuary Research 14, 24-30 August

I came with a wish to see and hear about creatures that (for a reason not entirely clear to me) have facinated me as long as I can remember. I found very special people with kind heart, eyes fixed on the sea and am very thankful that they shared some of their knowledge and passion with me. I will never look at the sea the same way - now always from horizon to close range covering 180° at a time. ☺ I leave with extraordinary experience, great deal smarter and with a mission to share. Aitàh!

Maarja, Estonia

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I really enjoyed this week very much, it really was a pleasure to me to learn and see a lot of sealife, I enjoyed you folks from the crew, you are real nice people ,including the captain - I am looking forward for another coffee to share! The whole group were great guys too, it was a fantastic week for me. You do an incredible work, very professional and had a good way of sharing your knowledge with us. Thank you all for this wonderful week, I will tell all the folks at home what I learned and hope to see you again.

Tom, Germany

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Effettivamente un’esperienza particolare e intensa anche se di breve durata. Mi è piaciuto molto come i ragazzi prendano seriamente il loro lavoro mettendoci anima e corpo e riuscendo a coinvolgere gli ospiti e anche le loro lezioni aprono una finestra su qualcosa che non avremmo sicuramente mai approfondito per nostro conto. Anche la convivenza su una barca e in mezzo al mare devo dire che è stata piacevole e molto affiatata nonostante la differenza di età e cultura, credo che sia stato un accrescimento personale molto positivo. Mi sa che mi mancherete tutti quanti quindi a presto.

Mara, Italy

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E’ bello sentirsi a casa… su una barca. E con voi è successo proprio questo: mi sono sentita a casa, fin dal primo momento. Sono arrivata qui con una sola idea: raccogliere materiale per la mia ricerca sulla delfinoterapia. Ero armata delle migliori intenzioni, concentrata unicamente sul mio obiettivo e null’altro. Poi mi è bastato guardare le vostre facce appena messo piede sulla barca… ed è stato impossibile non lasciarsi contagiare! Grazie per i sorrisi, gli sguardi, le risate e le emozioni condivise; grazie al meraviglioso team di ricerca: ad Ale e alla sua allegria travolgente; ad Adry e Annina, due super donne infaticabili… e ad Enrico, per avermi fatto scoprire, in sogno, il potere della musicoterapia applicata alle balene! Grazie tenebroso Capitano… anche per i bagni che non ci hai fatto fare con 40 gradi all’ombra dopo dieci ore di navigazione. E grazie a tutti voi, miei splendidi compagni di viaggio! Un messaggio sentito per Ale ed Enry: non penso diventerò mai vegetariana ma… da oggi guarderò le scatolette di tonno con occhi diversi, lo giuro. Un consiglio per chi verrà: MAI farsi un pastis prima del turno di avvistamento. Mai, mai, mai!

Erika, Italy

Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants

2009 Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants in Marine Environmental History and Historical Ecology

Application Deadline: 21-September 2009

Purpose - The Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) supports research in Marine Environmental History and Historical Marine Ecology through its Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants Program. Initiated in 2001, this grant program funds research that documents historical conditions in the oceans prior to large-scale human impacts.

Scope - The program supports projects from both natural and social scientists seeking to uncover interactions between natural and human history in marine and estuarine environments worldwide. Research may draw on sources ranging from culturally- and geographically-derived information, to biological and physical data. Examples of possible information resources include fishery data, letters, journals, interviews, oral histories, historical documents, maps, photos, field surveys, etc.

Programmatic Focus - MCBI seeks novel proposals that study, document, and describe historical marine ecology throughout the world. We particularly encourage projects related to:

- The Pacific Remote Islands and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments;
- U.S. Marine Protected Areas and National Marine Sanctuaries;
- The High Seas, which are those areas outside of nation’s jurisdictions;
- Deep and shallow water coral ecosystems; and
- The historical impacts of fishing on marine populations and ecosystems.

Eligibility- MCBI invites individuals and collaborative teams from academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to apply. Preference will be given to graduate students, post-graduate researchers, and early career scientists.

Application Guidelines- The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. PDT on 21-September, 2009. Grants can range up to a maximum of $10,000 (USD) for a period of one year.

Additional information can be found at
http://www.mcbi.org/what/tegneroverview.htm

Delphi's Dolphins, 23-29 August

ODIO alzarmi presto la mattina. E non sopporto il caldo intenso. Il pensiero di stare sotto il sole per ore per me è… semplicemente ‘impensabile’! Ma non appena il gommone lascia il porto e ci affacciamo nella luminosa ampiezza del mare, ogni fatica svanisce… Questo spazio cosi ‘vuoto’… e cosi pieno di possibilita! Di respirare, di pensare, di lasciar andare i pensieri che pesano, affidandoli al vento… Per poi ritrovarli trasformati e rinnovati, freschi, leggeri! Spazio e tempo per godere, semplicemente, il fatto di esserci, e di essere! Per godere il vento sulla pelle, l’odore del mare, la vista di un blu che diventa turchese, verde, grigio e luccicante come metallo, e poi ancora e ancora, senza sosta. Vorrei tuffarmi in questo blu, diventare ancora più parte del tutto! Ma non posso: abbiamo un ‘appuntamento’ coi delfini… forse… se avranno voglia di farci questo regalo. A volte succede, e al mio gruppo è capitato tre volte! E' un momento cosi particolare… impossibile da descrivere: l’emozione si mescola alla tensione e all’impegno. Dove sono? Quanti sono? Cosa fanno? Starei impalata a guardarli: sono cosi belli, cosi giocosi e aggraziati, cosi inattesi! Vorrei tuffarmi, ancora una volta, per nuotare insieme a loro. Ma siamo qui per aiutarli e proteggerli, e questo è piu importante ora. Ci vorrebbero fiumi di parole per descrivere un’esperienza come questa: una settimana che sembra un mese! La vita insieme, con le emozioni e le risate, soprattutto quando capisco ‘Roma per toma’; il prendersi cura della casa, e dei compagni di avventura; i ricercatori, appassionati e instancabili, nonostante la loro sia un’impresa ardua, nonostante abbiano ripetuto le stesse cose a decine e decine di persone diverse… Alcuni di loro hanno occhi scintillanti e sorrisi sereni, altri modi a volte un pò bruschi… Ma in TUTTI si sente battere un cuore caldo e sinceramente devoto alla nobile causa di preservare la vita sul nostro pianeta! Tutto perfetto quindi, come in un film? No, ma tutto profondamente, sorprendentemente UMANO, ed è molto piu di quanto mi potessi aspettare… GRAZIE

Elisabetta, Italy

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Wow, this week has passed so quickly – this definitely reflects how much of a good time I’ve had! Its difficult to come up with something original after 17 pages worth of entries have summed up every aspect of the experience so well, so I apologise if this entry is somewhat repetitive! I’m really grateful to Tethys Research Institute for providing me with this opportunity to participate in the dolphin research here in Galaxidi. To have had such intimate encounters with these majestic creatures has been simply awesome but to have actively worked with the team here really has added an extra dimension to the experince. My thanks go to Joan and Aina in particular for sharing their knowledge of cetaceans and providing insight into the related environmental issues that these animals are facing; I will return home with a greater sense of responsibilty where the environment is concerned and will make every effort to share my experiences with friends and family, thereby passing on the knowledge and increasing public awareness in the hope that people will think twice about the impact their activity maybe having on the envirnoment. Efxaristo polí!

Anthony, UK

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I can’t stress enough how grateful to the Tethys Research institute I am for welcoming us into the dolphin research effort here in Galaxidi. The idea of seeing dolphins is great but the opportunity to be of some practical use to the resurchers is far better. Joan and Aina have been amazing, not only on the boat but creating a warm, friendly and above all funny enviroment, filled with jokes, teasing and eating as much as horses! All of us can say we enjoyed a holiday while we learn about marine mammels and enviromental concerns. I will make every effort to share my experiences with family, friends and the students I teach! Overall the perfect fusion of fun sun and science!

Paul, UK

Death by PowerPoint

A blog reader commented on our previous post "Talking Science" and suggested to also view the following video on how to make and not make PowerPoint presentations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFfFQ9XU7Jw

Worth the 5 mins!

GB

Four bottles from France

Chateau Billeron Bouquey, Domain du Grollet, Pineau des Charentes, VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac Reserve… the elegant names of four bottles received today by the Tethys staff in Galaxidi.

The exclusive gift was a wonderful idea by our French volunteer Gaelle, who participated in the 14th Ionian Dolphin Project team.

This post is our simple way of expressing our gratitude. A really special ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ (*) to you, Gaelle. We will think about you while enjoying these nectars!

Silvia and Joan

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(*) Thank you very much, in Greek

Talking science

The video linked below provides some insight into how to make and not make a scientific presentation. Viewing may turn out useful to young researchers, as well as to the occasional seniors who still manage to bore their audience to death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmAUad9U8-8

It must be noted that the video itself could probably be a lot shorter...

GB

Three interesting marine mammal workshops

I post here the announcements of three interesting workshops on marine mammal research techniques.

GB
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"Ecological Modeling For Marine Mammalogists"

October 11, 2009
Québec City, Canada
Québec City Convention Center, Room 2000A
Registration Fee: $30 US (register here)

"Ecological Modeling for Marine Mammalogists" is a one-day workshop that will be held prior to the 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Québec City, Canada. The workshop follows on the very successful 2005 workshop "Application of GIS and Spatial-Temporal Modeling for Marine Mammal Science and Management," and will represent the fifth Biennial workshop devoted to modeling. There is tremendous interest in applying statistical modeling techniques to the quantitative assessment of marine mammal distribution and habitat use, and our workshop seeks to explore both traditional and the latest methodologies. Our goal is to bring together practitioners that can share their experience with various approaches to ecological modeling by addressing topics ranging from collecting data, selecting the appropriate model, evaluating the model's results, and applying those results in a management scenario. The workshop format will consist of formal presentations followed by extended discussions during which particular methodologies can be fully explored by all participants. In addition to an overview of modeling techniques, we will have sessions focused on the analysis of movement data (primarily from satellite tracking data) and on the analysis of presence-only occurrence data (primarily from passive acoustic monitoring applications, but also from non-standardized sighting data such as whale watching and historic whaling records). In 2005, we introduced the Project Forum wherein students and less experienced researchers presented their projects and discussed the statistical challenges they are facing with an expert panel. We will bring this useful forum back in 2009 as a poster session to encourage increased interaction among the workshop participants.

CALL FOR PROJECT FORUM POSTERS
We are accepting abstracts (max 300 words) for posters outlining research that addresses applications of statistical tools and modeling approaches for marine mammals. We are particularly interested in poster presentations by students seeking input and discussion on statistical methodology. These posters will be used in a session, as described above, where other researchers, including the workshop organizers, can supply feedback or advice. We also welcome posters that discuss innovative tool and/or model development. Please send abstracts by Sept. 14 to Ellen Hines at ehines@sfsu.edu

Workshop organizing committee:
Mark Baumgartner
Ed Gregr
Ellen Hines
Kristin Kaschner
Kristin Laidre
Daniel Palacios
Kathy Vigness Raposa

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"Learning to effectively and efficiently use DARWIN"

The DARWIN Research Group at Eckerd College announces a workshop/tutorial “Learning to effectively and efficiently use DARWIN,” to be held Saturday, October 10, prior to the 18th Biennial Conference on Marine Mammals, in Quebec City, QC, Canada. Workshop participants will learn to install and use DARWIN, a freely available photo-identification software package, to create a catalog of dorsal fins images and then compare images of newly sighted individuals against the catalog. We will also introduce the use of various software features that facilitate the sharing of data between or within research groups and enable the output of sighting data for input to other software packages. As a part of this workshop, copies of the current DARWIN software will be distributed and installed on the laptop computer of each participant. The hands-on workshop will provide step-by-step instruction on the most important features of the software, and pointing out various tips and tricks to get the best performance from it. There will be time at the end of the workshop when participants can experiment with what they have learned and have an opportunity to have questions answered, as they arise. We anticipate that this workshop will be useful to researchers interested in training others or in using the software themselves to facilitate the photo-identification process.

More information about the software

Register for the workshop

The cost of the workshop is $30 (USD).

Please feel free to email questions to darwin@eckerd.edu

Kelly Debure and John Stewman

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The Mammal Research Institute of the University of Pretoria will be hosting a workshop on mark-recapture techniques to be run by Dr Trent McDonald of WEST Inc.

Dr McDonald is a leading researcher, author and practitioner of mark-recapture theory applied to populations of wild animals.

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE:
1. Day 1 morning: Lectures on Closed population models
2. Day 1 afternoon: Hands on exercises and consultations
3. Day 2 morning: Lectures on Open population models
4. Day 2 afternoon: Hands on exercises and consultations
5. Day 3 all day: Applications and consultations

DATE: 16-18th Feb 2010

WORKSHOP COST: R1000
Includes: Morning and afternoon coffee breaks, light lunches, venue hire, computer availability (if needed). Costs go towards covering Dr McDonald's travel costs from the USA.

EXTRAS:
1) We highly recommend purchasing a copy of: "Handbook of capture-recapture analysis" Steven Amstrup, Trent McDonald and Bryan Manly (Eds)

Dr McDonald will make available copies at the authors discount price of US$50 (which is considerably cheaper than the book is available directly in SA). These must be ordered in advance, when signing up for the workshop.

2) Analysis using R software and Dr. McDonald's MRA package will be emphasized during the workshop. Equivalent analyzes in MARK software will be illustrated. Microsoft Excel will be used occasionally to illuminate calculations. Dr. McDonald is proficient at MARK and will consult with participants on use of MARK as needed.

3) The final day will consist of short presentations and group discussion of participants projects, followed by one-on-one collaboration with Dr. McDonald. As such, participants are encouraged to email abstracts of their projects to Dr. McDonald prior to the workshop, and to bring their data sets ready to analyze.

HOW DO I APPLY?
If you would like to apply for this workshop, please cut out the following text, fill in as appropriate and email to: mark.recapture.workshop@gmail.com
Please send one email for each person who wishes to attend

Attendance must be confirmed by the 15th November and paid for by the 1st Dec 2009. Places are limited.

Name:
Institution:
Contact phone number:
I would like to order a copy of the "Handbook of Capture-Recapture Analysis" - YES / NO

Simon Elwen and Nico de Bruyn
Post Doctoral Fellows
Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria

Adriatico: piccole tartarughe in grande difficoltà

Nel Blog 'Storie di Mare' si possono trovare una serie di post relativi a un gran numero di piccole tartarughe marine debilitate e incrostate di balani che si spiaggiano lungo il litorale adriatico. Un fenomeno preoccupante dovuto a cause ancora sconosciute.

Al 24 agosto, sulle coste dell'Emilia Romagna e delle Marche si sono spiaggiati oltre 60 animali.

http://storiedimare.blogspot.com/

Alcune delle possibili cause (e soluzioni) sono descritte nel post seguente:

http://storiedimare.blogspot.com/2009/08/piccole-tartarughe-in-difficolta-in.html

GB

Darwin, dolphin photo-identification software

Darwin is a software system which allows marine scientists to maintain information for the study of various behavioral and ecological patterns of common bottlenose dolphins. It might alo prove useful for other species having similarly shaped distinctive dorsal fins.

http://darwin.eckerd.edu/

The software provides a graphical user interface to access a collection of digital dorsal fin images along with textual information which describes individual animals as well as relevant sighting data. Users may query the system with the name of a specific individual or the entire collection may be sorted and viewed based upon sighting location, sighting date, or damage category. Alternatively, the researcher may query a database of previously identified dolphin dorsal fin images with an image of an unidentified dolphin's fin. Darwin responds with a rank ordered list of database fin images that most closely resemble the query image.

Darwin is also available on GoogleCode.

Cetacean Sanctuary Research 13, 17–23 August

Thank you for a wonderful week. Seeing the dedication of the researchers and learning from them taught us all so much. I loved the sailing and we were lucky to only have one day off the water although we were greedy and wanted to see more. We mainly saw sperm whales and striped dolphins but each was amazing every time. My only disappointment was that I slept through the visit by the pilot whales! - but then I can sleep through anything! I also enjoyed the night shifts, seeing the stars late at night and the wonderful reflection of the stars on the sea surface later in the morning were unforgettable! The company was wonderful, Italian, Austrian and English – with everybody politely reminding each other to translate conversations so that I would understand. The food was great, I’ve taken lots of recipes home with me! Great fun and a wonderful experience – thanks!

Nasreen, England

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Dire che sono soddisfatto del tempo passato sul Pelagos è fin troppo riduttivo. Ho passato una settimana indescrivibile che tutti dovrebbero assolutamente provare. Un mix di divertimento, relax, stimoli scientifici e di riflessioni personali. Insomma il tempo trascorso è stato di altissima qualità sia nelle ore del giorno che della notte. Ovviamente il merito di tutto ciò è del team incontrato a bordo (con preparazione scientifica di altissimo livello) e dei compagni di viaggio che nella loro varietà hanno contribuito tutti al mio arricchimento spirituale. A tutti loro vanno i miei ringraziamenti per avermi fatto passare questa settimana indimenticabile.

Nicola, Italy

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È stata una settimana INCREDIBILE! Sicuramente non scorderò mai il suono più bello che ho mai sentito in vita mia: il respiro dei globicefali che ci sono venuti a salutare una notte in mezzo al mare e che ci hanno tenuto compagnia per più di tre ore! Come non scorderò mai la prima volta che ho visto un fluke-up! Senza dimenticare ovviamente la compagnia delle stenelle. Se possibile cercherò sicuramente di ripetere l’esperienza. Viva la Pelagos e grazie a tutto il team Tethys che mi ha accompagnato in questa esperienza e che mi ha sensibilizzato ancora di più a questo fantastico e misterioso mondo dei Cetacei, grazie!

Chicca, Italy

Delphi's Dolphins, 16-22 August

2 semaines merveilleuses avec les dauphins que rever de mieux ? Ces gardiens des Ames des mers et des oceans nous enseignent la sagesse, l’amour et la paix sans aucune colere envers l’humain qui pourtant souvent estime etre la seule intelligence sur cette planete ecole qu’est notre terre GAIA! Heureusement le travail des chercheurs a travers le monde commence a ouvrir les yeux et meme les coeurs des hommes... Aussi je ne peux que rendre grace et remercier cette merveilleuse equipe d’Aina, Silvia et Joan pour leurs travaux et leurs recherches quotidiens dans la protection des dauphins en mer ionnienne.

Catherine, France

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Learned a lot of new things. Got a lot of questions answered. Many other still remain unanswered. Had a great week. Aina and Joan thank you very much for everything.

Yvette, Greece/Bulgaria

Interactive humpback whale song

This is a commercial company but they made quite an impressive interactive animation featuring a singing humpback whale.

Possibly worth viewing, also to notice how web interactivity is progressively taking place.

http://www.optuswhalesong.com.au/

GB

Dolphins of Greece, 11-19 August

Dolphins of Greece, an evocative term for a fantastic expedition. Patient, friendly, good humoured, and infectiously enthusiastic about their work Marina and Zsuzsanna are great people and great teachers. Posi the dog was great as well, although now he’s behaving better he’s starting to get boring. The volunteers on this team were also great, we got on well and worked together easily and efficiently. My thanks therefore to Jen, Rick, and Christoph, as well as Marina and Zsuzsanna for a wonderful time. The work and experiences themselves were amazing. I’ll never forget the large group of juvenile dolphins showing stereotypical teenage behaviour (shoving, pushing, playing and flirting with each other), the two dead sea turtles we found, or the worry on our final boat trip that we wouldn’t see any dolphins. I wish I was able to stay and carry on working on this project, preferably with this team, but I have to return to the UK. So it’s with fond memories and sadness that I say farewell to Vonitsa and my first Earthwatch experience. I’ll definitely be trying to get on others, possibly this one again, and also to support Tethys.

James, U.K.

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As the expedition drew nearer, we tried to keep our expectations as reasonable as possible. So many people had told us of the beauty of Greece and of the incredible food for years leading up to our flight to Athens and bus ride to Vonitsa. Now as we wrap up our Earthwatch expedition I can safely say that all of our expectations were met and exceeded. Greece delivered the as-promised amazing food, the sights, the generous locals, the heat and the dolphins. But the importance of all of those things pale in comparison to the people we worked with on this expedition. Our volunteer-mates were hard-working yet fun. We immediately connected with both James and Christoph and together we created a memorable expedition. Our leaders, Susie and Marina, were incredibly professional and yet casual at the same time. They made sure that the work got done but also passed along the awe of seeing the dolphins (and jellyfish and turtles, albeit mostly dead ones). As teachers ourselves, we know that many behind-the-scenes details need to get done to make any learning experience happen. Susie and Marina undoubtedly worked very hard to provide the best possible experience for us. Their dedication and hard work led to great days on the sea and wonderful learning opportunities on land. Their love of the animals and of their work was infectious. And, of course, their sense of humor brought smiles everyday. They are scientists, for sure, and we are not, but they made us feel like a vital part of a team doing important research. On one of the first days we were lucky enough to spot 4 dolphins in Kalamos after many prior trips (before we arrived) turned up none. But even before that turn of good luck, we noted what an amazing thing Earthwatch is able to do. Our van was like a little United Nations with American, Austrian, Brit, Hungarian, and Italian practicing bits of Greek sharing our own cultural quirks. We traded pieces of our own lives back home to make for an enriching experience. We have become more aware consumers of fish and more appreciative of the work that scientists do. We will bring home a new-found respect for the sea and for the people that tend it. Most importantly we will return home having made 4 great friends and so many memories we will never forget. The expedition far exceeded our expectations because of the wonderful people we were able to share it with. Thanks for everything! Efharisto para poli!

Rick and Jen, USA

Cetacean Sanctuary Research 12, 10-16 August

I have been to many different whale and dolphin projects around the world. This was the largest group I have experienced, and I must say that the crew really did an excellent job in getting 11 volunteers organized into working shifts and dividing all the tasks. As a scientist I know it is not easy to do your research and at the same time try to keep a group of non-scientists (the volunteers) happy. But you all Alessia, Enrico, Claudia, Adriana and captain Roberto always kept a happy smile, and kept your patience to explain everything to us. In particular, this crew did the best teaching job that I have encountered, giving lectures and continuous explanations about all the technical stuff about whales and dolphins. Roberto, I was amazed about your skill in manouvering the boat around whales and dolphins! Alessia, at your (young) age, you are an excellent Principal Investigator, always friendly and casual, never too bossy or overpowering, but totally in control. My congratulations. Keep up the good work and enthousiasm in the future, so that many people can learn about whales and dolphins from you. You are doing an excellent job.

Roland, Holland

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Hello again! This was the second consecutive week I have been onboard the Pelagos and I can only add to what I wrote above for the first week. I was so happy that I spent two weeks with this wonderful research project. The first week was like a dry run (pun intended) where I got used to all of the conditions onboard a research vessel (not least, sea sickness which I am happy to report completely disappeared this week without the need of a patch!); how the shifts work, learning about cetacean biology and behaviour, and just getting to know the routines of the boat. This was all a fantastic experience but I feel that I got so much more out of the trip by staying an extra week. What was once new and a little strange became familiar and I felt that I could really participate in the research this time. As wonderful as it was to see these animals in their natural habitat I took just as much pleasure in the knowledge that in some small way I had contributed to the research and study of them. The highlight for me was taking the respiration patterns with my friends, Camilla and Roland, during the ‘days of the sperm whales’ when we must have made around 7 or 8 sightings of them. This was a very busy time and all of the researchers were under some stress to gather as much data as possible which only goes to underline how open and generous they were with their time. Even during this busy week when they were so busy they always had time explain what we were doing and to answer all of my (many!) questions. After such a busy few days we were so lucky to be rewarded by two fantastic presents from the sperm whales. The first occurred at the end one day when we made our last sighting and data collection. The sun was setting over the ocean and as the shimmering orange light slowly faded away we observed the whale for the final time. Everyone was silent and all we could hear was the blow of the whale and someone calling the respiration intervals (me!). When the whale finally dive it was a truly magical moment. The next day we were treated to a bit more excitement as we were witness to a spectacular breach of the sperm whale. A little tip to all future participants: when the sperm whale dives and you have finished taking your photos and videos, hang around for a few more seconds as it just might come rushing back up to the surface in an amazing display of power and grace. I have already given my thoughts last week on the crew but I would just like to mention the new addition this week. Adriana joined us and you could not wish to meet a friendlier, more open person. Thank you for all of the delicious meals you cooked and also for explaining so many things to me. Don’t forget to think of me when you see those things ‘bobbing up and down’ in the sea! So, what a fantastic 2 weeks! Thanks again to Roberto, Alessia, Enrico, Claudia, and Adriana and all of the people I met. Seeing amazing things is only half of what makes an unforgettable experience. The people you share the experience with is just as important and I feel really lucky in this regard. Good luck in the future, stay in touch and have a wonderful life.

Matthew, England

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Ciao ragazzi, equipaggio e ospiti. Ho passato una stupenda ed intensissima settimana, non avrei mai creduto di imparare così tante cose e vedere così tanti cetacei. E’ con il mio cuore in mano che scrivo queste righe perché significa che è il momento di lasciarsi. Ricordo tutte le vostre espressioni mentre abbiamo fatto il nostro primo avvistamento, ricordo tutti i bei momenti passati sul ponte e nei turni di notte. E’ stato bellissimo condividere con voi tutto questo. Un’esperienza che mi ha segnato il cuore indelebilmente per tutta la vita e che tramanderò ai miei figli. Questa settimana è stata una delle più importanti della mia vita, vorrei abbracciarvi. E’ incredibile come in barca si rompano i più grandi amori ma anche come iniziano le più grandi amicizie. E’ stato bellissimo fare tutto questo con voi. Mi commuovo pensando ai capodogli, alle tartarughe con i pesciolini sotto alla loro ombra, l’eleganza degli zifi e poi scoppio in lacrime mentre penso alle stenelle con i loro piccoli che giocano sotto alla prua della barca… il mare è una poesia.

Andrea, Italy

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Ciao a tutti, scrivo alla fine di questa esperienza nel caos delle ultime pulizie e del ri-assettaggio del fantastico Pelagos che ci ha portato in posti difficilmente descrivibili a parole e con tempi che non seguono il lineare corso delle ore. Leggevo, prima di venire che le balene hanno una particolare “aura” non immaginabile per chi non abbia avuto l’esperienza di vederle. Sono completamente d’accordo: vedere questi giganteschi animali che emergono con maestosità ed eleganza dalle profondità di un mondo così misterioso è un regalo immenso che porterò sempre con me. Un grazie quindi a tutti gli animali che abbiamo visto e che ci hanno mostrato con grande gentilezza uno stralcio della loro vita e un grazie anche a tutti gli animali della specie Homo sapiens che hanno condiviso con me questa esperienza e che ricorderò con grande affetto.

Andrea, Italy