Bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean

Tethys president Giovanni Bearzi, together with colleagues Caterina Maria Fortuna and Randall R. Reeves, have just published a review paper on bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea.

Bearzi G., Fortuna C.M., Reeves R.R. 2008. Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2008.00133.x

---

Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea

Giovanni Bearzi, Caterina Maria Fortuna and Randall R. Reeves

Copyright © 2008 Mammal Society/Blackwell Publishing

ABSTRACT

1. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are amongst the best-known cetaceans. In the Mediterranean Sea, however, modern field studies of cetaceans did not start until the late 1980s. Bottlenose dolphins have been studied only in relatively small portions of the basin, and wide areas remain largely unexplored.

2. This paper reviews the ecology, behaviour, interactions with fisheries and conservation status of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, and identifies threats likely to have affected them in historical and recent times.

3. Whilst intentional killing was probably the most important cause of mortality until the 1960s, important ongoing threats include incidental mortality in fishing gear and the reduced availability of key prey caused by overfishing and environmental degradation throughout the region. Additional potential or likely threats include the toxic effects of xenobiotic chemicals, epizootic outbreaks, direct disturbance from boating and shipping, noise, and the consequences of climate change.

4. The flexible social organization and opportunistic diet and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand at least some of the effects of overfishing and habitat degradation. However, dolphin abundance is thought to have declined considerably in the region and management measures are needed to prevent further decline.

5. Management strategies that could benefit bottlenose dolphins, such as sustainable fishing, curbing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity, are already embedded in legislation and treaties. Compliance with those existing commitments and obligations should be given high priority.

E' nato Giorgio!

Il figlio della ricercatrice Tethys Arianna Azzellino è nato il 30 settembre alle 18:52.

Arianna racconta: "Le ore di sonno sono in media 4 o 5 a notte e ogni tanto si riesce a rubacchiare qualche mezz'ora di sonno durante il giorno... Ciononostante è sicuramente l'esperienza più bella e intensa della vita vista fin qui!"

Auguriamo a Giorgio una lunga e felicissima permanenza in questo mondo.

How to sex a dolphin

Assessing the ratio of males to females in endangered populations is important for conservation work. Sexing a dolphin at sea is tricky, not least because the genital area of the mammal is usually concealed beneath the water. Researchers generally have to rely on time-consuming observations, either inferring a female's sex from its close association with a calf or taking sharp photos of the genital area (and the dorsal fin). The alternative is a biopsy sample, potentially unpleasant for the animal, again combined wih photos allwing for the individual identification of that individual.

Lucy Rowe and Stephen Dawson, marine biologists at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, found an alternative. They recently published a paper reporting how photographs of dorsal fins were used to determine the gender of bottlenose dolphins in a well-studied population in New Zealand's Doubtful Sound. This technique allowed to sex the animals from features measured solely from dorsal fin identification photographs, routinely collected as part of non-invasive population monitoring.

The pair teamed an over-the-counter digital camera with a pair of laser pointers, which project two reference spots precisely 10 cm apart onto the dorsal fin. This procedure allowed an accurate determination of dorsal fin size. The digital photographs were then compared with existing fin and sex records for the population.

Applying this technique, the two researchers found that dorsal fins of males had significantly more scars than female's, probably as a result of aggressive behaviour among males. Fins had a median of 15% scar tissue, whereas in females this was just 3.9%. Conversely, the dorsal fins of females tended to have a greater number of patchy skin lesions, with a median of 12.1% coverage compared with males' 6.8%. Rowe and Dawson then used a statistical analysis of number of fin nicks, fin size and scarring to correctly predict the sex of 93% of 43 dolphins.

This laser technique could potentially be applied to other populations of dolphin or even to other species with slight sexual dimorphism. The authors are currently testing their technique to another population of dolphins in the nearby Dusky Sound, and "initial signs are good".

Annalise Petroselli

---
Rowe L., Dawson S. 2008. Determining the sex of bottlenose dolphins from Doubtful Sound using dorsal fin photographs. Marine Mammal Science doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2008.00235.x

More information: Nature.com

Cetoquiz

Questo animale è stato fotografato da ricercatori Tethys nel Santuario Pelagos. Che cos'è?

Usare i commenti per rispondere (chi lo sa già non risponda, non vale).

Chi indovina vince una menzione sul Blog (wow!).

Click sull'immagine per ingrandire.

Dolphins of Greece, 1-9 October 2008

The Dolphins of Greece is not only an absolute wonderful experience, but it allocates for one a time to reflect upon the environmental conditions we live today. Each day was a new experience. Each day in the Gulf was a new way to look at the life of not only the dolphins but all who interact within this environment. Joan and Mauro were excellent mentors who challenged us to critique all that was observed. I can think of no one else I would rather have to lead this group! The team was great and the interaction was extremely beneficial. This was a big addition to my 11 week trip throughout Europe. Keep up the good works and education to us all!

Dale, Texas

---

The Dolphins of Greece expedition provided through Earthwatch was an absolutely AWESOME and AMAZING experience!!! Joan and Mauro were wonderful as a Principle Investigator and research assistant. They taught me so much about in-the-field research and the video documentaries were very educational. The accomodations were truly amazing, the food was incredibly delicious, the views was awe-inspiring, and the dolphins were breath-taking. I had such a wonderful time and learned more than I had ever hoped to. I know that I will be able to use this experience to help raise awareness and educate others about all of the important issues that relate to this expedition! Thanks so much!

Amanda, Florida

---

This was my first Earthwatch trip and it was worth every penny. I appreciated Joan’s sarcasm and forthright communication style. We were very lucky to have two people on our trip who were dolphin trainers and educators from the Sea World environment. Their experience allowed Joan to delve a little deeper into the science and the methodology and we all benefited from this. The food was really tasty throughout the week, the accommodations very nice, and Posi the dog was a highlight. I learned from the videos and lectures as well as from the doing the actual surveys of dolphin behavior. We were fortunate enough to see dolphins each time we went out so we had varied experiences. There were times that it was a little stressful on the boat but seeing the dolphins made it all worthwhile. Mauro was the assistant during our trip and he was really an asset to the group. His sense of humor and intelligence made the excursions fun and interesting. Overall, this was a great trip with great people, a great place to visit, and great animals to study. I can’t wait to share what I learned with everyone back home.

Jana, Colorado

---

Since this was my first Earthwatch trip, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a GREAT trip and I’m definitely interested in taking other Earthwatch trips now. I really enjoyed getting to see the dolphins, learning about the research processes and seeing Greece. Joan’s personality made it enjoyable. His sarcasm and frankness was refreshing and made his occasional grumpiness bearable ☺. The banter between Joan and Mauro was a lot of fun. It was clear to see how much both of them care about dolphins and the environment. It was fun sharing geocaching with the group and I’m glad we finally got Joan to the castle! I learned a lot from the documentaries and I have a lot to teach people back home. Thanks for the great experience.

Suzanne, Colorado

---

The Dolphins of Greece was my first Earthwatch expedition, and it has exceeded my expectations. I work for Sea World and the Sea World/Busch Gardens Conservation Fund sent me on this expedition, and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity. I work with dolphins on a daily basis and it was such a good learning opportunity to see Joan’s work with the dolphins in the gulf and to be able to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Although I had a base of knowledge about dolphins, Joan and Mauro were exceptional teachers and I learned more than I antcipated. I really enjoyed the emphasis on conservation and I now feel like I have a large amount of knowledge that I can pass on to my fellow co-workers and guests of Sea World. This trip has also strengthened my desire to pursue more education and to work in the field of marine consevation. My fellow volunteers were wonderful and much of our time was spent laughing with each other. The group dynamics with the volunteers, Joan and Mauro were excellent and we all shared a similar sense of humor. The accomadations were great and I really enjoyed the time we spent sight-seeing and eating together. I cannot say enough good things about this trip and feel so fortunate to have been able to participate on this expedition.

Mary, California

Italy exposed

Bad news for the Italian fisheries. A new report by WWF, called “Lifting the lid on Italy’s bluefin tuna fishery”, confirmed the Italy’s widespread disregard of fisheries management rules for Mediterranean bluefin tuna.

The report surveyed Italian catches and markets and found out that the fishing for Mediterranean bluefin tuna is unsustainable and totally out of control. It had been shown that, for example, Italy is fishing twice the legal national quota, most of the time fishing boats are assisted by illegal spotter aircrafts or are without fishing licence, and the real catches are often unregistered.

WWF will present this new report to the Italian fisheries ministry and to European Commission fisheries officials, urging prompt investigations. WWF is advocating an immediate closure, until the fishery is brought under control and sustainable management measures are put in place.

Silvia Bonizzoni

---
Photo credit: WWF

WWF: more information
WWF: the report as pdf file
WWF: what you can do to save the bluefin tuna

Emptied Oceans

A short video on YouTube, worth watching:

Emptied Oceans

Everybody who spent their childhood near the Mediterranean Sea coast, snorkelling, diving, fishing, or just walking along the coast, can probably tell a similar story.

I myself am shocked by the degree of devastation and loss. Only 30 years ago I have seen a diversity of marine life that does no longer seem to exist, and fish in numbers and sizes that just aren't there anymore.

Giovanni Bearzi

Kalamos' Last Team, 29 September - 4 October 2008

“4 O’clock Out, Out… 5, no, 6, 7 sighted!” Five pairs of eyes swivel as one over to the right of the boat and peer expectantly over the clear blue water. I can feel the level of the excitement in and around me rise as the details of the sighting become clear. If I don’t see anything except water straightaway I feel so disappointed. Then a few seconds later, the glorious sight of a dorsal fin arcing out from the waters surface and then through the air releases all the tension and I could swear the beautiful dolphins were grinning at me before they glide back out of sight. The sun is behind me warming my back and nature is putting on an acrobatic display for me before my very eyes. I feel so spoilt.

If that wasn’t enough then, as soon as I return to the cottage hidden away in the islands hillside, a feeling of relaxation overwhelms me. Seven year-round residents, a few visiting boats, Stefano and Zsuzsanna form the Tethys team, the other volunteers Marta and Ruth... and me. It is not an island of sights and manicured prettiness, but there is the most amazing peace and quiet. This is not 5-star luxury... the treatment I receive from the Tethys team is far simpler and far better than that. I realise that hospitality should be measured with hearts and not stars. From Susie’s early morning call, to beautiful music and a breakfast of simple food, locally sourced. Coffee if it’s needed, and nothing is too much trouble to ask for. I have never felt at home so quickly anywhere. Including home.

I soon realised that the team look after you better than any waiter, butler or maid, because they treat you (and in turn you treat them) just like a family. There is a complete respect and a feeling of support. The team ethic here is strong too. It needs to be for Tethys to run such a tight, professional operation, but one that opens its doors to complete strangers every week. I am completely absorbed into the research team. I clean and cook with them. I sail, spot dolphins and record the results with them. I work on the results with them and I feel like I am doing good to the world with them. And then, at the end of each day, I eat and relax with them. This is not a holiday for loners, or a place to come to have your entertainment pre-packaged and served up to order. The satisfaction of a job well done and the smiles that I share from the natural fun of a close-knit group are more than enough for me.

It is amazing too to see the people I was laughing with, just the night before, transformed into a highly focussed crew on a boat. Orders are barked because they need to be. Discipline is high, but every rule is in place for a reason. I know when I’ve done something wrong and I soon realise that when they are at work, their business is taken very seriously.

Everything that they and I do is explained clearly and with care, and this brings my visit to Tethys to life even more. Now I understand why the ropes on a boat must be tied just so, why the settings on a camera are important to get the best images for recognition and why accuracy in all activity is paramount. And I also understand a little why the ecology of the sea is changing, and what just a few of the causes and impacts of this might be. And maybe, just maybe, how a few things that I do can change it. There is no preaching here, just simple logic, backed up by fact and research. It is much more powerful than any other message I have ever seen. Nothing is shocking, just well presented by people who love what they do and their passion for their work is infectious.

And then I’m back on the boat. Dolphins are nearby and my heart is racing because I know I must perform my task well to help record their activity. And I understand why the smallest details are important, and it all makes sense. When the work is done for the first sighting I know there will be time to relax and enjoy watching the creatures we’ve recorded play. To take photos, to marvel at their beauty and their personality. And because I now understand just a little more about why they do, what they do and what it means for the world, I feel closer to them than I could ever have imagined and I can smile back at them with all my heart.

Andy, U.K.

---

The Ionian Dolphin Project is neither a dolphin-watching-program nor a pure holiday. It is much, much more than this – and it is something completely different. I joined as a volunteer primarily because I have been travelling to Greece for some years now and I wanted to see a different side of this country I so fell in love with. I was always aware of the fact that there was more to it than Ouzo and Sirtaki, but this week on the Kalamos island was more than I had thought it would be.

I experienced true international teamwork in the best possible way. I spent more time outside in a week than I usually get in a month. I enjoyed some brilliant home made (Italian!!!) food. I learned a lot about cetaceans in the Greek seas and about the problem of over-fishing. And yes, I did see dolphins in the wild. But the amazing thing is that the days we did not see dolphins were not even the least bit less interesting, fun or informative as the days we actually saw them.

A big fat THANK YOU to the incredible staff, Stefano, Zsuzsanna and Mauro for making it so easy to feel as part of the project. And thumbs up for Marta and Andy, probably the best roommates I ever had.

Ruth, Germany

TRECENTO

Due nuovi articoli scientifici pubblicati sull'International Journal of Comparative Psychology (vedi sotto) hanno fatto scattare a 300 il contatore dei contributi dell'Istituto Tethys.

Si tratta di 75 pubblicazioni scientifiche, 208 contributi congressuali e 17 fra libri e altre pubblicazioni a carattere divulgativo (quest'ultima è di certo una sottostima). Ciascuno di questi contributi conta uno o più collaboratori di Tethys fra i coautori.

Dal momento della fondazione di Tethys (nel 1986) fanno circa 14 contributi all'anno - una media niente male.

Alle 300 pubblicazioni di cui sopra andrebbero aggiunte 53 fra tesi di laurea, Master o dottorato svolte con Tethys e volendo anche le newsletter (Cetacea News, Blowhole, Tethys News) e molti articoli divulgativi pubblicati su vari periodici.

La lista completa delle pubblicazioni, in continuo aggiornamento, può essere scaricata come file pdf dal sito dell'Istituto, nella sezione Pubblicazioni/Publications.

Giovanni Bearzi e Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara


Immagine tratta dalla locandina del film '300'

---

Wright A.J., Aguilar Soto N., Baldwin A.L., Bateson M., Beale C.M., Clark C., Deak T., Edwards E.F., Fernández A., Godinho A., Hatch L., Kakuschke A., Lusseau D., Martineau D., Romero L.M., Weilgart L., Wintle B., Notarbartolo di Sciara G., Martin V. 2007. Anthropogenic noise as a stressor in animals: a multidisciplinary perspective. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 20(2-3):250-273.

Wright A.J., Aguilar Soto N., Baldwin A.L., Bateson M., Beale C.M., Clark C., Deak T., Edwards E.F., Fernández A., Godinho A., Hatch L., Kakuschke A., Lusseau D., Martineau D., Romero L.M., Weilgart L., Wintle B., Notarbartolo di Sciara G., Martin V. 2007. Do marine mammals experience stress related to anthropogenic noise? International Journal of Comparative Psychology 20(2-3):274-316.

Turismo irresponsabile

È stato inaugurato a fine settembre il resort "Atlantis, The Palm" nell'isola artificiale Palm Jumeirah a Dubai. Quest'ultima fa parte della cosiddetta "Palm Trilogy" insieme a Palm Jebel Ali e Palm Deira, le tre isole artificiali costruite dall'azienda Nakheel.

Ai risultati degli studi di impatto ambientale sulla barriera corallina, condotti prima dell'inizio dei lavori, è stata data poca importanza. Invece, sono stati evidenziati i materiali e le tecnologie moderne utilizzati per la costruzione. Viene dato ampio risalto al fatto che quest'opera è stata realizzata completamente con materiali naturali: 94 milioni di metri cubi di sabbia e 7 milioni di tonnellate di roccia. È stato stimato che per la costruzione di questa "Palma" sono stati impiegati materiali che potrebbero costruire un muro lungo tre volte la circonferenza terrestre.

Oltre a decine di alberghi, Palm Jumeirah ospita 500 appartamenti, 2.000 ville (tutte con piscina), 200 negozi di lusso, diversi cinema, porti di lusso con illuminazione sottomarina 24 ore su 24 e un parco marino che comprende gigantesche vasche con pesci di ogni varietà.

In particolare il resort Atlantis vanta gigantesche vasche che contengono più di 65.000 pesci di innumerevoli specie: razze, squali (tra cui lo squalo balena Rhincodon typus), pesci tropicali e un delfinario. Le suite più lussuose hanno la vista sulle vasche dei pesci, il che comporta una illuminazione artificiale delle vasche per la maggior parte del giorno e della notte.

Il delfinario "Dolphin Bay" ospita numerosi tursiopi che sono stati prelevati dalle Isole Salomone, nel Pacifico Meridionale e trasportati con lunghi voli aerei. Vengono proposte immersioni con i delfini, e ai turisti viene addirittura fornito un acquascooter per nuotare insieme agli animali. È anche possibile entrare con loro nelle vasche meno profonde dove è consentito toccare i cetacei e giocare a palla con loro. L'intero programma dura 90 minuti, di cui 30 in acqua con gli animali, e vengono ammessi gruppi di 10 persone alla volta. I delfini sono disponibili tutti i giorni dalle 10 del mattino alle 6 del pomeriggio. Naturalmente ci sono in programma anche spettacoli nei quali i delfini si esibiscono in acrobazie.

"Dolphin Bay" collabora con istituti per la conservazione dell'ambiente marino come la Kerzner Marine Foundation e dona parte degli introiti a centri che si occupano di riabilitazione dei mammiferi marini. Per quanto riguarda il caso del resort Atlantis, e di altre strutture analoghe che stanno nascendo, è interessante il contrasto tra gli spettacoli di delfini ammaestrati e la pretesa di conservare questa ed altre specie in natura.

Non tutti sono in grado di discriminare ciò che è giusto da ciò che è "mascherato da giusto". L'unico modo per capire è non fermarsi a ciò che viene presentato, ma informarsi meglio e farsene un'idea personale (e ancora una volta emerge l'importanza di una buona divulgazione scientifica). Chi si occupa di conservazione della natura sa che a volte per raggiungere uno scopo può essere necessario accettare dei compromessi, ma c'è un limite a questo? Io credo di sì.

Elisa Remonato

---
Photo credit: Atlantis

Per approfondimenti:
http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/dolphinbay/meetthedolphins.aspx
http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/
http://www.thepalm.ae/
http://www.nakheel.com/developments

We sail for the whale

WDCS The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, a faithful supporter and collaborator of Tethys, is running a campaign named We Sail for the Whale alongside the world’s premier global yacht race, the Volvo Ocean Race.

The goal is to highlight the urgent need for better protection of the world’s whales and dolphins, and the race will help building support for safe havens for whales and dolphins. Key focus of the campaign is a petition calling on for the establishment of 12 marine protected areas around the world, by 2012. The petition will be presented to governments and international conservation agreements in June 2009 at the end of the race in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Sign the Global Petition for Marine Protected Areas!

SB

Kalamos, 21-27 September

When arriving at Mytikas, a small fishermen village, the first sensations that you feel are the calm, the piece of mind of the places. The beauty of the landscape completely catches your attention! Even if not speaking English, charming, smiling and friendly people welcome you, trying to help you and give you advices.

While I wait for the boat that will bring me to the island of Kalamos, the other volunteers arrive one by one and we begin to chat and know each other. In the meantime, I start questioning myself and the anxiety is coming: “Why did I decide to come here? Will the atmosphere be good in the group? Did I choose the right program? For me, it is like a bet.” I will get the answers soon… I chose to be a volunteer in this program to discover how the project is managed by the researchers and what are the impacts of their surveys, to have a human-being relationship experience, and of course to see the dolphins. And now, today, I can say: “Yes the bet has been won”.

The week spent in Kalamos was really nice and unforgettable. All-important subjects of the project have been discussed and the atmosphere was really funny and friendly. The harmony in the group was real, everyone participating in the daily activities. It was really pleasant to live in Kalamos, a beautiful island untouched by mass tourism. And dolphins… it is difficult to explain what you feel when you see them, you have to live this experience to understand it. On the boat, we were like children, shouting each time we saw one of them! We tried to count them: one, two, three, four, five, six! We realized that we were surrounded by them, far away or just near the boat, and also below the boat. We participated in the data collection necessary for the survey of the researchers, which was really exciting. Then we followed the dolphins, and we were simply spectators of their life in their environment, in freedom, and tried to not disturb them. It was really fantastic and dolphins are fabulous animals.

Many thanks to the three researchers Stefano, Susanna and Mauro, passionate people engaged in cetacean research. They took the necessary time to explain us their project, their message, their work, and involve us in the activities. It was a pleasure to meet people so involved in a beautiful cause, having such interesting, exciting and useful job. They were understanding, patient and respectful. Many thanks to the volunteers: Suzanne, Bridgette, Françoise and Gabriele for their cheerfulness and discussions. Thanks to all for the good recipes and funny dinners!

Isabelle, France

---

Vorrei ringraziare Stefano, Susie e Mauro per l’impegno, il rispetto dell’ambiente, la professionalità e la simpatia. Nella mia seconda esperienza in Tethys il tempo (meteorologico) non è stato dalla nostra parte, ma nonostante ciò torno a casa con un’altra esperienza piena di belle sensazioni. L’ultimo giorno madre natura ci ha regalato una giornata piena di sole e l’avvistamento di numerosi delfini, davvero meraviglioso! Sarà vera la teoria dei desideri che diventano realtà soltanto se ci si crede davvero? Mi convinco sempre di più che sia vero e, in base a questa convinzione, credo che tutti coloro che lavorano e aderiscano a Tethys (e a tutte le idee e i coraggiosi progetti che valorizzano la vita) contribuiscano a un mondo migliore. Auguri a tutti, continuate così!

Gabriele, Switzerland/Italy

---

What did I expect from a week spent with the Ionian Dolphin Project? 1) a chance to learn about dolphins and their conservation, 2) a chance to meet new friends, 3) a chance to get involved in a research project that could benefit the environment and 4) a chance to experience a different country. Did the week fulfil these expectations? Yes and more...

We did see dolphins – although, due to weather conditions, we had to wait until the last day for a 'proper' sighting. The weather restricted our chances on the other days. But it was worth waiting for. The house is basic but comfortable. Our group got on extremely well, contributing to the team effort both in the house and on the boat. I was sad to leave at the end of the week.

Bridgette, U.K.

Quando muore un delfino

Quando si spiaggia un cetaceo provo un senso di impotenza. Se questo animale è della specie che sto studiando e cercando di proteggere la sensazione diventa ancora più forte. Alla curiosità di scoprire come è morto si aggiunge il timore di riconoscere in quell’individuo un membro della popolazione che studio.

Qualche giorno fa i miei colleghi Joan Gonzalvo e Mauro Colla sono andati a ispezionare un delfino spiaggiato sulla costa dell’isola di Lefkada, in Grecia (vedi post). Rientrato alla base, Joan mi ha subito mandato alcune foto della pinna dorsale per capire se fosse uno dei 'nostri' tursiopi, cioè un individuo delle vicine popolazioni che monitoriamo da anni.

Ed ecco che mentre apro quei file mi prende la paura di riconoscere in quella pinna malconcia una delle nostre vecchie conoscenze. Dopo aver esaminato tutti gli individui in catalogo questa ipotesi non trova conferma.

Non è Atena, la mia preferita della popolazione di Kalamos, e neppure Koboloi, il piu' simpatico di Amvrakikos, e nemmeno uno dei loro compagni vecchi o giovani. Non è uno dei nostri delfini, e tuttavia si tratta di un animale morto, impigliato in una rete da pesca. Non lo conoscevo, eppure mi dispiace.

Silvia Bonizzoni

Origami whale

If you want to say “stop” to whaling carried out by the Japanese fleet, go to the dedicated Greenpeace web site. You can send a message to the Japanese Prime Minister to ask him to stop 'scientific' whaling and the cetacean meat trade... and express your creativity.

You can make your own ‘origami whale’: choose the paper you prefer, add details and a voice to your animal, write a message on top and let it swim in the ocean. From the coasts of Australia - a major whaling antagonist - to the waters of Japan, your whale will travel to bring your important message. After some days you can even check where your animal is on the map.

Don’t forget to send invitations to your friends asking them to embrace the cause, as nearly 50,000 people have done so far.

Francesca Zardin

An unusual flying encounter

It was my first week for this season, and I was really happy to be back on board of the Tethys research vessel ‘Pelagos’. Thinking that a second year team member should work very carefully, I was trying to do my best in every task, starting from the sighting shifts. So during the winter I studied bird identification, too, since we also collect information on their presence during the navigation.

Herring gull, shearwater - ok, these are easy. Cormorant, puffin - too rare, I’ll never be so lucky. Audouin's gull, tern… ok I’ve got it!

I was feeling pretty confident about the species names, and during my shifts I was eager to report any flying fledged... Encounter: two adults herring gulls... Encounter: three shearwaters...

The principal investigator for the week was teasing me, but I was playing the ornithologist with conviction, so I persisted. Encounter: one tern...

Then, while I was on my sighting shift again, something strange appeared flying through my field of vision. Small, orange head, black and white dotted wings… Hoopoe! I suddenly screamed.

However, that one wasn't quite within its typical habitat. Upupa epops is a typical bird of cultivated grounds... what was it doing so far from the coast?

Francesca Zardin

---
Photo by Vezon Thierry / photo.net