Whale & dolphin research in Ligurian Sea, Italy

Description of Whale & dolphin research in Ligurian Sea, Italy

The stretch of Mediterranean that runs between northwest Italy and Tuscany, bordering Corsica in the process, is known as the Ligurian Sea and it's this natural habitat that has become a haven for watching whales and dolphins in Italy.

Alongside whales and dolphins, Italy's northwest coastline also contains numerous other marine animals which are known to thrive and coexist with cetaceans within the Mediterranean basin however, negative human impact is threatening this existence at an alarming rate.

Since the early 90's research has been carried out to investigate the behaviour, population numbers and preferred habitats of cetaceans living within a protected area of the Ligurian Sea, known as the Pelagos Sanctuary. This specially bordered marine zone stretches from southern France to Sardinia and the Ligurian coast in Italy, whale watching tending to focus upon large fin whales, sperm whales and well-known Italy dolphins such as Risso's, striped and bottlenose.

Identifying, tracking and recording information about whales and dolphins in Italy and France is crucial for helping to preserve the natural world which is why this six day research cruise is as much about discovering the beautiful marine ecology of the Mediterranean as preserving it for years to come.

Upon arrival group members will be invited to join in with activities in the field where they'll be helping with research and assisting in collecting and analysing data on cetaceans prior to updating computer records. Digital photo analysis and initial identification work will also be carried out by participants with presentations on marine biology, research techniques, conservation and cetaceans in general helping to build on knowledge acquired assisting researchers in the field.

Participants will also be required to become full crew members which means they'll be assigned certain roles and duties alongside research tasks such as cleaning, food prep, cooking and helping to operate the craft. Full training will be given in order for participants to learn, develop and understand research techniques and nautical procedures and as such no experience is required.

The overall price for this six day research cruise includes bed, board, insurance, training, presentations and all scientific tuition and supervision. Groups range from six to no more than 11 people with day to day research tasks dependant on the weather. The survey and research craft used throughout the cruise is a 21 metre Motorsailer boat with chances to stay offshore possible depending on specific survey programmes as well as the state of the sea and strength of the wind.

Standard survey days find the crew rising between 7 and 8am with research starting after breakfast and continuing until a designated harbour or sheltered anchorage is reached from where to spend the night.

Finally, although participants will be involved in computer data entry, hydrophone listening, checking the course and speed of the craft, general housekeeping and whale and dolphin watching, Italy is, of course, a naturally beautiful location so relaxing, sunbathing and swimming are also a rewarding part of the experience.

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