Whales, photography and drones: special theme weeks aboard “Pelagos”
In some teams, there will be experts from various disciplines which relate to cetaceans and sea conservation: from photography, to microscope analysis, to the most recent technologies like drones and satellite tracking.
The experts will offer participants on board a series of dedicated meetings, which will be an addition to the normal activities on board, where participants support researchers side by side in all the phases of the collecting of scientific data at sea.
The CSR teams, which started mid May, will continue until September. The ‘Theme Weeks’ will be:
WHALES AND TECHNOLOGY
from 21th to 27th June (team CSR 7)
Drones, satellites, hydrophones, dedicated AI are the new tools used worldwide for the study of marine mammals. Theoretical course.
WHALES… UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
from 9th to 15th August and from 16th to 22nd August (teams CSR 14 and 15)
Cetaceans are studied through photography, bioacoustics, monitoring their behaviour, and more. Even the ‘poop’ of whales’ can provide a wealth of information. Through microscopic analyses carried out directly on board we can identify parasites and more, and we can later extract DNA for genetic testing.
PHOTOGRAPHING WHALES AND DOLPHINS
from 30th August to 5th September and from 6th to 12th September (teams CSR 17 and 18)
Brief theoretical and practical course on how to obtain the very best results from pictures and videos during a sighting, with all kinds of equipment, from photo cameras to mobile phones.
A WORLD OF SOUNDS
from 13th to 19th September and from 20th to 26th September (teams CSR 19 and 20)
Marine mammals spend most of their time underwater where light only reaches a few metres beneath the surfaces. Consequently they are adapted to ‘seeing’ through the return echoes of sounds and communicating with surprising acoustic systems.
These ‘theme meetings’ will be an addition to normal activities, which will be carried out in all teams indistinctly, with marine biology lessons and explanations about research activities, so that each participant can contribute and appreciate the wonderful experience of encountering whales and dolphins.
As always, we don’t require any previous specific knowledge or experience, only enthusiasm and will to learn on board of “Pelagos”, the big motorsailer of Flash Vela d’Altura, which accommodates up to 11 participants, as well as the researchers and the skipper. As usual cruises start from Portosole Sanremo.
The cruises will always be held in full compliance to Anti Covid 19 regulations to guarantee maximum safety.
Maddalena Jahoda
Further details and reservations
