After having cancelled the practical part of the course -planned for March 30th- due to the bad weather conditions, we were able to finish this part of the first edition of the Cetacean Sighting and Photo-Identification Course last Sunday, April 13th. We met the course participants at the stand of Azimut at Vilanova i la Geltrú’s Harbor. After a short safety briefing and a review of the survey protocols, we left the harbor heading out on a new adventure.

During the 9 hour survey, the course participants were able to apply the knowledge acquired during the theoretical lessons, as well as seeing the work procedures on-board a research vessel. The day was quite sucessful, as we were able to spot fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), different seabird species such as the Audouin’s gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii), some shearwaters (Family Procelladriidae), the northern gannet (Morus bassanus), etc, a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and also a sunfish (Mola mola). The participants were able to see all these animals in their natural environment, and were able to experience why we need to register as much data as possible about every sighting.

From Associació Cetàcea we want to thank all the course participants for their presence and their efforts in the theoretical lessons and the practical part. We had positive feedback from all the course participants, and our own internal evaluation of the course was also positive. We are currently working on the next edition of the course, which will be held later this year.