News

A new website (category) is dedicated to the issue of ship strikes. Detailed background information about the issue of “collisions between ships and cetaceans” is presented, including latest scientific results and recommendations. How do collisions occur? Which types of ships and which cetacean species are involved? How can ship strikes be avoided? These questions shall be answered, as far as the current knowledge allows it. The special case of the Canary Islands (where sperm whales are hit regularly) will be highlighted, and the same is true for the case of collisions between sailing vessels and cetaceans. Read more…

Harmless?   Japan’s earthquake disaster shakes us. We are shocked and speechless upon looking at the power of the sea and the suffering of the people. We deeply feel with the Japanese people who have to stand all this and who apparently do so while keeping their countenance. But we are also shocked and speechless about the information policy of the Japanese Government and – most of all – Tepco, the operator of Fukushima’s nuclear power station. News about the condition of the power plants and the extent of the radiation is leaking much slower than the heavily contaminated water... Continue Reading

Mysterious phenomenon La Gomera, October 2009. During the springtime field season we encountered a large number of spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), a species present year-round in the Canary Islands. In one of the groups, containing a large number of calves (which is typical in springtime), we observed a young animal showing an extrordinarily swollen genital area. The reasons for this phenomenon were not known. Luckily, we managed to photograph the animal during aerial behaviours.

  Online survey on vessel whale collisions Berlin, Juli/August 2008 MEER has been investigating the impact of sailing vessel and regattas on cetaceans (=whales and dolphins). For this purpose, we are collecting reports of collisions and near miss events between sailing vessels and marine mammals. This study also relates to the work of the Ship Strike Working Group (SSWG) of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The SSWG is currently developing a global data base, where collision cases with all types of vessels are collated. Any information on collisions of sailing vessels with cetacean shall finally – with the permission of... Continue Reading

Berlin, January 2008. In January 1998 the founders of the project MEER La Gomera met on the small Canary Island to lay a foundation stone for cetacean research and conservation: They founded MEER e.V.. What started from the enthusiasm of a few people on the basis of a pioneer study on La Gomera’s cetaceans, after ten years has become an internationally reknown best practice example for ecological whale watching. We are happy to announce the 10th anniversary of MEER in 2008. May our work – always inspired by the extraordinary presence of whales and dolphins off the most beautiful island... Continue Reading

Many dolphins and whales are threatened by extinction. As a consequence of overfishing, pollution and habitat degradation they are losing the basis of their existence. Hundreds of thousands die every year as bycatch in nets and other fishing gear and many are still hunted for food. Climate change, increasing ocean noise, unrestricted whale watching tourism and collisions with vessels contribute to the threat. The waters off the Canary Island La Gomera are home to an extraordinary cetacean species diversity. More than 20 species have been documented. With it’s prizewinning project M.E.E.R. La Gomera, the non-profit association M.E.E.R. wants to guarantee... Continue Reading