Land-based observations of cetaceans

In 2002 MEER e.V. carried out land-based observations of cetaceans for the first time. Based on a feasibility study we could show that from elevated view points on the coast it is possible to…

1. generally observe and identify cetaceans
2. document their interactions with boats
3. guide whale watching boats to groups of cetaceans

In 2005 we continued the project. We aimed to explore the possibilies: How suitable are the collected data from land-based observations, what sightings can be made and what behavioural data can be collected? The study resulted in a final thesis of a biologist student and you can find the results and summary here.

In 2016 M.E.E.R. set himself the task of building a permanent observation station on La Gomera. We applied for funds and found cooperation partners at Gomera. In November 2016, we conducted successful test runs and land-based observations were documented. By guiding the whale watching boats from aboveaccording to our land-based observations we were able to contribute to a sustainable whale watching management. Finally, IFAW  (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Beatrice-Nolte-Stiftung, GRD and DSM assured  M.E.E.R. e.V. financial support – the project started! In December 2016, the construction of the shelter began and we ordered professional optic equipment. First systematic data collection is planned to start in early 2017.

Latest developments (2017-2018):

In springtime 2017, the first permanent platform for the observation of whales and dolphins from land was inaugurated on La Gomera. Once more, M.E.E.R. in this way was pioneering in the context of whale watching & cetacean research in the Canaries. The new platform is situated on the South coast of the island at a height of approximately 250 m above sea level, and near Valle Gran Rey, the starting point of most whale watching trips.

The platform, crafted from natural materials, can host several observers and offers a near 180° panoramic view as well as protection from wind and sun radiation. Professional optical equipment is at hand: BIGEYE binoculars (up to 40x magnification) and stabilized Canon handheld binoculars (15x magnification) as well as a monocular telescope (Svarowski Habicht, up to 30x magnification) will facilitate the observations.

Before the first observations were initiated, M.E.E.R. met all local whale watching operators to present and discuss the setup and the goals of the platform. This facilitated the subsequent collaboration, i.e. the communication between the platform and the vessels at sea. In the following time a large number of sightings was documented from land, and increasingly whale watching vessels are guided towards cetacean groups. In the end, however, it shall be the cetaceans inhabiting the area benefiting from these activities, by an improved channeling of the whale watching tourism.

In 2018, we published the first results of our systematic observations as a conference poster: {LINK ECS Poster 2018}

This project is realised through funding from IFAW, Beatrice-Nolte-Stiftung , GRD , DSM and TUI Cruises!