{"id":3867,"date":"2016-12-17T15:53:49","date_gmt":"2016-12-17T14:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/m-e-e-r.de\/?p=3867"},"modified":"2021-03-20T22:07:03","modified_gmt":"2021-03-20T21:07:03","slug":"land-based-observation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/m-e-e-r.de\/en\/land-based-observation\/","title":{"rendered":"Station for land-based observation of cetaceans"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Berlin\/La Gomera, December 2016. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Currently, we are working on the setup of a station for land-based observations of cetaceans<\/strong>. In November 2016, we conducted successful test runs, land-based observations were documented. By guiding the whale watching boats from aboveaccording to aur land-based observations we were able to contribute to a sustainable whale watching management<\/strong>. Recently, IFAW<\/strong>\u00a0 (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and the Beatrice-Nolte-Stiftung<\/strong> assured\u00a0 M.E.E.R. e.V. financial support. We are very grateful for that \u2013 now the project can start!<\/p>\n

In December 2016, the construction of the shelter<\/strong> began and we ordered professional optic equipment. First systematic data collection<\/strong> is planned to start in early 2017.<\/p>\n

Here we go!<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Background information<\/h2>\n

The method of land-based Whale Watching<\/strong> provides valuable insights about the animals\u2019 movement patterns, behaviour<\/strong> on the water surface and cetacean-boat-interactions<\/strong>. A huge advantage is that no direct intervention<\/strong> is needed \u2013 the animals are not disturbed in their natural behaviour. Thus, it is possible to study cetaceans with and without the presence of boats<\/strong> in comparison. Furthermore, it is easy to monitor the whale watching vessels\u2019 adherence of statutory requirements<\/strong>, and the distribution and course of whale watching boats can be actively influenced, depending on where the animals are observed from land. This results in less pressure on the animals <\/strong>at sea as well as a higher sighting success<\/strong> for the whale watchers on the boats \u2013 a valuable contribution to the sustainable management of whale watching<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The station is be located on a mountain in La Gomora\u2019s South, about 250m\/950 feet above sea level.\u00a0 This position offers an optimal view<\/strong> on the outgoing boats as well as a nearly perfect panorama<\/strong> of the area in which the whale watching tours take place. Back in 2002, M.E.E.R. e.V. already realized first systematic land-based observation of cetaceans in a feasibility study<\/strong>.\u00a0 Read more…<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Project objectives<\/h2>\n