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BECOME A CETACEAN OBSERVER !
Following 2 years of intensive study in the Caribbean, Delphinia
Sea Conservation took on a role of activism, information, and education.
Thus was the project Ocean Observatory/l'Observatoire sur l'Océan
launched in 2001.
OBJECTIVE
Its objective being the protection of cetaceans and marine
eco-systems. To this end, a network of information to be passed
on and shared among scientific institutions, local populations,
nautical tourists, and international media was set up.
ACTIONS
In December 2002, 14 cetacean observation sheet distribution/collection
centers were put into operation.
Because, sooner or later while navigating
the waters of the Caribbean or the routes
traversing the Atlantic, you will certainly chance to see one or
more of these magnificent beings. Whether you spy a sperm whale, humpback
whale, or dolphin, it is impossible not to be affected by such an
impressive sight !
When you pass by one of our distribution/collection centers,
you will have at your disposal the observation
sheets as well as an information booklet
intended to help you better understand, approach, and identify cetaceans.
BOOKLET
This booklet is an annual publication containing information
about the marine world. Therein you will find articles by scientists
of many different nationalities who are currently working to advance
research on cetaceans. Their articles are all the more valuable
if we consider how little is still known about marine mammals throughout
the world.
In addition, the booklet also contains a variety of listings
to make your voyage even better informed, ranging from the radio
stations broadcasting weather
reports, to protected marine areas in the Lesser Antilles, as well
as maps and useful addresses.
OBSERVATION SHEETS
Once you have filled out the observation sheets, return them
to one of the centers along the arc of the Antilles. While navigating
among the islands and across the ocean, be sure to always have an
observation sheet on board !
You can even fill them out online at our web site
: http://www.ocean-observatory.org
or download and print some copies to keep on hand. The web site
lists the addresses of the 14
collection centers, in addition to providing a variety of other
information.
ATLAS
The data collected by navigators, in conjunction with those originating
from scientific programs, are essential for gaining a better understanding
of cetacean populations. In addition, once gathered and sorted,
they will contribute to the creation of the Atlas de distribution
des cétacés des Caraïbes (Atlas of Cetacean Distribution in the
Caribbean) under the direction of Professor Pierre Beaubrun of the
Laboratoire de Biogéographie et Ecologie des Vertébrés de l'Ecole
Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Montpellier, France. In 1995, Professor
Beaubrun put together the Atlas préliminaire de distribution de
cétacés de Méditerranée (Preliminary Atlas of Cetacean Distribution
in the Mediterranean) based on nearly 8000 observations reported
by hundreds of navigators.
DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
The distribution/collection centers for the observation
sheets include : all Budget Marine shipchandlers between the Virgin
Islands and Bonaire; the Marina, Yacht Port, and Careening
Center in the town of Marin in Martinique; and the Port and Nature
Reserve of Saint Barth. Thanks to these centers you, too, may
now contribute to cetacean research and protection by devoting just a few minutes of your time to recording
your observations.
Caution ! There is a high risk of becoming addicted
to cetacean observation.
Thank you, and happy sailing !
Delphinia France
Port de Plaisance du Marin
97290 Le Marin -Martinique F.W.I.
Tél.: 0596 74 67 19 - 0696 43 36 51
Fax : 0596 74 67 29
www.delphinia.org
http://www.ocean-observatory.org
info@delphinia.org
