Join SF Bay ACS Chapter and Oceanic Society on Research Programs this winter in Mexico from Thursday, February 26, 2015 8:00 AM to Thursday, March 5, 2015, 12:00 PM. Oceanic Society is being gracious in giving our SF Bay ACS members a 10% discount on this trip. Participate in Pioneering Research in a Breathtaking Landscape: Oceanic Society invites you to beautiful Barra de Potosí, Mexico located on Bahia de Petatlan just south of Zihuatanejo. This region is an important part of the migration route for the northeastern Pacific population of humpback whales. While the presence of whales has been documented in the area for years, there have been no formal studies of them until now. As a participant on this expedition you will have the chance to help scientists better understand this important whale population by working in the field as a citizen scientist with the Whales of Guerrero Research Project. You will work alongside American and Mexican scientists and local fishermen to spot, identify, and make scientific observations of humpback whales and any of four species of dolphins found in the area. We also frequently observe olive ridley sea turtles, manta rays, golden cow nosed and spotted eagle rays, red-billed tropic birds, blue and brown footed boobies, roseate spoonbills, brown and white pelicans, frigate birds, and countless other noteworthy marine species. In addition to learning humpback whale fluke identification and hydro-acoustic recording techniques, you will also assist with recording other key ecosystem data. Our citizen scientists come away with a wealth of knowledge about humpback whale behavior and biology and the unique experience of being a part of a truly pioneering project. Interact With Local Communities: You will also have the opportunity to participate in our outreach and education efforts by assisting with informational workshops at local libraries and schools, where children are learning about marine biology and the importance of biodiversity and have become extremely interested in the humpback whales that return to their local waters each year. In between field research trips and other activities, you can relax in the pool or take a siesta in a hammock. If turtles hatch during the week, you will be invited to visit the nearby Ayotcalli Field Camp, which protects turtle eggs and shepherds newborn turtles to the sea. Snorkelers may have the opportunity to dive with a biologist or trained naturalist in one of our local hot spots to observe marine wildlife. We will also take some time out on the lagoon to observe wildlife (without necessarily documenting it!), and will allow plenty of time to simply enjoy being in nature. Make a Difference! Global funding for conservation-related scientific research is scarce. Although our researchers accomplish amazing things with limited funding, the helping hands of a few dedicated citizen-scientists like you can make a big difference at the local level. Not only does the open water of our study site host humpback whales and countless species of fish, birds, and other sea life, but there is also a 450-acre estuary that surrounds the 600-person fishing village. A local group of concerned citizens is working to achieve Natural Protected Area status for this important ecosystem to remove the threat of future development. The research that you will help conduct on humpback whales will inform the government’s actions and could tip the scales in favor of protection, rather than exploitation. Our leaders will present lectures on these and other important topics such as whale biology and conservation, to give you an insider’s perspective on the strategies that conservationists are using to combat species loss at the local level, and how these efforts fit into the broader scope of international conservation issues. Complete information: whalesinmexico/media/Humpback-Research-Expedition.pdf Whales of Guerrero Research Project This project was founded in 2013 with the mission of using scientific research and effective community outreach strategies to provide local fishermen and boat operators with a means to survive without depleting local natural resources, and to promote the unique region of Potosi as a place worth protecting and visiting. Our immediate scientific goals are to conduct a study of the humpback whale population in order to establish a population count, contribute to the Regional Fluke Identification Catalog, record vocalizations, cow/calf pairs, behaviors and movement patterns around the bay. Their first match: us7.campaign-archive2/?u=71b30430c8ac60cc81dcb2e81&id=c6770a105f&e=%5BUNIQID%5D More matches and this year’s plan: us7.campaign-archive1/?u=71b30430c8ac60cc81dcb2e81&id=2ca6bcd4bf&e=%5BUNIQID%5D Feel free to explore the website: whalesinmexico/ Meet Our Team: Katherina Audley is the founder and director of the Whales of Guerrero Research Project. Fifteen years of marine mammal studies have brought her up close to whales, dolphins and pinnipeds in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina and New Zealand. Katherina has worked in Bahia de Potosí for the past 16 years and has maintained meaningful relationships in both local and expat communities in the region. Pablo Mendizábal is the founder of the Municipal Institute of Zihuatanejo Ecology and owns a local ecotourism outfit in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo that provides informative tours for travelers interested in local biodiversity. Pablo was born and raised in Zihuatanejo and has an intimate scientific and experiential knowledge of the regional fauna and flora. Pablo has been instrumental in bringing together local communities to help conservationists generate awareness about migrating whales in the region. Denise King, M.S. has studied and taught subjects ranging from botany and ecology to marine biology, microbiology, and evolution. Prior to setting anchor at the Exploratorium in San Francisco as a senior exhibit developer in 2001, Denise worked as a field biologist and a lecturer at SF State. King first visited the Bahia de Potosí region in 1999 and will be returning as a guest scientist and educator. For information and to sign up contact Lynette Koftinow @ acs.sfbay@gmail
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:29:58 +0000
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