Adult Training Course

Take a short course to learn about British cetaceans, how to survey for them and contribute to their conservation!

Training course will be held on 15th-16th June 2013  and 17th-18th August 2013

• Course Description

  The course will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations, as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local research vessel. The land and boat-based surveys will take place in the Cardigan Bay ‘Special Area of Conservation’ (SAC), an area well-known for the presence and high sighting frequency of bottlenose dolphins (the largest resident population in the UK), harbour porpoises and grey seals. These populations are protected in the SAC following the 1992 EU Species and Habitat Directive.

  The Sea Watch Foundation is the most experienced organisation in the UK for training observers and students interested in marine mammals, having run courses for over twenty years. It has provided training for staff from all three national statutory conservation agencies, the Environmental Agency, CEFAS, Department of Environment, Wildlife Trusts, Royal Navy and MMOs working with the oil and gas industries. Most of the field guides for cetaceans on the market in the UK have been written or had consultations from the Sea Watch Foundation. We can therefore guarantee a very high level of training, lead by highly experienced staff.

  The lectures and videos will focus on the general biology and classification of cetaceans, species identification, conservation issues facing UK cetaceans and recommended monitoring survey methods. The course will be based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, where our Welsh offices are, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain.

  The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys, allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms.

  Land and boat-based work will teach participants the skills needed for:

  • identifying the various cetacean species found in the area
  • estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults
  • determining cetacean behaviours
  • assessing sea state and other key environmental features
  • learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals

• Course Lecturers

  • Dr Peter Evans – Sea Watch Director
  • Daphna Feingold – Sea Watch Monitoring Officer
  • Danielle Gibas – Sea Watch Sightings Officer

  Click here to access staff profiles

• Practical Information

  The price for the course is £180 and includes lectures, boat and land surveys, insurance and all the materials provided. It excludes meals, travel and accommodation.#

  Participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans, a species identification booklet and a certificate for completing the course.

  To book, please fill out the booking form below and send to the Sea Watch Foundation (address below), along with a cheque for £180.

  Click here to download a booking form

  Address:

  Sea Watch Foundation

  Paragon House

  Wellington Place

  New Quay

  Ceredigion

  SA45 9NR

  Accommodation – click here for a list of accommodation in New Quay

  How to get here – click for a map of New Quay

For more information:

Telephone: 01545 561227

Email: info@seawatchfoundation.org.uk