Take a short course to learn about British cetaceans, how to survey for them and contribute to their conservation!
2023 Dates:
13-14th June
19-20th August
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Course Description
The courses 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 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 thirty years. It has provided training for staff from all three national statutory conservation agencies, the Environmental Agency, CEFAS, Defra, the Wildlife Trusts, Royal Navy and MMOs working with offshore renewables, and 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, led 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:
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identifying the various cetacean species found in the area
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estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults
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determining cetacean behaviours
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assessing sea state and other key environmental features
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learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals
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Photos from course
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Course Lecturers
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Dr Peter Evans – Sea Watch Director
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Katrin Lohrengel – Sea Watch Monitoring Officer
Click here to access staff profiles
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Practical Information & Booking
The price for the course is £200 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 email it to katrin.lohrengel@seawatchfoundation.org.uk
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 (or 01407 832892)
