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Fin-print: Identifying Cetaceans
Course Title: Photo Identification and Cetacean Behaviour
Introduction to Course
Fancy being a cetacean detective? Get to know how to take the ideal fin shot and identify the specific whale or dolphin by name!
This course will offer an introduction into the AWdF Fin Identification process of cetaceans off the South West Coast of Tenerife; specifically the resident species, Short-finned Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. By the end of the course you will be able to take an appropriate fin shot using a DSLR camera and be able to record cetacean behaviours during boat interactions. This will providing an overview of cetacean behaviour and population dynamics.
Who should take this course?
Course Objectives
By the end of this course you will be able to:
This course will offer an introduction into the AWdF Fin Identification process of cetaceans off the South West Coast of Tenerife; specifically the resident species, Short-finned Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. By the end of the course you will be able to take an appropriate fin shot using a DSLR camera and be able to record cetacean behaviours during boat interactions. This will providing an overview of cetacean behaviour and population dynamics.
Who should take this course?
- School/university graduates and people looking for a career change, specialising in research and conservation.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Show an increased knowledge of the 28 species of cetaceans found around the waters of Tenerife
- Demonstrate greater understanding of cetacean behaviours, biology and conservation threats.
- Discuss and relay to others information about cetacean behaviour literature
- Discuss and relay to others information about cetacean population dynamics literature
- Understand the AWdF photo identification process and systems
- Review case studies of photo ID work elsewhere in the world
- Use a DSLR camera in the field with competence
- Take high quality photo identification shots of cetaceans
- Identify individual pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins from the resident population
- Work as a team on board a scientific research vessel
- Correctly record cetacean behaviours
- Demonstrate why Photo and behavioural data is important
- Understand the potential career options for someone with photo identification research skills
course structure
As a participant in the course you will be based in the AWdF research team, operating on a small boat in the waters off the South West coast of Tenerife where there are resident Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, along with 24 other migratory species.
This course is designed to be an intense five day course (Monday-Friday). Students can arrive at any time over the preceding weekend, and leave the weekend following the course.
For people travelling longer distances we recommend people to take several courses enjoying increasing levels of discount. You can participate in the general volunteer programme (if staying with us) at no extra cost.
Day 1: Induction
Day 2 - 5: RIB excursions, with photo ID after:
This course is designed to be an intense five day course (Monday-Friday). Students can arrive at any time over the preceding weekend, and leave the weekend following the course.
For people travelling longer distances we recommend people to take several courses enjoying increasing levels of discount. You can participate in the general volunteer programme (if staying with us) at no extra cost.
Day 1: Induction
- Overview of Cetaceans seen in Tenerife, including resident and migratory species.
- Cetacean Behaviours - Typical cetacean behaviours will be outlined, through videos and pictures, and how to fill in our data sheets will be explained.
- How to take a good fin ID photo - This will involve a camera workshop and explanation of a quality charter, to ensure pictures that are taken are usable to FIn ID.
- How to fin ID - distinctive marks and nicks, fin angle (i.e. depending on the angle the fin can look completely different) etc. will be explained and examples will be given.
- Role of RIB leader - Each pair will have the opportunity to be the RIB leader (with guidance from course leader). This includes assigning roles to the other pairs, ensuring people know what they are doing, where to sit on the boat for optimal pictures etc. RIB leaders will also get the chance to coordinate the Fin ID process.
- AWdF Identification process - This explanation is specific to how we Fin ID involving our catalogues, powerpoints, family groups and the collaborative approach we take to be as efficient as possible when identifying individuals.
- Use of data - Demonstrate what is done with this sort of data such as population dynamic and behaviour studies
Day 2 - 5: RIB excursions, with photo ID after:
- There will be a rotation of each pair on the RIB over the 4 days so that everyone will have a chance to do each of the roles. These roles will include photography (specifically Fin shots to ID and social media shots) and data collection - filling in our data sheet and observing behaviours and family dynamics. Each excursion a new pair will have the opportunity to be RIB leaders
- Upon return from the RIB: Identify dorsal fin pictures of cetaceans in pairs and ID all sufficient photos as a team, using our techniques.
- Data input training and observation of our database
- Once IDing has taken place, afternoons will be spent consolidating on what happened in the morning, what was done well and what needs improving. Discussion of whales seen and their family dynamics. Relevant papers to be read, assigning each pair a section of a paper to dissect and then report back to the group.
Price & information£500* including accommodation/food at the AWdF base
£400* for the course only (provide your own food and accommodation) *does not include flights. For an extra £100 you can also gain valuable knowledge with our Advanced Short Course in Statistics or GIS Mapping or both! Course start dates: Second Monday of every month starting in April |
Note: When you reserve your place the total amount of your booking will be shown but today you will only have to pay the £50/€50 deposit. The deposit is fully refundable in the event that you can not participate because of COVID-19.
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Discounts are available for groups, families and course bundles, please email [email protected] for more information on pricing and discounts.
Maximum capacity per course intake - 8 people. We want to ensure that every member of the team receives one on one tailored training, limiting the number of people we can take for each intake. Places are limited so don't hesitate to book.
General Course Information
For more information about our course structure and what you are gaining by doing a Fair Earth Foundation Course, please visit our Extra Information Page.
Requirements
There are no prerequisites or prior qualifications needed to complete this course. We only want to work with enthusiastic individuals and people with great positive attitudes. We work with small groups so that we can work at different levels of ability, with tailored learning and mentorship to suit all abilities and previous experience.
How to apply?
BOOK NOW on the calendar above. For more information please email [email protected].
Application Deadlines
There are no deadlines for applications, but places will be filled on a first come first serve basis and there are limited places for each course intake. If you want to secure your place, please reserve your place for 2021 course intake now.
Maximum capacity per course intake - 8 people. We want to ensure that every member of the team receives one on one tailored training, limiting the number of people we can take for each intake. Places are limited so don't hesitate to book.
General Course Information
For more information about our course structure and what you are gaining by doing a Fair Earth Foundation Course, please visit our Extra Information Page.
Requirements
There are no prerequisites or prior qualifications needed to complete this course. We only want to work with enthusiastic individuals and people with great positive attitudes. We work with small groups so that we can work at different levels of ability, with tailored learning and mentorship to suit all abilities and previous experience.
How to apply?
BOOK NOW on the calendar above. For more information please email [email protected].
Application Deadlines
There are no deadlines for applications, but places will be filled on a first come first serve basis and there are limited places for each course intake. If you want to secure your place, please reserve your place for 2021 course intake now.