Identifying Cetaceans
Course Location
SPAIN
Course Duration
5 Days
Hoping to own the skills of being an exceptional cetacean detective? Get to know how to take the ideal fin shot and identify the specific whale or dolphin by name!
This course will offers an introduction into the Fin Identification process of resident cetaceans species such as Short-finned Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins.
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 – Learn to recognize and differentiate between species based on physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.
Demonstrate greater understanding of cetacean behaviours, biology, and conservation threats – Gain insights into feeding, social structures, migration patterns, and the human-induced challenges they face.
Discuss and relay to others information about cetacean behaviour literature – Interpret and summarize scientific studies on cetacean behavior, making the information accessible to various audiences.
Discuss and relay to others information about cetacean population dynamics literature – Understand population structure, trends, and threats, and effectively communicate findings to peers and the public.
Understand the AWdF photo identification process and systems – Learn the methodology behind photo ID research, including how images are collected, categorized, and analyzed.
Review case studies of photo ID work elsewhere in the world – Compare different approaches and findings from global photo ID studies to gain a broader perspective on research techniques.
Use a DSLR camera in the field with competence – Develop technical skills to operate a DSLR camera effectively in various marine conditions.
Take high-quality photo identification shots of cetaceans – Learn techniques to capture clear, detailed images that aid in the identification of individual animals.
Identify individual pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins from the resident population – Use distinctive markings and features to recognize and track specific individuals over time.
Work as a team on board a scientific research vessel – Collaborate with fellow researchers, follow scientific protocols, and contribute to data collection in a field setting.
Correctly record cetacean behaviours – Develop observation and notation skills to document behavioral patterns accurately for research purposes.
Demonstrate why photo and behavioural data is important – Understand how this data contributes to conservation efforts, policy-making, and scientific research.
Understand the potential career options for someone with photo identification research skills – Explore career pathways in marine conservation, academia, research institutions, and NGOs.
This course is ideal for:
Students & Aspiring Marine Biologists – Gain hands-on experience in marine research and conservation, building a strong foundation for future studies and careers.
Young Professionals – Expand your expertise in marine science, conservation, or research to enhance your skill set for career advancement.
Aspiring Story Tellers / Photographers & Filmmakers – Develop the skills identify individual species or behaviours while learning about ethical marine storytelling.
Anyone Passionate About the Ocean – Whether you're looking to start a new adventure or make a meaningful impact on marine conservation, this course is for you!
Why should I choose this course?
All of our courses are run and accredited by experts. This is to ensure you receive the best possible education and have the best chance at securing your dream job in the future. Our commitment to this means that we will always provide the best quality experience and training possible. Our accredited courses are run by experts in their specific field, giving you access to the best possible training on the market and assuring the quality of every course we deliver.
Included in your course is the following:
Shared accommodation. Think cosy, comfortable and communal rather than a 5 star hotel. A €100 course discount is available if you would prefer to arrange your own accommodation. We can also provide camping/hostel options if you need to reduce the prices further.
Food (for full priced shared accommodation guests only): Half Board / Breakfast and Dinner included.
Transport: All transport within Tenerife during the course. Please note: This does NOT include airport transfers.
Equipment: All equitment is provided to successfully complete the course.
Courses 1 week or more includes at least 2 trips on the water in our Conservation Research Vessel
Mentorship: Each course participant will receive one on one mentorship as well as being involved in group learning. This is in addition to practical workshops. The mentorship doesn't end there; individuals will have access to mentors to further their understanding and knowledge on an ongoing basis. Participation in the course automatically joins you as part of our Global Citizenship network where you will have access to; newsletters, communication with the organisation, with the option to keep in touch with mentors.
Experiential learning programme: We believe the best way to learn is to get out there and do it for yourself. All of our courses have a strong experiential learning focus, meaning that you will receive hands on learning in the field alongside all the essential theoretical knowledge.
Essential daily reflection meetings, to build the information into your learning process. Reflection of the experience and learning from that day is the heart of experiential learning.
Global Citizenship Resource Centre: Access to our worlds first resource library to learn and help you to open your eyes to the world and see how you can be part of the conservation change we are trying to create.
Certificate of Completion: This is not an ‘attend-and-pass course,’ candidates will have to successfully pass an end of course examination to receive the qualification. There are three levels of certificate of completion; Pass, Merit or Distinction. For the PADI and RYA courses, you will also receive your respective accredited certificates.
Transferable skills to put on your CV broadening your career prospects; team work, clear communication, time management, wider reading, broader knowledge, practical application, experience working in another country with people from different cultures.
On successful completion of the course and dependent on the quality of participation, we are happy to provide a professional reference for any future job application.
Participating in the course means you are joining a wide network of people in your given field.
Global Citizenship Voucher: Each participant will receive a symbolic €50 voucher to donate towards whichever of our three focus areas they deem most suitable; climate change, plastic pollution, community action.
Career Pathways Session: Our team will help you to outline further career pathways you can take as your next steps after the course.
FREE workshop on working in marine conservation around the world.
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.
This 5 Day Course ONLY €610 including accommodation & food.
or
€485 for the COURSE ONLY (provide your own food and accommodation)
For an extra £100 you can also gain valuable knowledge with our Advanced Short Course in Statistics or GIS Mapping or both!Discounts are available for groups, families and course bundles, please contact us here for more information on pricing and discounts.
In Partnership with Fair Earth Foundation
Additional Info
Course structure
As a participant in the course you will be based in the 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
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.