Land Based Cetacean Research
Course Location
SPAIN
Course Duration
5 Days
The Future of Cetacean Research - It’s not always easy spotting cetaceans from a boat in a vast expanse of sea. That’s why this unique course was set up at a land based research station overlooking a wide area of the sea in the search for our cetacean comrades.
This course will offer an introduction to land based surveying of cetaceans, using a range of binoculars, telescopes and theodolite. This way, we can observe multiple pods of cetaceans as well as how they behave around different boats! The course will provide you with an overview of cetacean land based studies and marine mammal observer methodologies. You can see first hand the impact of boats on cetacean behaviour during and after interactions.
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 information to others about land based research and marine mammal observation literature.
Have an increased knowledge of current land base monitoring research and its practical applications in policy making and mitigation strategies.
Critically analyse Land Based Research methodologies from around the world. By examining case studies, compare limitations and advantages of different methodologies, as well as our methodology in comparison to other methodologies around the world (This course will give you the capabilities to go and run a Land Based research programme around the world with little new training needed).
Understand the anthropogenic threats to cetaceans including boat impact/vessel strikes and how land based research can help combat these issues.
Demonstrate why land based research is important.
Set up and correctly use binoculars, telescopes and a theodolite in an applied scientific setting.
Put land based methodology into practice, including how to scan and what to look for.
Collect and record data on cetaceans, boats and the environment from a land based station.
Identify and categorise cetaceans and vessels from a distance.
Be a valued member of a land based research team.
Understand the potential career options for someone with land based research skill.
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 The Fair Earth Foundation
Additional Info
Course Structure
As a participant in the course you will be based in the land based research team, operating on a range of different land based research stations along the South West coast of Tenerife where there are resident Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, and 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 and data collection - Typical cetacean behaviours will be outlined, through videos and pictures, and an explanation on how to fill in our data sheets will be given.
Land Base Methodology - How to scan, categorise vessels and what to look for when scanning, how to record environmental factors, when to take ferry inclination and bearing (if relevant)
Equipment and set up - How to set up the binoculars, telescope/camera, theodolite and tripods.
Use of data - Demonstrate what is done with this sort of data including the impacts boats have on cetaceans.
Day 2 - 5: Land Based Station Research
Each day will be at a different site, with morning and afternoon surveys taking place.
Upon return from fieldwork, data input training will take place.
Analysis of relevant literature to land based research will take place, with each pair having a different section of a paper to dissect and present to the rest of the team.