Marinelife Undertakes A Scientific Survey for Whales and Dolphins in Scotland
By Matt J. Weiss, August 7, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: Newswiretoday.com
Marinelife, the UK based marine
conservation charity, has undertaken a scientific survey for cetaceans
(the collective term for whales, dolphins and porpoises) in the waters
north of Scotland to and around Iceland during a cruise aboard the
Marco Polo as part of an Ultimate Pelagics trip. Whilst Iceland is
renowned in Europe as an important feeding ground for cetaceans, very
little research on their distribution and abundance further from shore
has been conducted, partly because of the rough seas which prevent
small vessels easily traversing the area and also the large distances
from land.
Additional research in such areas is crucial as whole populations of cetaceans outside of well documented feeding and breeding grounds simply ‘disappear’ at certain times of the year when they move beyond easy to reach and therefore researchable areas. There is great value in investigating regions further from shore to fill the gaps in scientific knowledge and cruise ships offer opportunities to access such areas. However, this is not the only benefit of operating in partnership with cruise operators; this also provides an opportunity to educate the passengers during the long periods at sea between ports.
Additional research in such areas is crucial as whole populations of cetaceans outside of well documented feeding and breeding grounds simply ‘disappear’ at certain times of the year when they move beyond easy to reach and therefore researchable areas. There is great value in investigating regions further from shore to fill the gaps in scientific knowledge and cruise ships offer opportunities to access such areas. However, this is not the only benefit of operating in partnership with cruise operators; this also provides an opportunity to educate the passengers during the long periods at sea between ports.
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