OceansWatch wants volunteer yachties for South Pacific whale project

7:12 PM Sun 14 Mar 2010 GMT

'Whale fluke - the most common of sights' .

Are you longing for a sailing adventure and would love to be involved in a worthy cause? OceansWatch, the organisation of sailors who are dedicated to assisting scientific ocean research projects reach remote areas, is looking for enthusiastic yachties, skippers with yachts and those who wish to crew, wanting to participate in a whale research project in Niue between August and September 2010.

Niue yachts at anchor - .. .

The timing of the project could also suit yachts which are part of the annual migration - the coconut milk run - across the Pacific, during the non-cyclone season. It would also coincide with university holidays in the northern hemisphere (once a week flights from New Zealand)

One of the most remote island countries on earth, Niue lies in the South Pacific Ocean, a lone Polynesian coral island between Samoa to the north, the Cook Islands to the east and Tonga to the west. Niue is thought to be a possible area where humpback whales from the eastern and western Pacific meet and mix. Also, as in many other South Pacific countries, there is a lack of knowledge of what other whale and dolphin species are present.

OceansWatch has been approached by Olive Andrews from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) for assistance. Together with the Niue Government and a local NGO, Oma Tafua, Olive aims to conduct sighting surveys during the late winter south-bound migration of humpback whales. Due to the lack of an appropriate boat and financial constraints this project could not be carried out last year.

The special interest of Niue for researchers lies in its geographical location. Lying in the middle of the Pacific Ocean it is thought to be a possible area where humpback whales from the eastern and western Pacific meet and mix. Also, as in many other South Pacific countries, there is a lack of knowledge on what other whale and dolphin species are present.

A preliminary survey was undertaken in 2008 and over 50 humpback whales were sighted over a ten day period. Surveys were however severely constrained due to the lack of a proper platform to venture offshore (or farther offshore than a small dinghy could safely do).

Niue snorkeling - .. .

The project consists of a combination land and water based volunteers searching for whales and dolphins and undertaking daily sighting surveys. For the yachts this consists of travelling on a set path with volunteers onboard recording sightings and when possible taking fluke photos to ID individual animals. If possible, samples from whales will also be taken using non-invasive methods.

Surveys are undertaken in calm seas and the boat will need to move at a speed of around 5 or 6 knots. Fuel and anchorage are provided.

The project time frame is approximately 2 months (August and September). Minimum time would be 1 week as one or two days would be needed to train the skipper in surveying methods and how to approach whales in a safe manner. This project can therefore involve one or many yachts covering the project period.

This is an outstanding opportunity to see whale research in practice and learn more about cetacean conservation in the South Pacific. The project will involve the local community in marine conservation efforts, which is something that OceansWatch strongly encourages.

OceansWatch can almost certainly guarantee some incredible experiences! For expressions of interest and questions please contact irene@oceanswatch.org

This is a great opportunity to see whale research in practice and learn more about cetacean conservation.

by Sail-World Cruising