In 1992, the classic ship of the Alnitak Environmental Studies Association started a research program on the distribution and dynamics of cetaceans in Southeast Spain with the help of a volunteering system in which more than four hundred people have participated so far. This year too, the research sailing vessel "Toftevaag" will open its doors to all those interested in spending their holiday doing more than just lying in the sun. A marvelous opportunity for discovering one of the most interesting unspoiled regions of Spain whilst participating actively in research on dolphins onboard a classic sailing ship.
The main aims of this study are:
The region chosen for this research is of great interest for studying cetaceans due to its well preserved relatively wild coast and the deep escarpments and canyons which fall off the narrow continental shelf. The study concentrates mainly on the five species of delphiniums which are commonly found in the region, but it is also possible to encounter other species during their migration through the area or entering the area in search for food, as the fin whale and the sperm whale.
Another positive aspect of the region in terms of this study, its mild climate, which offers many calm days with good sunlight, two vital factors both for finding the cetaceans and for carrying out the photo-identification work.
Photo identification is the main method used in this research. This consists in a benign tagging system which takes advantage of scars and pigmentations in order to differentiate individuals. This method of photo identification is supported also by the recording of navigational, meteorological, ecological and oceanographic data which are analyzed directly by computer.
Another major method used onboard Toftevaagis video recording of behavior and group cohesion and movements, for which two cameras are used, one filming underwater and the other from the mast.
This research focuses on the dolphins as part of the Mediterranean ecosystem, considering them as perfect bio-indicators of the health status of this environment. It is for this reason, that time and effort are put not only on the actual encounters with cetaceans, but also on recording different parameters which can affect these animals such as pollution, fishing activities and other animal species common to the area such as sea birds and marine turtles.
All this information is analyzed at the end of each sailing campaign by several research teams belonging to Spanish universities. The preliminary results obtained are presented yearly at the European Cetacean Society and sent to the volunteers who have participated in the campaigns.
Toftevaag is a sixty foot gaff rigged ketch, converted according to her original sail plans. Sailing onboard Toftevaag is like traveling back in time. Even if much of the research sailing time is spent motoring, in order to be able to follow the cetaceans, as soon as the breeze picks up the sails take over, making the ship enter a more relaxed rhythm with just the noise of the wind in the sails and the bow breaking the waves.
If what you want is the comfort and speed of modern sailing yachts, Toftevaag isn't the right ship for you. Just as the hull and rig consist of a faithful replica of the Toftevaag launched in 1910, with even the presence of deadeyes and lanyards fastening the rig, below deck Toftevaag is as functional as when she was after herring. The accommodation is definitely cozy and rustic, but you wont find any double cabins decorated with tropical hardwood. The ship has four bunks in the fore cabin, four bunks in the messroom a small WC (heads), kitchen (galley) and the crew's cabin aft.
Arrival onboard.
At their arrival onboard in the port of Almerá volunteers are given a short introduction on safety onboard as well as on the research, cetaceans and how they will be participating with the research and sailing activities. During the rest of the journeys onboard, further talks on cetaceans and marine ecology will be given and volunteers can make use of the ships library and videos to further document themselves.
The sailing.
The most difficult part of this voyage is waking up at sunrise. However this is an effort worth doing as dawn hours usually offer the best sighting conditions for searching cetaceans. The entire crew takes part in a watch rota carefully scanning the horizon in search of flippers or splashes, The average amount of sightings is of one every three to four hours. When cetaceans are sighted, the ship proceeds to a careful approach in order to avoid creating disturbance to the animals. Usually it is these who end up approaching the ship, making it easy for the crew to start with the photo identification and filming.Sightings can last from a few minutes to many hours. The average length of the sailing day is of eight to ten hours, after which Toftevaag calls in to port or anchorage giving the crew an opportunity to walk ashore or carry out activities such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, .. The mild sea conditions of this region and the length of the cruises, makes it possible for anyone without sealegs to participate. If sea conditions are inappropriate for the research, the ship stays in port.
Life onboard.
Life onboard is that of teamwork. even more so than on other ships. Everybody's full participation is not only necessary for maintaining a good atmosphere onboard but also for finding the dolphins. Lookout watches can be very tedious under the blazing sun but they are a vital part of the research. The finding of dolphins and the moments spend with them are however very much worth this effort.Remember to bring with you binoculars and protection from the sun. Other things to bring are snorkeling gear and camera. When you pack your bag please remember that space onboard is limited. Also think of handy clothes for onboard which you should expect to get pretty dirty. Once onboard keep your things together and tidy as otherwise your mess might upset the rest of the crew.
Breakfast is taken at around eight and consists of coffee, tea and chocolate with biscuits and toasts. Lunch is also simple and taken around two. Crew members usually buy junk food for keeping going between these two meals. For dinner we go ashore were it is possible to find good local foods very cheap.
Most the ports we call in to have good showers, but participants should be able to "survive" one or two days without a fresh water shower. Often crew members prefer to sleep on deck, so it is a good idea to bring a mattress with your sleeping bag. Although rain is rare in this region, people coming in September should bring some clothes for possible cold or wet days.
It is a good idea also to bring video cameras and music with you. The ship is equipped with a cassette recorder and in most ports we can have 220V for loading batteries. Finally, we recommend people to bring seasickness pills as it usually takes a day to get used to an unstable ground.
Departure Arrival Dates Fee March-April(Easter): Almerá Almerá 30-6 72.000 Pts. June Almerá Almerá 14-20, 22-28 72.000 Pts. July Almerá Almerá 1- 9, 11-19, 21-29 93.000 Pts. August Almerá Almerá 1-9, 11-19, 21-29 93.000 Pts. September Almerá Almerá 1-9, 11-19, 21-29 93.000 Pts.
Includes: bunk onboard, breakfast, lunch, personal insurance, participation in the research and sailing. Doesn't include: travel to Almerá, dinner.
You will find the Toftevaag in Almerá in the Nuevo Club de Mar.
The taxi from the airport or station should cost you under 1000 pesetas. Count with a cellular phone to contact the ship if any problem should happen.
If you want to get more information, please contact Diego Asensio at: dga@super.medusa.es
Diego Asensio. Whale Watch España. c/Princesa 3 dpdo. /of. 508 28008 Madrid. Int: Tel/Fax: +34-1- 541 8907 local: Tel/Fax: (91)- 541 8907
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Rauno Lauhakangas