Everything started when, studying Atlantic cetacean migration, we realized that almost everything we know about it relies on coastal sightings. Although recently some satellite tracking and photo-id studies have revealed some links between sightings in different areas, Atlantic migration routes still remain largely unknown, and in fact, new routes are now under discussion in the scientific community. The big challenge to understanding them is to find cetaceans on the high seas. And as it becomes logistically and economically unsustainable to run dedicated surveys, new affordable data sources should be implemented.
From the deck of our sailboat with this idea in mind, Claudio Morganti and I, Laura González, realized that sailors, who are around all the world’s oceans, usually mindful people concerned about marine conservation, can really make a difference reporting their sightings. The first step was taken, and the following ones came along. Meeting “Ocean Minded people” (Markus Mutter), who care about the ocean and its conservation, who are not afraid to “bring awareness into action” (Marjo Boertien & Edwin Butter – Ocean Conservation) and who find a way to overcome science challenges just with their will (Mafalda Correia & Ágatha Gil), has definitely made this project born with energy and illusion.
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