Project Update: July 2003

During the first stage of the project, we carried out the first surveys for cetaceans in the coast of Northern Golfo San Jorge (250 km on transects), and we produced a complete and comprehensive checklist of cetaceans sighted and stranded in the gulf. As result, a total of 12 identified cetaceans species were registered in the Golfo San Jorge. Apart from identifying species, we examined its habitat variables and determined local threats.

We also focused a great part of our job in raising the interest and support of provincial and local governments. At the present, we are working actively on the preparation and advertisement of public conferences and short courses addressed to general public and to students of biology. These activities begin in July, aiming to attract public attention to the local marine mammals as flagship species for marine conservation, and to train local students in wildlife conservation. We are convinced that the local people will have a great interest to participate in the activities and to attend conferences and courses, and that it will be the starting point to involve them in conservation actions, and to change their perception and behaviour towards the ocean and its wildlife.