A Day in the Life of a Marine Mammal Researcher
As a marine mammal intern with Archipelagos, part of my responsibilities include participating in boat surveys. With a team of ten, we head out to sea in search of the marine life in the Aegean. The intention of this is to observe the behaviors of marine mammals and other species in hopes to learn more about them and their environment.
When on the boat, we have many tasks. This includes collecting data on the environment surrounding us (weather, ocean depth, boat traffic), looking out for sea birds, and covering all sections of the boat on the lookout for other marine life. We rotate through each position every 30 minutes, and need to know the protocols of each position. This can be a little overwhelming during the first survey, as there is a lot of information we must know, but I was quick to get into the flow of survey.
Some days you'll see nothing but an ocean view and a few sea birds. Though these day's are unsuccessful for research, there's still nothing like being out on the ocean for a day, enjoying the warming sun and the soothing sound of the waves.
Other days, you'll see everything you've been hoping for. When this happens, you feel excitement and joy; thrilled you've spotted the life that lives below the sea. Everyone rushes to their positions, getting cameras and data sheets ready, eyes set on the spot of the sighting.
I have been lucky enough during my surveys to see some amazing sightings. On one particular survey, an overnight survey, our morning started out with a sunrise view of a group of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). This sighting was truly the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. common dolphins are very social animals, and we were surrounded by a group of 20 or more. In the distance, you could see a few of them leaping and playing. Near by, just to the side of us, they were interacting with each other, swimming in zig-zags, and curiously inspecting the boat.
What was even better than watching these beautiful dolphins play, was getting to listen to them. As part of our data collection, we make make recordings of the bioacoustics near the boat. During this survey, making the recording was one of my responsibilities. Because of this, I had the opportunity to listen to their whistles and clicks. With so many individuals around us, my ears were filled with the sweet sound of dolphin whistles. I don't have the words to say how astounded I was by getting to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Being part of a marine conservation institute and participating in surveys like this is something I had only dreamed of doing. Growing up far away from the coast, I had only seen marine mammals a few times in my life, The though of going on full-day or overnight trips to observe these amazing animals truly is a dream come alive.
- Kacie By The Sea
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