Hi, I'm Tom Jefferson, one of the Principal Investigators for the project. I am looking forward to another exciting time in Monterey Bay this autumn, as our project enters its second year. We will again be collecting a wealth of information on bottlenose dolphins and sea otters of Monterey Bay, and this year we hope to do a bit more detailed work involving biopsy sampling and photogrammetry (measuring things with photos, that is).

We have put in several funding proposals and are now waiting to hear back the results. If we are successful in getting the additional funding, we will be able to do some very neat, state-of-the-art work with new biopsy equipment and special devices for our camera that will allow us to take measurements of dolphins' dorsal fins and get specific distance readings to the animals.

I have just finished the field work for a two-year project on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Hong Kong . I am now in the process of analyzing all the data and writing up the final report. In this project, we biopsy-sampled 36 dolphins, mostly individual dolphins that we recognize by natural markings and have been observing for many years. Because we know these individuals so well, we are able to keep track of them after they are sampled, to see if there is any evidence of infection of the small wounds, or any changes in their range or behavior.

As we expected, the tiny biopsy wounds on the dolphins have healed fast, with no evidence of infection or any other adverse effects. Also, we have seen no indication of a change in behavior (other than a short-term reaction) of the sampled dolphins ñ they continue to hang out in the same areas, and sometimes approach our research boat, despite having been hit (sometimes more than once) with the biopsy dart! It seems that the procedure has little effect on the animals, and it is yielding a great jackpot of information about them and their environment.

On a personal note, I will be having major surgery on my left knee (injured in a mountain biking accident) in May, and will be slowly making my way back to full mobility and balance over the next few months. I should be fine by the time I begin fieldwork in SeptemberÖ

I am sure that this year in Monterey Bay, we will see some old friends (human, dolphin, and otter) and make some new ones as well. It promises to be very exciting and I know that the start of our field season will be here before we know it. I can't wait!

Take care,
Tom

Update from Robert, Team 5:

As I've told you in my previous update, myself, Celine and Eugene had submitted our write-up on our experience in Monterey to our Marketing Dept for publication in the local media. On the 21st January our write-up was published in "THE TIMES", Malta'a most popular newspaper and on the 22nd February it was published again, now in Maltese on another newspaper called "In-Nazzjon" (in English, The Nation) . I have also submitted my personal write-up to my Local Council of Dingli for publication in their local newsletter which is distributed free of charge to all residents. This should be published next month.

As regards our local community project, we will be doing our project with BICREF (The Biological Conservation Research Foundation). There has been some change of plans since I've wrote to you. Seeing the useful work that this organisation is doing, instead of teaming up with Celine and Eugene only, I've contacted other HSBC fellows who were on other Earthwatch projects and they have decided to join us to support BICREF. In fact, we will be ten in all who collectively will contribute STG 4000 (approx US 7800). In fact Bicref's proposals have already been approved by Earthwatch and funds have already been received. On March 14th, we had our first official meeting to discuss the way forward and also our participation on the project. Also, myself, Celine and Eugene and some other HSBC fellows have enrolled as BICREF members.

Hereunder is an idea how the funds will be utilsed:.

The funds will be utilised to meet costs incurred during field work and marine surveys. While BICREF would make use of its instruments and expertise, side by side with trained volunteers, the HSBC/EARTHWATCH fund would allow the continued long-term efforts of monitoring and research to fill the gaps of necessary environmental knowledge to assist conservation measures. The major share of the funds would be utilised for marine conservation research surveys: mainly to meet the costs of hiring a large boat and/or its fuel; some diving equipment; small aircraft aerial surveys costs; important upgrades for and maintenance of BICREF's dinghy; research equipment used for marine conservation research there will be an allocation of LM 2230; while toward the production of a coloured and informative HSBC/Earthwatch-BICREF Biodiversity Poster for Schools an allocation of LM 350 is planned.

Outputs of the projects:

These costs would also allow for the production of an educational slide show for secondary school children which may also be delievered by the fellows if they wish; a public seminar in summer with the participation of the HSBC fellows' personal experiences; Biodiversity surveys in Conservation areas of Ghajn Tuffieha and Ramla; Biodiversity surveys in non-conservation areas around the Maltese Islands and the production of a report for local awareness using observations obtained during the surveys. The latter would also be in form of a feature & news clip that would be sent to local newspapers and then placed on the BICREF webpage. The report may also be sent to the local environmental authorities as positive recommendations for future management requirements.

The projects would run through out the year 2007. Scientific surveys would pave the way to obtaining accurate data but also real local images used for educational purposes. For BICREF this would allow the contribution of the HSBC fellows to go beyond the single year project but the long-term monitoring effort. Side by side with this valuable contribution, funds for running costs related to research requirements are also essential. BICREF members are happy to work voluntarily and do not get paid for their research, monitoring or local awareness work. Thus the outputs of research are voluntarily utilized for accurate and illustrated local awareness for the public of all ages for years to come.

The informative poster in classes of local schools would be an important way of highlighting the need of conservation research and monitoring for biodiversity protection and survival in a changing world. The message BICREF will forward together with lovely photos will allow children to increase their curiosity and appreciation for the lovely marine and coastal environment. This effort will complement other educational resources BICREF has and would prepare in the coming year.

Also our collective contribution to BICREF and eventually our commitment in our local project with this organisation was given publicity in most of the local media:

Malta Star, March 15
Times of Malta, March 16
Di-ve, March 27
Times of Malta, April 1

Excerpt from "A Close Encounter with the Marine Mammals of Monterey"
by Angeli, Team 7:

My Earthwatch experience is indeed a memorable and fruitful one. I was given a rare opportunity of having a very close encounter with dolphins, whales, sea otters, and other marine mammals. It was a privilege to work and deal with a diverse team of wonderful people and scientists. This experience has opened my eyes to a different world - a world in which man and animal live together as one family under the care of Mother Nature. And lastly, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime chance of spending my birthday in Monterey – with the dolphins, whales, sea otters, and my dear fellow team members who made it truly special. These moments were truly priceless.

The Argonaut article about Renee, Team 7.

Letter from a student of Renee:

Dear Earthwatch program,

After Ms. Klein came back from Monterey, I have learned the importance of conservation and sustainability in our ocean; especially for marine mammals. We learned the importance of marine reserves to balance and protect our marine life. Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough are rich marine areas. The blog and “live from the field” presentation was very interesting.

Marine debris and pollutants are destructive to our ocean that makes sea life sick. Water quality is important so we do not pollute the ocean. We have learned about testing and analyzing the quality of the water. We have made conclusions about what we have learned and illustrating a freshwater biome and writing information about the influence of stormwater runoff. We will take our ideas and use this information to develop a community project to improve water quality. We have written letters to our politicians to improve conservation of our ocean.

We have learned about ocean energy; and the many resources that can give us alternative energies. The ocean environment has many energy resources, which are renewable and nonrenewable. Ocean resources will be able to meet energy needs if conservation practices are practiced.

I have enjoyed reading and seeing Ms. Klein’s Earthwatch blog. The bottlenose dolphin, humpback whale, sea otter pictures are exciting to see. We have learned a lot about marine mammals and maintaining environmental health from Ms. Klein.


Thank you Earthwatch program
Richard