Cetacean Research in the Isle of Man, British Isles
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
- Boat & land observations: whales & dolphins
- Theory and classroom exercises
- Participate in real UK cetacean research projects
- Sea kayaking
- Get to know one of Britain's prettiest islands!
THIS PROGRAMME CAN BE APPLIED TO THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:
- Marine biology
- Animal management
- Geography
- Conservatiomn
- Sciences
- Business studies
- English as a foreign/second language (EFL/ESL)
DESCRIPTION
We have partnered with the Manx Whale & Dolphin Watch to deliver a perfect balance of theory and practical work in this unique programme. Why travel all the way to other countries when we have a wealth of cetacean life right here in our very own British waters?!
SAMPLE ISLE OF MAN PROGRAMME
Day 1: Travel to the |sle of Man, and settle into accommodation.
Day 2: Introduction to the ecology of the Isle of Man and cetaceans
Through a range of presentations, video clips, group discussions and exercises we will present a general introduction to the Isle of Man and explore the natural history of the island. We will also introduce the general ecology of cetaceans, and learn about the individual species which can be seen in Manx waters, as well as mentioning other notable species such as seals, basking sharks, and sea birds.
Day 3: Introduction to cetacean research methodologies and training sessions
Again through a range of presentations, group activities and practical taster sessions we will learn about the methods used to study wild cetaceans. This will cover spotting and identifying cetaceans, using binoculars, a compass, and GPS, to mark the location of a sighting, discussing this in relation to land and boat based surveys. We can also look at using acoustic data to study cetaceans and the pros and cons between different methods, as well as some exercises into how photo-identification studies are conducted.
Day 4: Boat survey / land watch
Students take part in a half day boat research survey, putting in to practice the methods learnt the previous day. Due to the size of our research boat, in order to accommodate everyone the group would have to be split in two. Depending on weather half day boat surveys could be conducted over one day (morning and afternoon sessions with groups swapping), or over two half days. While half the group is on the boat, the other half could be free to explore Peel or other local attractions.
Day 5: Boat survey / land watch
Students take part in a land watch to put cetacean spotting and data collection methods in to practice. It would be possible to conduct a land watch with the whole group at one time, and whilst we can survey from Peel there are a number of other beautiful locations in the south of the island we prefer to survey from. Land watches are usually conducted in three hour blocks so would take half a day, factoring in travel time. This could leave a half day available to explore Peel or other local attractions, or could be used to do some data entry exercises with the land and boat data.
Day 6: Beyond the science – importance of education and outreach
Here we can talk about the importance to our work, and many science research projects in general, of engaging with the public to promote our organisation, highlighting the necessity of recruiting volunteers and donors. Students could brainstorm different ideas in how to engage people and work in small groups on activities such as composing blogs and news articles, creating games and activities for children, designing eye-catching and informative posters, or generating fund-raising ideas.
Day 7: Options (based on departure time): Curraghs Wildlife Park visit in the morning to learn about their conservation practices OR Sea Kayaking OR Exploring the Isle of Man OR Outdoor Pursuits & Assault Course. Return flights (or boat to UK mainland).
WHATS INCLUDED
As standard in our quotes we include the following (based on our experience this just works best):
- Half Board Accommodation
- Activities as mentioned above
- All excursions
- Private transfers in destination
- Group travel Insurance
- Assistance of local in-destination partners on the ground
- 24 hrs emergency contact locally & in the UK
- Parents evening representation
- Glo-Ed Basic Travel Pack: Travel t shirts, lanyards, ID cards, wristbands
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
As standard in our quotes the following are not included but most can be added for a supplement:
- Flights (unless otherwise stated - please add to your quote form)
- Visas - please see your country's embassy or home office website
- Inoculations - as above
- Airport transfers in your country of origin
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Glo-Ed Travel Pack Premium: Everything in Basic, plus team travel hoodies, water purification/filtration bottle, Glo-Ed trucker hat, day pack, micro-fiber towel, sweatband, sanitizer, torch, sunscreen.
- Glo-Ed Luggage Bonanza: Canvas backpack, canvas holdall, bumbag/fannypack, rip wallet
