In this article, second year Bsc Biodiversity and Conservation student Emmie Bowlt describes her time working on a marine research vessel in Ischia, Italy, with Oceanomare Delphi’s Onlus. She describes her time tracking cetaceans, collecting data, and what she learnt about the impact of plastic and human presence on marine ecosystems.
The oceans have always seemed much more mysterious than the fields I grew up around, and I was constantly curious as to what was hiding beneath the surface. Growing older, I began to understand the impact of anthropogenic actions on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and how that could subsequently negatively affect us.
At 15 I moved from my tiny little village to one of the biggest cities in the world, and the change from countryside to city made me even more aware of the harmful effects of plastics on ecosystems. As my love of the marine world grew, I started trying to find some experience in that field. I scoured the internet looking for volunteer marine research projects, particularly focusing on studies on micro plastics. Unfortunately, I found my age was a limiting factor, as I was not yet 18, but in the end I was attracted to a 2-week research project run by ‘Oceanomare Delphis Onlus’ in Ischia, Italy.
(From left to right) The captain and I driving the boat, an information sheet showing the forms and movement of different cetaceans, which we used to identify any specimens we saw.
The project’s mission is to collect data on cetaceans (e.g. Sperm Whales, Risso, Bottlenose, Striped and Common Dolphins) around the island of Ischia. Data is collected on population distribution and size, habitat usage, social behaviours and in particular the effect of fishing and vessel traffic on the biodiversity of the surrounding area, including the acoustic impact on cetaceans. This data is then used by the wider scientific community to make a positive impact, such as establishing marine protected areas. I was very keen to be involved in this research.
The project was practical, hands-on work, with each volunteer taking multiple watch shifts a day, recording animal behaviour (cetacean and sea birds), photographing and videoing animals (above and below water), sailing and helping out on the boat.
(From left to right) 1. Spectrogram displaying the regular clicks of a Sperm Whale, 2. GoPro Camera used to film specimens under water, 3. Spectrogram showing regular clicks, as well as the background noise from vessel traffic.
The first four days we saw no cetaceans, just open sea for hours, to the point where discerning a wave from the splash of a fin was near impossible for my inexperienced eyes. Although, I was still captivated by the jellyfish, rays, tuna and flying fish that I saw! Then, on the final day, using hydrophones, we managed to track the tell-tale clicks used by Sperm Whales to hunt. Once the clicking stopped (the whale has finished feeding and is coming to the surface to breathe) we were all silent and searching the horizon for a blow (column of water squirted from the blowhole). Finally, we spotted the slight hump of the Sperm Whale’s head, amazingly camouflaged between the waves. The whale spy-hopped near the boat and stayed near us for a few minutes before diving down giving us an incredible view of its fluke. I was so in awe after being so close to this magnificent and curious creature. The next week followed a similar pattern of waiting for sightings, but this time I witnessed pods of striped dolphins chasing the waves and riding the bow of the boat. Again, I was absolutely fascinated by them and how perfectly they swam through the waves. The highlight of my trip was watching a sperm whale breach the water, revealing its entire body, before crashing back into the sea.
(From top left to right) 1. Fluke of a Sperm Whale as it dived back down into the sea, 2. Dorsal fin of Sperm Whale as it dives, 3. Striped dolphin riding the bow of the boat, bottom photo: Dorsal fin and head of Sperm Whale as it blows (distinctly from the left side of its head)
Sadly, something else that amazed me was the amount of plastic I saw. Every day, in the tiny speck of the ocean we were travelling, I saw bottles and bags and scraps of plastic. It’s impossible to imagine the total amount, and then consider the repercussions of such a presence. It’s something that has made me even more determined to pursue a career in conservation.
Having to coordinate so many tasks during a sighting, this project reinforced my appreciation for teamwork. In this case, it was even more important given that most of us spoke separate languages! Through this project, I also feel I’m a much more patient person after staring at the sea for hours. I have also consolidated my love for Italian food.
The captain’s dog looking out to sea…potentially also on watch for dolphins?
The memories and knowledge I gained from this project will stay with me forever. If someone wanted to embark on something similar, I would recommend doing a lot of research, especially contacting organisers and asking them questions so you know what you’re getting into and what you can get out of the project.
The last thing I’d like to say is that this project taught me we all have our own part to play. So, if you can, please: avoid using unnecessary plastic, use eco-friendly cleaning/shower products, use electric motors on boats when possible to reduce noise, be mindful of wildlife around you, dispose of all waste responsibly-on land and at sea, and try to wear less synthetic clothing to help our seas stay clean.
If you enjoyed reading Emmie’s article and want to get in touch, you can email her via your UCL email.
Sunset over the harbour in Ischia