Watch, Learn, Live

"We only protect what we love and we only love what we understand"

- Jacques Yves Cousteau -

 

Near the Capbreton Gouf, a project has been created to raise awareness of the ecological impact humans have on cetaceans and support the protection and study of these species. Orca collaborates with this association, supporting its research efforts.

 

 

 

Apex Cetacea is a project that aims to study the cetaceans that inhabit the waters of the Bay of Biscay in order to protect them. The team researches and carries out scientific monitoring of cetacean populations, as well as their habitat and the threats they face.

For years, species of whales and dolphins that swim in the Gouf have been threatened by the presence of humans, mainly through fishing activities. Species that can be found here include common, striped and bottlenose dolphins as well as fin, minke and pilot whales. There are also plenty of other species such as the porpoise, the killer whale, the Cuvier's beaked whale, Risso's dolphin, the sperm whale and the humpback whale, although sightings of these are much rarer.

 

 

 

The association studies the geographical location of cetacean sightings and tracks their trajectories in order to better define their preferred habitat, sharing this data with the community in order to implement additional conservation measures. They use photo-identification and collect data in order to differentiate each species they observe. They also study their behavior under different conditions. All the information they collect in their research is shared with institutions as well as the general public, so that the impact of human beings can be reduced.

 

 

 

Accidental catches of cetaceans have led governments to put protective measures in place, such as limiting fishing to appropriate areas and periods of time. Observation systems are also being strengthened in order to more accurately estimate the number of small cetacean catches.

 

 

Apex Cetacea aims to bring the world of cetaceans closer to people, offering boat excursions to groups of up to 10 passengers hoping to see these creatures for themselves. The organization provides the boat, the necessary snorkeling equipment, an activity which is only permitted under conditions that will not affect the dolphin habitat, and participation in an awareness-raising program for the protection of the different species and the study of the Capbreton Gouf.

 

Photo credit: Flavian Couvreur