The
aim of this naturalistic campaign was to get the students in touch with
the various research techniques applied to the study of cetacean populations
in their own environment. The cruise took place from the 20th
of May to the 2nd of June 2000 . Its main topic was the continental
slope habitat. The study area chosen for this purpose is located inside
the
International Cetacean Sanctuary of
the Mediterranean , an area that for its oceanographic characteristics
hosts the maximum concentration of cetaceans
among all Italian waters.
Naturalistic campaigns are organized yearly by the Scienze Naturali
course.
But this was the first time that students from Milan University had the
chance to take part in a new and fascinating field work experience. Ten
students in natural sciences joined a Tethys Research Institute cruise
on aboard of the motorsailer "Gemini Lab" (right).
The campaign
crew was composed by experienced researchers, young interns and
our guide to the hostile marine environment Ignazio, the Skipper.
When the sea
conditions where too rough to sail various lessons were taken. They showed
materials and methods to be used in presence of the cetaceans and subsequent
data analysis phase.
The results
of the work performed by the students during
the campaign were presented and discussed at the University of Milan.
