Science on a Comet
Presentation
Within the framework of the “Science in Cometa” Project, the Civil Association SICEA (Society for Involving Conservation and Environmental Education), in close collaboration with the Azul Profundo Tourist Cooperative, the Oaxacan Fund for Nature Conservation, and the Solidarity Action Fund, joined forces to advance the monitoring of the humpback whale and other marine mammals on the Oaxacan coast through community science.
During the winter season of 2023-2024, the “Mobile Point” methodology was applied on tourist boats, and systematic monitoring was conducted from “Elevated Points” on land, with the aim of promoting active participation of local stakeholders and interested individuals in actions for the protection and conservation of marine fauna.
Study area
The “Science in Cometa” Project is being developed in the coastal region of Oaxaca, which is bordered to the north by the Sierra Sur region, to the east by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region, to the west by the state of Guerrero, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean..
The stations for monitoring the humpback whale and marine mammals from Elevated Points were conducted in an itinerant manner. During the 2023-2024 season, Puerto Ángel Bay, located in the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla, was the main port involved in carrying out navigational monitoring, using small boats measuring up to 10-12 meters in length with outboard motors..
Results
Boat
182
Humpbacks
179
Sightings
Fixed point
64
Humpbacks
69
Sightings
The results obtained from the monitoring during the 2023-24 season can be accessed at the following link::