Dates: 10-17 February 2007
This trip is for adventurous adults who are interested in
helping with whale research in a beautiful remote region of northern Nicaragua
at a comfortable resort. It is designed to allow us to conduct new research on
the humpback whales in this region, which have not previously been studied. In our
2005 research trip to this area and our 2006 groups research trip, we encountered
humpback whales each day we went out and were impressed with the friendly
people, and the comfortable facility, and the beauty of the area located in the
Chinandega province just
south of the Golfo de Fonseca (which "joins" El Salvador,
Honduras and Nicaragua). This region has the beauty of the Pacific on the west,
and a chain of volcanoes to the east. Nicaragua is largely undiscovered by mass
tourism.
Cascadia Research is organizing this trip. Biologists with Cascadia have been studying humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean for twenty years. More recently, we discovered that Central American waters were a breeding ground for some of these animals. Humpback males will probably be heard singing their sensuous songs; if we’re lucky we may see them competing in exciting surface-active groups or observe a mother with her newborn calf.
Data would be collected using 24 ft boats. Participants will assist in the research by helping to spot whales, recording data, taking identification photographs, assist in the deployment of hydrophones and other instruments. Two boats will go out: one will travel to explore more distant waters on full-day surveys, the other will operate closer to Puesta del Sol (morning or afternoon trips) for folks who are interested in other activities during the day. Evening lectures on marine mammal biology will be offered in the evenings
Enjoy a luxurious resort in the north Pacific coast of Nicaragua (approx three-hour drive from Managua). Located on a 600-acre property, the resort is nestled in a beautiful azure lagoon, with twenty deluxe suites in two charming colonial-style buildings. It offers a swimming pool, tennis, remote beaches, hiking, wonderful mangroves to explore by kayak, birding, horseback riding, and sailing. This is a new facility built by an American who came from Nicaragua and is now seeking to encourage sustainable development in the region.