From 13th to 15th November one more exciting practical training was held within the project “Citizens’ support for study of Black Sea cetaceans along Bulgarian coast”. The participants had the chance to learn in theory how to identify Black Sea cetaceans during encounters in the sea and to put in practice what they have learnt.

During the two day practical vessel survey they managed to observe and identify all three species of cetaceans found in the Black Sea - harbour porpoise, bottlenose and common dolphin. In the first day the practical training included vessel survey of the marine area of SCI "Ropotamo" and in the second the marine area of SCI "Strandzha". Participants in the training had the chance to practice two of the study techniques for cetaceans: line transect survey and photo-identification. Based on the aquired skills for  monitoring techniques and following the field protocol the volunteers recorded all collected data in data forms that will be used for the purpose of the National Biodiversity Monitoring System (NBMS).

Collection of information on cetaceans'distribution and abundance is important basis for defining relevant conservation measures for these vulnerable marine mammals. To collect that data training of experts and volunteers to provide data for the NBMS is essential and that is exactly the goal of the current project. More trainings and field surveys will be organized by the end of the project and all interested in participating are encouraged to contact us and fill the online application form on the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kw3kXfN8DWf8wouby7fJsDDKYArjzMnPwCAwCkhwiww/viewform?usp=send_form

For contacts and additional information:
Dimitar Popov – Project coordinator, e-mail: dpopov@greenbalkans.org
Aneliya Pavlova – Publicity expert, e-mail: apavlova@greenbalkans.org

Project „Citizens’ support for study of Black Sea cetaceans along Bulgarian coast“ is funded within the framework of Program BG03 in Bulgaria of Financial Mechanism of European Economic Area 2009 – 2014.