Red Sea Check with CORDIO 

Never done before in the Red Sea, Pelorus has been assisting CORDIO to create a new ocean check system to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the health of the sea, including its coral reefs, fish, algae and anthropogenic impacts. Drawing on existing methods that monitor coral reef health, this will look at the general condition of the ecosystem. The pioneering concept focuses on capturing reliable and sufficient coastal data that can be used to influence policy and management systems throughout the region.

Shark Nursery Research in the Galapagos

Home to some of the last and largest remaining adult aggregations of endangered scalloped hammerhead and blacktip sharks is the Galapagos Islands. Little is known about the region’s juvenile nursery grounds, hence the need for scientific research and a vessel to accommodate. Using high resolution habitat maps, existing sites will be surveyed to refine the model, with the resulting nursery habitat maps provided to varying users such as fishers and tour operators. Ultimately, a discussion on minimising impact at the juvenile shark sites will be promoted.

Antarctic Whale Research Programme

Working with Dr Ari Friedlander, Pelorus has designed a whale conservation programme with both long-term vision and short-term goals to understand whale biology, ecology, and the impacts of climate change and human disturbance around the Antarctic Peninsula. Using motion sensing and video recording suction cups, we will study the foraging behaviours and habitat of baleen whales, as well as use blubber and skin samples to measure population structure and contaminant levels in humpback and minke whales. A collection of acoustic recordings in areas with and without human presence will determine the impact on whale communication and stress levels in the region.

Using platforms of opportunity in the Antarctic, with the support of passengers and their participation, we strive to generate both scientific data and public information that is used directly for the conservation of whales and the Antarctic ecosystem as a whole.

If you are a yacht-owner, work on board or know scientists with a prospective project, please contact us by emailing support@pelorusfoundation.com.