SCCN YEAR PLAN
In the coming year the SCCN will prioritize the following projects that are both on-going as well as in the preparation stage.
Assessing local cetacean stocks
Since 2002, Dolphin Academy/Sea Aquarium has been observing and documenting a variety of cetacean species, and their activities. This work has confirmed ten different species in the waters of Curacao. Photo analysis up to 2008 revealed a local population of offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), comprised of at least 40 to 50 animals. SCCN will continue and enhance this opportunistic sightings program – networking with local boat captains and helicopter pilots.
Beginning this year, SCCN will place hydrophones along Curacao’s south coast – monitoring these waters for cetacean vocalizations. These listening stations will record not only the location and time of a cetacean’s passing, but will serve to identify its species as well.
Another goal is to create a Caribbean data band connected to this website.
Assessing contaminants in local sediments and tissues of cetaceans
Sediment samples from various coastal locations around Curacao will be analyzed for a full range of organic contaminants – namely chlorinated pesticides, PCB’s, flame retardants, and oil/gas-related contaminants. Likewise, blubber from biopsy samples of live cetaceans and blubber from stranded animals will also be checked. Improved understanding of environmental contaminant sources and levels could also inform decisions associated with conservation of coral reefs and even human health.
Host a regional training workshop on cetacean stranding response
Planned for October, 2009, the purpose of this workshop is to provide stranding response and necropsy training in order to establish a core of expertise and tools in the Southern Caribbean region, (and the Dutch islands in the northeastern Caribbean). The workshop will review the techniques and protocols for responding to stranding incidents for cetaceans and develop a network of stranding responders.
Participants from Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba will be instructed in:
- Identification of marine mammal species
- Sample collection, preparation, handling, transport and storage of marine mammal specimens
- Data collection and database coordination
- Identification of national and regional coordination needs
The participants will receive classroom and hands-on instruction in stranding response, necropsy, and supportive animal care. They will also be introduced to the “Incident Command System” (ICS) – a method of organizing stranding events that involve multiple agencies with a set pyramid of authorization. The workshop in Curacao will utilize the facilities of Dolphin Academy and Sea Aquarium.