Research

During an expedition it is crucial to document our observations and experiences.

Especially when traveling to remote locations, where research efforts are less frequent, analysis and exploration are vital to learning and preserving some of the planet's most precious marine resources.

✎ Below are some of the research efforts and scientific organizations we discovered during our expeditions. More to come, stay tuned!

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◆ The Amazon expedition ◆

November-December 2011

Our founders have a deep-rooted connection to the Amazon River Basin, having participated on multiple expeditions to this natural wonder, including the 2001 Blakexpedition voyage where Sir Peter Blake was shot and killed by river pirates.

As December 2011 marked the tenth anniversary of Blake's passing, two of our team members joined 'Worldwise Expeditions' to Brazil's Amazonas to commemorate Sir Peter and return to investigate the communities, wildlife, and health of this unique rainforest and river system.

Below we have included some local conservation organizations, research initiatives, as well as excellent science-based websites working to create awareness for the Amazon. 

Fundação Almerinda Malaquias (Malaquias Almerinda Foundation)

Founded by president Miguel Rocha da Silva in the Amazon region of Novo Airao, Rio Negro, this foundation is unique in its purpose and success with local communities.

Miguel is one of the most respected and genuine ambassadors for the Amazon and its people. Having long called Manaus home, he still says his 'heart is with the forest', and his work as guide to countless expedition teams over the years speaks for itself.

This fundação aims at teaching local communities to live sustainably with their environment, and respect what their surroundings can offer, and teach them.  Children are learning about growing plants and trees,  the importance of caring for them, and recycling wood to create new products.

At the foundation, a craft center collects refuse from sawmills where it is turned into beautiful wooden replicas of Amazon wildlife. Newspaper is also recycled into paper and sold.

In this community of 14,000 people, Miguel's foundation is the largest employer.  He is working to teach the youth basic principles of conservation, so that their environment will continue to sustain them for generations to come.  

Communities established along the Amazon river and its countless tributaries depend on the wildlife in the water and the bounty found in the forest.  Some of the largest species of fresh water fish are found in the Amazon, and the rainforest has nutritious treasures like the Brazil and Cashew nuts, the Acaii berry, Pinapple, Manioc, etc.  Teaching locals to nurture their natural resources is paramount, especially in a time when deforestation, over fishing, and pollution are major issues threatening the sustainability of the Amazon's ecosystems.

Mongabay.com is a content rich, science based resource providing the latest in Amazon research news.  Created in 1999 by Rhett Butler, Mongabay.com is one of the world's most trusted and informative sites raising awareness of environmental issues around the globe. 

A wide range of articles, publicaions, maps and charts relating to the Amazon River Basin allow for an in-depth look at such issues as deforestation, habitat degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, etc. 

To visit this site click here: http://www.mongabay.com/

 ◆ The Niue Expedition ◆

September 2011

Niue, a small 'rock' in the South Pacific ocean, harbors many treasures and bountiful ecosystems both on land and in its surrounding waters.

☛ Below you will find some current research and projects underway to protect one of Niue's most special visitors, the majestic Humpback Whale.

Oma Tafua: "To Treasure the Whales"

"Dedicated to the protection and celebration of whales and their unique marine heritage in Niue and throughout the South Pacific Region"

Founded in 2005, Oma Tafua is Niue's own local initiative educating and training local residents about the annual Humpback Whales visiting their waters. From July until October, mothers and calves use Niue's seas to rest, nurse and conserve their energy for the upcoming journey to Antarctica's summer feeding grounds.

Niue's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been declared a 'Whale Sanctuary' ensuring whales entering a 200 nautical mile radius around Niue will be in safe waters.

☛ To read the latest on Oma Tafua's research efforts, please link to www.causes.com/posts/864462

☛ News on Niue's Whale Watching Regulations www.causes.com/posts/864466

Developed in part by the 'International Fund for Animal Welfare', here is a PDF version of the Pacific Islands Regional Guidelines for Whales and Dolphin Watching

Whales Alive

"Creating a bridge between current marine mammal research and the community in Australia and the pacific region. Bringing education, research and the dedication to conserve whale populations and their fragile marine habitats."

Helping to protect whales throughout Hawaii, Australia, and Tonga, Whales Alive is at the forefront of educating us about whales' natural history and how and why their very survival is at stake.

☛ Here is what happened out on the field in last season's research expedition to Niue. Whales Alive, August 2010. http://www.whalesalive.org.au/research.html

As Whale watching nature tourism continues to grow, conservation and research are becoming socio-economic forces on their own. The profits gained from the Whale watching industry are increasing the momentum in the cause to protect whales in our oceans.

"Whale watching occurs in 87 countries and territories and is estimated to be worth in excess of $1 Billion." (Hoyt, 2001)

☛ Please link to the Whales Alive 'Whale Watching' section for reports on 'Growth and Value of Whale Watching', 'Impacts of Whale Watching', and 'Whale Watching Guidelines and Best Practices'.

www.whalesalive.org.au/whalewatching.html