CONSERVATION IN CHANGEMAKERS AT SEA - Expedition Info Pack - Alnitak
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CONSERVATION IN
ACTION
CHANGEMAKERS AT SEA
Expedition Info Pack
GET READY FOR AN EPIC SEAFARING ADVENTURE
The Toftevaag will transport you to an adventurous world of stargazing, whale tails, and
sunsets. Help us track whales, dolphins, marine turtles and seabirds to collect data that feeds
directly into conservation and the sustainable management of protected areas.
Ric has over 25 years experience working in
conservation. In 1989, he co-founded ALNITAK Marine
Research and Education Center with the intention of
introducing innovative environmental outreach
strategies, based on active education, citizen science
and public volunteering, linking conservation with the
general public. Ric also founded and ran the Sociedad
Espanola De Cetaceos, dedicated to the protection
marine mammals, along with KAI Marine Services,
which provides full technical and scientific consultancy
to policy makers, combining economic growth and
ocean conservation. As a result of his successful
conservation efforts, Ric was awarded the ASHOKA
Social Entrepreneur Fellowship in 2014, for his work
with fisheries and coastal communities in the
Mediterranean, Africa and Latin America. As a
complement to his Yacht Master Ticket, Ric holds a
Swiss First Aid license, as well as a safety at sea and
firefighting certificate.
"Dear Changemaker, welcome to ALNITAK’s 2019 research season!
We invite you to read this briefing and visit our website for more information on this project,
and we truly look forward to seeing you soon onboard the Toftevaag to share some
unforgettable moments in the company of the Mediterranean cetaceans and turtles.
Yours sincerely, Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten"
Founder and Head of Research at Alnitak
The Toftevaag
The Toftevaag is a historical Norwegian fishing
vessel, converted into a research ship. Its new
mission is to explore and conserve the oceans.
Over 3200 volunteers from 89 different
countries around the globe have joined us on
board. Our volunteer program has made it
possible for us to develop one of the most
extensive scientific data sets for the
conservation of cetaceans and marine turtles in
the Mediterranean region. Our goal is to design
a 100.000 Hectare Marine National Park around
the Balearic island of Mallorca. We monitor the
risks of marine litter, noise pollution, ship strikes
and the interactions of fisheries and the public
with endangered species.
"A thousand years ago in Norway, the small village of
Toftevaag was a “meeting place” for Vikings. Today our
Find out more about our conservation work
ship, the Toftevaag, is a meeting place for people who are on www.alnitak.org
passionate about the oceans."
THE CREW
RICARDO SAGARMINAGA
Ricardo es un experimentado biólogo
marino y fundador de Alnitak. Es también
el jefe del programa de investigación
marina a bordo del Toftevaag.
BEAT VON NEIDERHAUSEN
Beat is our deckhand and handyman on-
Seven students will join our crew, along with two
board the ship. He will show you the researchers. You will be on a 7 day expedition
ropes!
tracking whales, dolphins, seabirds and marine
turtles in the Western Mediterranean.
JASMINE SPAVIERI We have a wealth of experience combining
research responsibilities with enthusiasm to
Jasmine is responsible for Alnitak's
educational projects. She will be your point create a positive and productive learning
of contact during the competition. She loves environment.
spotting dolphins from the bow.
We love to share our passion for the ocean and
value this as a unique learning experience for all
YOU!
of us, as well as a fantastic opportunity to make
new friends and share perspectives. Our
As soon as you set foot on board you will
be part of the Toftevaag crew. There is no magical Toftevaag will do the rest to bring out
"us and them" on-board and the duties will
be split equally. Everyone on board is a the strongest team spirit on-board. We can’t
helping hand,
wait to welcome you onboard!
ITINERARY AND
RESEARCH SITE
The main research site for this work is the
Balearic Sea. The unique oceanographic
characteristics on this site make it a
fantastic open ocean laboratory for the
development and testing of new
technologies. Our exact itineraries will
depend on the weather forecast.
Science and expedition objectives
During our expeditions, you will have the opportunity to learn about the marine ecosystem and some of its more fascinating
species, using techniques such as satellite tracking, passive acoustic tracking or photo identification. As our research group
collaborates with fishing communities, you will gain new insights into how fishermen can play an active role in conservation.
In 2016, we took our first step towards designing a new National Park in the Mediterranean Sea, by conducting a survey for
the Spanish National Parks Authority. From 2019 to 2020, we will be conducting 10 expeditions per year in the deep waters
around the Balearic Islands. We will be tracking whales, dolphins, seabirds, marine turtles, sharks and the bluefin tuna, and
using them as “oceanographers” to calibrate our database, in collaboration with the Spanish oceanographic organisation,
SOCIB. In our research expeditions we use the latest technologies in remote sensing, such as as satellite tags, hydrophones,
and gliders. We suggest you visit our webpage www.alnitak.org, to find out more about our research and the science you
will be helping with on-board. Although no prior knowledge is necessary to join our crew, we believe it will enrich your own
learning experience if you come on-board more informed.
Daily Routine
Below is an example schedule for a research day. Schedule is subject
to change due to weather, research needs, etc.
6:00 am: Wake up, eat breakfast, set sail
8:00 am: Begin research tasks
1:00-2:00 pm: Lunch (watches continue during lunch time)
3:00-9:00 pm: Return to port (the time will depend on weather, time of
arrival, etc.),
8:00-9:00 pm: Dinner
9:00-9:30 pm: Clean up
10:00-11:00 pm: Bedtime
Days of flat calm: These are ideal conditions for detecting whales, dolphins and sea turtles on the surface. We often spend a lot of time in our
rigid-hulled inflatable boat and in the water tracking sea animals and filming them. These days are often long and exhausting, with many hours
of lookout under the blazing Mediterranean sun. These are also the days when we obtain a lot of our best quality data, so we don’t want to
waste a single minute of sunlight! On these days we get up just before sunrise, make breakfast, boot up our computers, get the camera
equipment out and cast off quickly in order to make the most of it. Breakfast is eaten on the go and we all fall into our watch positions. Lookout
posts are on a rota and include: the crow’s nest, port, starboard, the helm, recording data on the computer and a break. We can’t predict what
we see, but that’s the magic of nature, and there is nothing like the sea when it comes surprising and magic encounters.
Mixed conditions, calm and breezy: These days are good enough to conduct our surveys, but are not usually as fruitful as the days of dead
calm. Often the breeze picks up in the afternoon, forcing us to quit our survey efforts and head to port or anchorage. The days usually start at
sunrise, but we’ll have less hours of sailing, and maybe some hours of rest or catching-up on ship maintenance and data processing, this can
include out of photographs and videos. These days are not as exciting as the days with perfect conditions, but at sea you never know.
However, if the wind is right, these are the days that Toftevaag puts up her sails!
Windy days (Sea state over 3 Douglas, wind forecast of over 6 Beaufort): In one week you can expect one or two of such days. The bad
news is that we won’t be sailing, the good news is that we can sleep in and enjoy some activities ashore the beautiful natural reserve, such as
hiking or exploring. This is when the crew can help out with some ship maintenance work or data processing.
Life on board the Toftevaag The Toftevaag is a working boat. She is not a luxurious yacht you would choose for a honeymoon! There are no private cabins, just a spacious hold with good wooden bunks, a simple galley and small but clean toilets. Yet the Toftevaag has a magic of its own, made of ancient Norwegian wood, beautiful carvings, canvas, hemp and oil lamps. It has a unique and evocative nautical feel to it that brings the crew together and at harmony with the sea. You will have your own bunk with clean sheets and limited space for your luggage. Most of us sleep on deck under the stars during the summer months, but in spring and autumn the temperatures can get fresh at night. Breakfast and lunch are kept very simple, but for evening meals we try to do something special. The cooking, as well as the cleaning, is done on a roster and everyone on-board chips in. We try to keep the chores light and fun, with good cheer all around. During survey hours, another roster selects the watches at the wheel, on lookout, data recording and resting. We always insist that “resting” is as important a task as any of the others and that it directly affects the efficiency of the survey and the safety on board. Cleaning is also a matter of safety on board a boat, and we take this task very seriously. A clean ship is a happy ship! ☺
Special Dietary Requirements Please alert ALNITAK to any special dietary requirements as soon as possible (e.g. diabetic, lactose intolerant.) We have a great sustainable menu for 2019! We will try our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions related to health (diabetes, allergies, intolerances, vegan). Physical Demands While swimming is not a part of the research tasks for this project, for health and safety purposes all volunteers must be able to swim in order to participate. Working onboard requires basic agility for climbing in and out of bunks, walking through the ship and avoiding the beams, climbing the steep ladder out of the cabin hatch, climbing from the ship into the rib (inflatable boat with outboard motor) during sightings or for taking pictures of the Toftevaag under full sail, and disembarking the ship. Some volunteers also enjoy climbing up to the crow’s nest during flat, calm conditions. You will be expected to carry limited gear, to sit for long periods of time, and to bend frequently throughout the day. You will not be doing much walking related to project tasks. We strongly encourage all crew members to drink a minimum of 1.5 litres water per day, use sunglasses, hats and sunscreen, and to take their resting periods seriously. Medical Conditions of Special Concern People of all ages and backgrounds have participated in this project. Experience has shown that the most important quality is a positive spirit, and the project has been able to accommodate those with claustrophobia, hydrophobia, and even diabetes and heart problems. That said, volunteers signing up must be fit enough to join the team. This does not refer only to physical health. Students with health issues should read the briefing carefully in order to foresee possible problems and let the captain know about their medical conditions in advance. Consult Ric if you have any questions or concerns.
Hazards and Associated Risks Working on a ship As will be explained by the skipper during the introduction to safety onboard, the risks of working aboard a ship range from very severe to minimal. Collisions with cargo ships, fire onboard, collision with a drifting container, and falling overboard are some of the more dramatic risks. Falling overboard could place one at serious risk of injury and potentially death from the ship’s prop and height of the deck relative to the water. However, there are many other hazards that are much more likely to occur. Falling down the ladder, sunburns, or knocking your foot against a piece of the ship are all hazards that are constantly present. You’ll also probably knock your head several times on the ship’s beam. Volunteers must listen to all safety instructions and must wear lifejackets in the rib at all times. One of the most common risks is seasickness. Even if you have never been seasick, come prepared. If you tend to get seasickness (or motion sickness of any kind) consult your physician for advice on managing this condition. Marine animals There are a number of jellyfish found throughout the Mediterranean. Most are small and cause uncomfortable stings. The Portuguese Man o’ War is present and could cause a dangerous sting. If you are dangerously allergic to bee or wasp stings, a similar reaction to jellyfish could occur. Come prepared with injectable epinephrine. There are also sharks found throughout the Mediterranean. The majority of these sharks are harmless, though several are territorial and feed on marine mammals. Food resources are plentiful, so the probability of a negative encounter with a shark is extremely low. Weather/ Climate Dehydration, sunburn and sunstroke are risks. You are advised to drink at least two liters of water per day and wear high factor sunscreen on any exposed skin.
WHAT TO PACK Space onboard is very limited. You should bring ONE normal sized backpack/sports bag without frames for personal belongings and, if desired, one with snorkeling gear. Do NOT bring framed or hardsided suitcases! SUGGESTED PACKING CHECKLIST • This Expedition Briefing • Photocopies of your passport Essential Items • Lightweight, quick drying, long-sleeved shirts • Lightweight, quick drying pants/trousers • Swimwear • Shorts • At least six t-shirts, including some that you don’t mind getting dirty • Hat (for sun protection) • Sweater, fleece jacket and/or heavy sweatshirt • Socks • Comfortable sports shoes with non-marking tread • Sandals for beach • Water bottle(s) able to hold at least one liter, preferably harder plastic • Headlamp or flashlight/torch with extra batteries • Sunglasses with retainer strap (polarized lenses will help) • Two sheets or sleeping bag • Towel for personal use • Insect repellant for in port • Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher • Lip balm with SPF 30 • Personal First Aid kit and personal medications, including anti- seasickness tablets • (ask your physician for guidance) we suggest bringing medications for sea-sickness, allergies to insect bites or jellyfish and sunburn cream • Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged) • Adaptor for electronic equipment (the ship has 12 volt DC and 220 volt AC, 50 Hz) • Additional batteries for cell phone, video camera, camera, etc. Optional Items • Digital camera (if you have a good quality camera with a minimum of 5 M and lenses of 200- 300 mm, please bring it to help with photo-identification) • Earplugs for light sleepers • Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) for warm weather teams • Spending money for sodas, ice-cream We highly recommend you bring swimming and snorkelling gear as well as binoculars and cameras. With regards to clothes, keep in mind that classic working boats are not suitable for expensive clothes. Think of what will make your stay comfortable in the following conditions: Summer expeditions have temperatures ranging from 20°to 40° Celsius in the air. The water is around 28°. Protection from the sun, swimming, light clothes, and maybe something for breezy days and night sailing.
Planning and meeting point
Rendez-vous: The old fish market of Palma de Mallorca (Lonja) at 1600. Here you will be met by one of the crew who will
take you to the Toftevaag. The exact rendez-vous site can change and will be assigned one week in advance for each
expedition.
You should call the skipper at +34 619108797 before you start your travels, in order to coordinate the meeting point: •
Skipper's phone: +34 619108797 • Emergency telephone number: +34 699801720
Keep the phone numbers above on your person. When you arrive on-board we show you your bunk and storage space,
as well as some basic information about life on-board (WC, kitchen, etc.). After this, the skipper will give the whole crew
his safety talk and we will all introduce ourselves before going for showers, walks and dinner. During their first night on-
board, new volunteers usually don’t manage to sleep too well, but on the following days you can be sure to sleep like a
baby.Security, safety, insurance ALNITAK has insurance for the boat and the crew. They cover you during your time on board. We always keep a basic insurance coverage for the crew, a Poliza Embarcaciones de Recreo FIATC, which covers medical expenses for all of our official crew, in case of injury, of up to 3,000 euros. We also have an ALLIANZ insurance which covers damage to the boat, but it does not cover damage to personal property of the crew (phone, cameras etc.). If you wish to take out an alternative travel insurance for the week with a more complete coverage, you are welcome to do so. At sea, we will be covered by the SASEMAR Sea Rescue service. It is equipped and prepared for emergency evacuations by ship or helicopter, within in a timeframe of 40’. Hospitals near the research site are fully equipped and of very high standards. The Emergency Telephone in Spain is 122.
Sustainability and outreach
The most interesting aspect of life on board is the respect we need to have with regards to water, electricity and waste
management. As a conservation vessel, we need to set the example when it comes to energy and waste consumption. As
much as we can, we try and clean up the seas from floating plastic trash and other marine debris that could be dangerous
to wildlife. When we anchor in a cove or when we enter port, the Toftevaag and its crew play an important role in
education and outreach of our cause.
The Balearic Islands contain a lot of natural beauty, but you will also be exposed to the sad truth of plastic pollution In
modern day oceans, the most widespread “species” are ghost fishing gear, plastic bags, Styrofoam boxes and microplastic
particles. This is an alarming fact and one of our objectives is to spread awareness of this issue as much as we can. We try
and reduce, reuse and recycle our waste. Our ship has recently installed a water filter so we can reduce the amount of
plastic water bottles on our journey. Whenever we encounter tourists or visitors, we invite them on-board to share our
experiences and passion for the ocean, but also to share our message of conservation and sustainability.SEE YOU ON BOARD!
CONTACTS
Web: www.alnitak.org
jasmine@alnitak.org
IG: @alnitakmissionWITH THE FUNDING AND SUPPORT OF:
CON LA COLABORACIÓN DE:
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