www.edmaktub.org

FIN WHALE PROJECT Study of Fin Whales in the Balearic Sea An initiative of the EDMAKTUB Association

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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INDEX Introduction .................................................................................... 2

The Fin Whale Project ........................................................................ 3

About Fin Whales (Balaenoptera Physalus) .............................................. 3

Study Area .................................................................................... 4

Field Guide Characteristics ................................................................ 5

Goals of the Fin Whale Project ............................................................ 6

Fields of Action .............................................................................. 8

Infrastructure ............................................................................... 10

Methodology ................................................................................. 11

RESULTS: 2011-2016 .......................................................................... 15

Highlights of 2016 .......................................................................... 16

Improvement of Knowledge about the Fin Whale ..................................... 17

Sightings ..................................................................................... 18

Behavior and Social Structure ............................................................ 20

Foto-identificación ......................................................................... 22

Biological Samples .......................................................................... 23

Microplastics ................................................................................ 23

Biodiversity .................................................................................. 24

Improvment on Protocol Investigatons .................................................. 26

Research Assistant Program ............................................................... 27

Research Days ............................................................................... 27

Disclousure ..................................................................................... 28

Web ........................................................................................... 28

Conferences and Informative Talks ...................................................... 30

Participación en Ferias, Eventos y Regatas .......... ¡Error! Marcador no definido.

Press releases and Media relations ...................................................... 32

Press Clipping ............................................................................... 33

Scientific Congress Participations ........................................................ 33

Art and Culture Bonds ..................................................................... 34

Nearby Work ................................................................................... 35

About the EDMAKTUB Associacion .......................................................... 37

ANNEX I: FIN WHALE .......................................................................... 38

Annex II: LIST OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS SUBMITTED ........................................ 40

ANNEX III: Clipping ............................................................................ 42

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INTRODUCTION Between February and June an extraordinary phenomenon occurs along the Catalan coast and has been reported by fishermen for decades, but has not been the subject of extensive scientific research: the presence of fin whales. Balaenoptera physalus (the scientific name for the fin whale), is a baleen whale species that can reach up to 24 meters in length, and therefore is the largest species to inhabit the Mediterranean Sea. It is a spectacular animal that is intelligent, social and where very little is known. Furthermore, it is a protected and endangered species. Since 2013, the Fin Whale Project has pursued a double objective, increasing our knowledge of the presence of the fin whale on the coasts, as well as encouraging its preservation. This project is an initiative of the EDMAKTUB Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the scientific study and preservation of the aquatic environment, particularly cetacean research.

Photograph of two fin whales as they come to the surface to breathe. Their

exhalation forms a typical „blow‟. Note the proximity of the coast line

This dossier, presents details of the Fin Whale Project – including objectives, study area, methodology, infrastructure and fields of action – as well as up to date results. The Fin Whale Project is a pioneering research project that has the support of the Biodiversity Foundation, the Ministry of food, agriculture and environment, the Barcelona Zoo foundation and the Nautical Club of Vilanova I la Getrú. Furthermore, there are also collaboration with local governments such as the Dirección General de Pesca de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the Municipality of Vilanova i la Geltrú and the Catalan fishing and nautical sectors.

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THE FIN WHALE PROJECT

The Fin Whale Project conducts scientific studies on fin whales, organized by the EDMAKTUB Association in order to expand the knowledge on the Balaenoptera physalus specie, as well as on the conditions and reasons that favor their springtime presence along the Garraf coast and the Catalan coast in general. The project is the first of its kind to take place in these waters, it pursues the preservation of marine wildlife and the establishment of new, effective, and environment friendly research protocols. The very first boat surveys were carried out in 2011 and 2013, which is when the first individual animals were sighted and catalogued. As the project developed, more extensive maritime campaigns were carried out since 2014, and from there on, the study arose as a long-term project.

Fin whale surfacing on the Garraf coast

About Fin Whales (Balaenoptera Physalus)

The fin whale, a.k.a. finback whale, razorback whale or common rorqual is the second largest mammal living on our planet, second only to the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Its diet consists mainly of krill, which are very small crustaceans that inhabit pelagic zones, namely in shallow open sea with mild to cold water temperatures. Fin whales undergo seasonal migrations to feed and reproduce. Its appearance is slender, with a pointed snout and a small dorsal fin. It also has a facial characteristic were the coloration on the lower part of the right side of the head is white, and black on the left. As already mentioned, very little is known about this species, and it is in great danger of extinction. (More information in the Annex)

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Study Area

Map showing the study area of the Fin whale Project

The Fin Whale Project covers the coastal area between Barcelona and Tarragona, with an area of more intensive study of about 840 km2 between the towns of Sitges (Vallarca) and Cunit, and extends up to 8-9 miles off shore. The maritime campaigns start from the port of Vilanova i la Geltrú. As there is a network interaction with fishermen and sailors in the area, it allows for more extensive records of sightings that span from Arenys de Mar to Tarragona. Garraf’s coast is part of the study area and spans from Castelldefels to Cunit. This area is recognized as being of ecological importance, in part of an area that is declared ‘Site of Community Importance’ (SCI) and ‘Special Protection Area’ (SPA) and for birdlife it is part of the Natura 2000 network and Plan for Areas of Natural Interest (PEIN).

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Field Guide Characteristics There is a coming together of circumstances specific for this area that could favor the concentration of plankton in relatively shallow waters close to the shore. On the one hand there is the presence of submarine canyons –of which the most relevant is called the Foix, in front of the coast of Vilanova i la Geltrú- as well as a well-defined and relatively short coastal shelf. Submarine canyons have an intrinsic relation with the upwelling of cold water and the resulting change in water masses and nutrient supply. As for the nutrient concentration, there is river water from the Llobregat River and numerous others streams that form in case of heavy rainfall, that deliver organic material to the sea. Furthermore, the water currents along this coastline should be considered as well since they favor the formation of a backwater area within’ the study area. This could all contribute to the springtime presence of krill, whose existence has not only been confirmed by the scientific team, but also by local fishermen. And moreover, there are records of fin whales feeding in the shallow waters of the study area, as well as there is a rich biodiversity in marine fauna.

Samples of Northern Krill, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, a crustacean species in the order Euphausiacea

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Goals of the Fin Whale Project

Aerial view of a fin whale on the Garraf coast.

1. To improve the knowledge on fin whales and the oceanographic conditions that favor their seasonal presence in the Catalan coast. Specifically, the Project aims to:

Develop maps of presence and distribution of fin whales along the Catalan coast, studying the number of individuals, their behavior and possible migration routes.

Photo-identification to create a catalogue of the individuals present in the coast. This catalogue can then be compared with other study areas to establish the possible migration routes of fin whales in the Mediterranean.

Determine the oceanographic characteristics of the area -such as salinity, temperature, chlorophyll and nutrients- and their relation, not only with the presence of fin whales, but also with the great biodiversity present in the Garraf coast.

Make acoustic recordings of whale vocalizations during their stay in the area.

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2. To educate society and promote the conservation of the marine environment. By studying the species and its habitat, it is possible to determine critical parameters and to make recommendations for conservation. Through the information given to collective and individual people for a more cooperative conservation. In regards to awareness and preservation, these are the objectives of the project:

To demonstrate the specific ecologic importance of the study area, not only because of the presence of whales but also for its remarkable wealth of marine species.

To establish and maintain a network of contacts with fishermen and sailors in the area to gather more information about their sightings.

Marine Stewardship: to involve different entities and individuals that make use of the area, and to make them protagonists of conservation efforts with the common goal of preserving the area and its rich biodiversity. This not only involves fishermen and sailors, but also institutions and citizens of the nearby towns, as they are essential to establish a network of marine stewardship along the Garraf coast.

3. To improve the ethical standards of field research of cetaceans.

To develop new research protocols, and to define new and more efficient techniques and methodologies that are less invasive and less annoying for the animals.

To contribute to the awareness of researchers on the importance of welfare of wildlife.

A fin whale very close to a recreational vessel on the Garraf coast

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Fields of Action In order to achieve the objectives described in the previous paragraph, the Fin whale Project is active on several levels: 1. Field research: conducted through maritime campaigns, which are the main focus of the study, in which individual animals are sighted, reported and identified, as well as studying the oceanographic conditions that favor their presence. (The research methods are described in detail in the Methodology section.) 2. Education: not only through publishing the work that has been conducted, but also by elaborating the knowledge of the sea and of cetaceans to explain how to act in case of sighting a whale. Special effort is being devoted to training the educational community and the sectors that are related to our research, which includes local fishermen and sailors. Education is carried out through informative lectures, courses and special programs for schools, as well as through distributing information via printed material and digital platforms, and through organizing thematic activities that deal with the sea and cetaceans. With regards to the fishermen, we strive to establish, expand and maintain a contact network within the main ‘guilds’ of the area, to inform them about our activities and to establish a collaboration in sharing communication for when they spot a whale.

Training activity with students

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In June 2015 the very first episode of „Animalades‟ was recorded on-board our research vessel, the Maktub. „Animalades‟ is a TVE production about Catalan

wildlife and was recorded in December of 2015.

3. Exposure: focusing on communicating our activities and disseminating the results of the research, both to the scientific community and the general public, through several communication channels (website, social networks, newsletters, brochures and flyers, etc.) and through participation in local fairs, scientific conferences, and others events and activities that are related to the marine environment and cetaceans in particular. Of special importance are the relationships we have with the media, with which we actively collaborate, either by sending press releases or facilitating interviews, recordings and self-produced audio-visual material.

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Infrastructure In order to develop the maritime campaigns of the Fin Whale project, as well as to carry out the necessary activities to achieve the objectives mentioned before, the project has the following infrastructure: Research vessel. The Maktub is the main platform for work and research. It is 14.3 meters long catamaran with sails that provides accommodation for a crew of up to 12 people. Its homeport is the Nautic Club of Vilanova (Club Náutico Vilanova). The vessel is equipped with modern instruments, computers, navigation systems, diving equipment, etc.

Picture of the Maktub, the research vessel of the Edmaktub Association.

Remote controlled drone. This innovative technology consists of a radio-controlled aircraft model, equipped with a high-resolution camera that can take pictures and record videos. Drone-based research is a particularly useful tool that can provide additional information whenever there is a sighting, in that it allows a real-time visualization and recording of images. This information would be impossible to obtain through direct observation from the boat, the main reason why this instrument is so important. High-resolution photo and video cameras, both in air and underwater. These are used for photo-identification and to study the behavior of the observed animals. Hydrophone array and other acoustic systems for recording underwater sounds. Sensors and technical equipment for collecting data on temperature, salinity, nutrient concentration in the water, and for taking biological samples. Net for collecting small-sized invertebrates with a mesh size of a few microns.

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Methodology The research method of the Fin Whale Project is based on performing random routes aboard the Maktub to watch, observe and collect fin whale samples. These maritime campaigns operate daily from mid-February to mid-June, whenever the weather permit and for the purpose to obtain cetacean information. During each trip, information is collected, not only on the presence and behavior of cetaceans, but also on the oceanographic parameters within the study area. After each trip, we analyse and process the information collected by the scientific team and collaborating entities. Sighting and observation. All data on weather, sea and environmental conditions, and the position and track of the vessel are recorded. In case of a sighting, high-resolution photographs are taken and videos are recorded. Moreover, the coordinates, type of species, number of animals, behavior, and the distance and angle to the boat are registered. Taking pictures of the whales’ dorsal fin and the chevron (i.e. the colorations on the sides of the head) allows for a subsequent photo-ID, that is the identification of each individual through the analysis of the dorsal fin profile, the chevron coloration, and the different marks or characteristics scars that can be seen over the entire body of the animal. Whenever possible, pictures are taken from both sides of the animal, at angle of 90º.

These images show the different categories of fin classification by means of photo-ID. According to Agler et al. (1990), there are six main categories of dorsal fin profile.

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Installation of the buoy with a

hydrophone

Acoustic recordings. During the 2015 campaign, an in close collaboration with the LAB (Laboratory of Applied Bio-Acoustics) of the UPC, a buoy with a hydrophone was installed in order to record sounds of the environment, with specific attention to the vocalizations of fin whales in the study area. Data gets transmitted in real time to the ground station of the LAB. A specific classification module is being developed to be integrated in the LIDO architecture that can automatically detect and classify the different signals. You can listen in real time: www.listentothedeep.com

Fin whale feces

Collection of biological samples. During whale sightings, we collect biological samples of: Feces. Defecating whales have been observed on several occasions. In fact, this is quite easy to detect as the water gets dyed with a reddish color. The moment this happens, we quickly collect samples with a fine mesh, which are then stored under sterile conditions to be analyzed in the laboratory afterwards. (The analysis of feces complements the study on genetics.)

Net for collecting plankton samples

Zooplankton. Zooplankton samples are collected at different locations along the coast and at different depths. We make use of a funnel-shaped net with a very fine mesh of only a few microns aperture. The objective is to determine the different organisms that are part of the zooplankton mass in order to define the possible diet of the whales. The qualitative analysis of zooplankton samples is performed with a stereomicroscope, both in situ –on-board- as well as later on in the laboratory (for which samples are preserved in alcohol).

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View from the drone, with the „blow

capture deposit‟ suspended

Blow. The scientific team has developed a new method for obtaining samples of the whales’ blow. It consists of a silicone cone that is suspended from the drone, and that channels the exhalation into a sterile absorbent material (tampon). The sample contains traces of cells from animal’s respiratory tract lining. Afterwards the samples are brought to the laboratory for further analysis to obtain a genetic classification catalog.

Water sample, ready for analysis

Satellite image showing the concentration of chlorophyll

Registering Oceanographic Parameters. The oceanographic and environmental conditions along the coast may act in favor of the presence of whales as well as they could help to understand the animal’s behavior and feeding habits. Therefore, on each boat trip, different samples are taken: Chlorophyll (phytoplankton) and nutrients. Water samples are taken daily at different locations along the transect and/or at the location of the acoustic buoy. Surface water gets collected, and part of it is stored in the on-board refrigerator until arrival at the port where the sample is prepared and stored to be processed later on in the laborator. This part of the study is carried out with the collaboration of the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM - CSIC). The remaining water will be used for further analysis. Satellite imagery can help to determine how chlorophyll concentrations change during the study time.

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CTD

Temperature and salinity (conductivity) as oceanographic descriptors. Three types of sampling are performed: - Superficial sampling is carried out with the remainder of the water sample taken for determination of chlorophyll and nutrients. - Vertical sampling of the water column with a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth). - Transect sampling at a constant depth of about 10m with a temperature sensor that records every 10 seconds.

Fishing vessel

Data collection of opportunistic sightings. Interviews with fishermen who work daily in the area, are essential to gather information, as they have knowledge and experience that has accumulated over the years. For this, we have designed a survey (see Annex) that aims to contextualize how, when and where to locate the whales. This information is compared with the data obtained during the months of campaign.

Opportunistic sightings, mainly from fishermen and sailors, offer additional data that supplements the information obtained during the maritime campaigns. In addition to the coordinates of the sighting, we also ask for photo and video images of the spotted cetaceans, which can be sent by Whatsapp or email (see left).

The image on the left corresponds to the sticker we have designed to remind people of our initiative. These stickers are mainly distributed among fishermen and sailors.

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RESULTS: 2011-2016 2016 was the third full season of data collection for the Fin Whale Project. Although the first sightings were recorded in 2011 and 2013, these data were obtained during sporadic departures. It was not until 2014 that the research began to be carried out intensively, with daily departures from mid-February to mid-June, whenever weather conditions allowed.

2016 has been a year in which there has been a high number of sightings that

almost triples the one of the previous season, and supposes a 30% increase over the

2014 season. The studied variables oscillate of important form throughout the

successive seasons, so it is necessary to continue the research to establish trends

and relationship with other types of variables and conclusions.

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Highlights of 2016 Preliminary data obtained during the 2016 season allow us to establish the following highlights: 1. Regular presence of whales in the area. In 2016 a large number of whales have been observed, despite the lack of favorable trophic conditions. The data obtained since 2011 show the presence of the fin whale in the Garraf marine area between February and June. 2. First reference for coastal feeding. It would be confirmed that the presence of these whales is due to the concentration of food, in particular the concentration of krill (specifically the Meganyctiphanes norvegica specie), favored by the specific characteristics of the area. This is the first time that the coastal food source of the Fin Whale has been documented. 3. Main threat to whales: Maritime traffic. In 2016, there has been an increase in whale mortality, and the most likely cause is because of the collision with large-toonage vessels. The intense maritime traffic is revealed as the main threat to the populations of fin whales in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. 4. Effectiveness of drones for cetacean research. The use of drones has been demonstrated to be very efficient study technique since it provides information that is not possible to obtain from the boat. In addition, the method used is very respectful with the animals and doesn’t alter them.

Fishermen and whales have always lived together without any problems in the Catalan Coast.

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Improvement of Knowledge about the Fin Whale The first sightings of fin whales in the study area were recorded through various outings in 2011 and 2013. In 2014, there has been complete marine campaigns with daily departures from mid-February to mid-June (if weather conditions permit). The following table shows the results obtained regarding the sighting and identification of the animals, as well as a summary of the effort made since 2011.

2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTAL

Days of Campaign ~14 ~11 51 61 51 ≈188

Hours worked ---- ---- 295 289 242 826

Kilometers Navigated ---- ---- 2.289 2.532 1.919 4.821

Area of Navigation (Km2) ---- ---- 840 840 840 ------

Number of Sightings ---- ---- 48 22 62 ≈132

Number of Animals Sighted 6 13 62 30 78 189

Nº of Indentificated Individuals 6 13 48 20 43 130

Nº of Catloged Individuals* 5 9 32 12 28 86

Sightings of Professional Fishermen

---- ---- 16 21 170 207

Sightings of Sport Fishermen and Sailors

---- ---- 4 2 13 19

*An individual becomes part of the CATALOG when their identification is assertive and therefore can used for other studies.

The map reflects the travels made in 2016. The base port is Vilanova i la Geltrú. In

total there are 51 days of campaign and more than 1,900 km traveled.

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Sightings a) Made by the scientific team of EDMAKTUB According to the data of the table on the previous page, at least 132 sightings have been recorded since the beginning of research in 2011 and 189 fin whales have been observed by the scientific team that develops the Fin Whale Project. Next is a chart that compares the number of whale sighted in each of the campaign months during the last three seasons.

Comparison of the whale sightings seasons made by The EDMAKTUB scientific team in 2014, 2015 and 2016

b) Made by Professional Fishermen Since the beginning of the Fin Whale Project we have made a special effort to establish a relationship of trust with the trawler fishermen of the Catalan coast, with the aim of having their collaboration in sighting whales and other cetaceans. This line of research has been developed thanks to the Directorate General of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of the Department of Agriculture Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat de Catalunya. After three consecutive seasons, 57 professional fisherman collaborate with the Fin Whale Project reporting their sightings in six locations: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Cambrils, Tarragona, Barcelona, Arenys de Mar, and Blanes.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

febrero marzo abril mayo junio Total general

Nº

Sig

hte

d

Fin Whale Sightings

2014

2015

2016

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The collaboration of trawlers, who share a working area with whales, is very important for research because it allows us to cover a much larger area of study than we could do with the research catamaran alone. The warnings of professional fishermen, which are reported in real time, allow us to go to the coordinates where the whales have been seen and therefore to collect scientific data more efficiently.

Map of distribution of the reports by the trawlers who collaborate with the Fin Whale Project in 2016 during the months of greatest activity: March (red) and

April (green). The black mark corresponds to the position of the hydrophone buoy with which the acoustic records of the area are collected

Qualitative interviews with the fishermen linked to the project have been maintained. All the interviews are fishermen who accumulate more than 20 years of work at sea. The great majority of them agree that they have been observing whales throughout their professional life and that their ancestors were already talking about them. More than 75% of the interviews affirm that the time of greatest concentration of animals is the one of spring-summer, being the months of April and May the one of greater number of sightings. This result is independent of belonging to the type of vessel, confirming the conclusions drawn by the scientific team: the seasonal presence of these whales in the Garraf marine area. Professional fishermen also provide data on other areas of the Mediterranean coast and information on oceanographic conditions and the presence of other species, so their collaboration is highly valued by the EDMAKTUB scientific team.

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Behavior and Social Structure It can be observed that the fin whales approach boats without any fear, whether it is trawlers or merchant ships, or if it is the research catamaran. In April 2016 we were able to obtain the images of a fin whale with its calf, which rarely happens and is very positive for the conservation of the species, which as we have said, is an endangered one. It is several minutes of aerial images with which we have edited a video that could be visualized in our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h7nrd_Cjf8&t=5s

Video captured where a fin whale is observed with its calf in the Garraf Coastline. Sightings have been made relatively close to the coast (at 4 miles) and at depths ranging from 50 to 200 m. It is a remarkable fact, since in other areas of the Mediterranean the whales are usually found 450 m deep. (Although in some cases sightings have been reported 90m deep). During the 2016 season EDMAKTUB scientific team has a observed that whales visit the Garraf Marine Waters to feed themselves, being the first time that document the feeding of the fin whales in coastal and superficial waters of the Mediterranean. The movement patterns that indicate the search for food have been observed on different occasions: the animals circle in circles or "eights" in the same area. When this circumstance occurs, it is often the whales themselves who approach the research boat, which allows us to spend up to several hours with the same animal or group, without having to follow them.

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The feeding of the whales is also seen with the direct observation of defecations floating through the water, which dye it red. Individuals who feed on the Catalan Coast area are usually alone, but sometimes other fin whales form groups that for short periods of time share the space by swimming together. The first data indicate that these are occasional strategies of social behavior or feeding, not maintaining aggregation more than a few cycles of immersion-breathing. These concentrations are not necessarily composed by the same individuals repeatedly, so they cannot be verified to familiar structures. Although clusters of up to seven animals have been observed, three is the number of individuals that can be observed most frequently. Not only have we observed behavior patterns that indicate that whales are feeding in the research area, we have also had the opportunity to record the images that prove it. In April 2015, thanks to the drone, we obtained a video where a fin whale individual was feeding three times in the surface areas of the Coast of Garraf. The video is available on the YouTube Channel of EDMAKTUB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jAZZ8fDn8A

Video captured of the Fin whale feeding on surface waters of the Garraf. We have also observed and recorded other behavior patterns, and once analyzed will allow better knowledge and understanding of this species.

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Foto-identificación Thanks to the exhaustive analysis of the photographic material obtained since 2011, EDMAKTUB's scientific team has created the first catalog of photo-identification of fin whales in the Marin Waters of Garraf (which already includes 86 individuals). The catalog has been growing season after season, as the increasing number of fin whales are cataloged: five correspond to 2011, nine to 2013, thirty-two to 2014, twelve to 2015 and twenty-eight to 2016. All individuals included in the catalog are specimens of fin whales unequivocally identified through the profile, scars and coloration of their dorsal fin, so that their identity can be contrasted by comparing the photographs obtained in successive campaigns or belonging to individual’s photo identified by other teams of research in their study areas. In our long journeys, we have repeatedly observed some previous cataloged individuals. Looking back on different days of the same season or even in different years indicates that these animals tend to spend more than one day in the area (probably in search of food), and visit it season after season. In this sense, the reiterated presence of an individual, named Bp_005 and sighted for the first time in 2011, was observed for 3 different days in 2014, five different days in 2015 and five more days in 2016. During The last two seasons were seen on non-consecutive days. Below are photographs of the same dorsal fin taken for the different campaigns, you can see how the profile of the fin is easily recognizable.

The image shows the individual photographs of the individual called Bp_005 obtained in

several years: 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016 as indicated in each of the photographs.

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Biological Samples The qualitative analysis of the zooplankton collected during the study campaigns has demonstrated the presence of krill of the species Meganyctiphanes norvegica, which constitutes an important part of the food base of the fin whale, as well as other species of invertebrates that are detailed in the following table.

FAMILIA ESPECIE

Euphausiidae Meganyctiphanes norvegica

Calanidae Calanus helgolandicus

Centropagidae Centropages typicus

Euphausiidae Nyctiphanes couchii

Paracalanidae Paracalanus parvus

Temoridae Temora stylifera

Palaemonidae Palaemon macrodactylus

Caligidae Sciaenophilus pharaonis

Dyphyidae Muggiaea atlántica Below are microscope images of some of the zooplankton species found.

Centropages typicus Nyctiphanes couchii Palaemon macrodactylus

Microplastics The 2016 season developed a new line of research focused on the microplastics present in the study area. Its objective was to determine the abundance, characteristics, and spatial distribution of the collected plastic particles with the same methodology (conical network) and the same sampling as the plankton. The analysis of samples has allowed to identify up to 514 particles of microplastics, whose predominant size is superior to 2 millimeters and that normally present cold colors: blue or black. The relationship between distribution of whale sightings and distribution of microplastics in the study area shows that there is a certain risk that the fin whale is feeding these microparticles involuntarily.

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Biodiversity The development of the Fin Whale Project has allowed us to verify the great and fragile biodiversity present in the study area. Although the Project is focused on fin whales there are other cetacean species that inhabit the same area. These species such as the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) or the Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus) may also be found. Numerous fish have also been sighted among which are the Moonfish (mola mola) and the Manta Rays (Mobula Mobula).

Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)

Moonfish (Mola mola)

During the marine campaigns the sightings of other cetaceans are also recorded. These are the results of the last seasons.

SIGHTINGS – OTHER CETACEANS

Note that no reference is made to the number of specimens sighted, but the number of sightings.

Total Sightings

Stenella coeruleolba

Tursiops truncatus

Grampus griseus

2014

17

8

2

2015

15

13

5

2016

34

10

2

25

Scopolis Shearwater

Balearic Petrel

Pomarine Skua

Gaviota de Audouin‟s Gull

During the Fin Whale Project, there have

been observed 21 species of seabirds in the

study area:

Procellariidae (Shearwaters) Calonectris diomedea (Scopoli’s Shearwater) Puffinus yelkouan (Yelkouan Shearwater) Puffinus mauretanicus (Balearic Shearwater) Hydrobatidae (Petrels) Hydrobates pelagicus (European Storm Petrel)

Sulidae (Gannets) Morus bassanus (Northern Gannet) Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) Phalacrocorax carbo (Great Cormorant) Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Europeam Shag) Stercorariidae (Skuas) Stercorarius skua (Great Skua) Stercorarius pomarinus (Pomarine Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus (Parasitic Jaeger) Laridae (Gulls) Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Black Headed Gull) Larus melanocephalus (Mediterranean Gull) Larus michahellis (Yellow-legged Gull) Larus audouinii (Audouin’s Gull) Larus fuscus (Lesser Black-backed Gull) Hydrocoloeus minutus (Little Gull) Rissa tridactyla (Black-legged Kittiwake) Sternidae (Terns) Sterna sandvicensis (Sandwich Tern) Chlidonias niger (Black Tern) Alcidae (Auks) Fratercula arctica (Attlantic Puffin) Alca torda (Razorbill)

The presence of the Balearic shearwater, with the Scopoli’s Shearwater, the Audouin’s gull and the Mediterranean Gull have motivated the designation as Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and other recognitions as Important Bird Areas (IBA).

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Improvment on Protocol Investigatons Thanks to the aerial filming obtained with the drone, it has been possible to collect information that cannot be reached from the boat. For example, it has been possible to observe with great clarity the number of individuals that make up the populations of cetaceans sighted, their social structure, as well as the patterns of behavior. Specifically, in April 2015, we filmed a rare seen that has never seen before in the Catalan coast were a fin whale was feeding on surface water and in 2016 the rare image of a whale with its calf. In addition, the EDMAKTUB has developed a system thanks to the drone without having direct contact with the whale and without disrupting their behavior. This has been proven very effective.

Spiracle

Dorsal Fin

Fin Whale

Fin Whale

Thanks to the quality of the images obtained, a new methodology of photo identification is being developed, analyzing aerial filming of whales. Image captures of aerial videos are made to detect morphological characteristics in the head, spiracle and / or along the body of the fin whale, that can define a specific individual and differentiate it from the others. This methodology will support and complement the current study of photo identification of individuals of fin whale by analysis of the dorsal fin, chevron and body scars. Thanks to this methodology, one can have a more complete and rigorous fin whale Catalog.

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Research Assistant Program During the marine campaigns of Fin Whale Project, which took place from mid-February to mid-June 2014, 2015 and 2016, we incorporated Research Assistants who joined our scientific team for a minimum period of one week. Not only did these people have the opportunity to accompany us to enjoy whale watching and other animals from the Catalan coast. They also received theoretical and practical training on field and laboratory research, actively collaborating in all activities necessary to carry out the scientific work, obtaining a valuable theoretical-practical experience in the field of cetacean research. Participants in the Research Assistants (RAP) Program were mostly students or recent graduates in specialties such as marine biology, marine sciences and other environmental and animal studies.

Research Days For those who wish to experiment our research work, and whenever there is capacity in the boat, we accept crew members who join the scientific team for a day. In the last two years, there have been many fans of the sea and cetaceans who have participated in a day of research aboard the Maktub, enjoying and collaborating in all the activities related to the sighting and observation of cetaceans that we have developed through the rigorous years of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Scientific team obtaining images for photo-identification

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DISCLOUSURE The EDMAKTUB Associacion has made an important effort to build its own communication channels (web, social network, electronic bulletin, printed material…) as well as a achieving maximum notice among audience by constantly increasing its communication channels.

Web Since Feburary 2016 we have a new website, more modern and attractive, which contains information about the Fin Whale Project details on the EDMAKTUB Association, the team that collaborates, the team itself and other projects that we carry out and in which we publish regularly on our most relevant activities. It is a bilingual platform (Spanish & English) in the web and in printed press its trilingual (Catalan, Spanish and English). The web is updated regularly and new information is released.

Our website already has more than 12.000 visits, and it will not stop growing, as in number of page views and of users.

Social Networks

We maintain an active presence in the main social networks and digital platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, where we publish new photos and videos regularly and enjoy an important interaction for the Associacion.

Newsletter In addition, the visits to the web and followers in social network, whose number is constantly growing, we have a international list of more than 1500 people from 25 different countries who are interested in our activities and have requested that we send them information regularly.

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Publications

A fundamental tool to publicize both our research activity and knowledge of the biodiversity of the study area is the printing of publications with information aimed at the public regardlesss the age. For this reason, EDMAKTUB regularly produces various material, the main parts of which are detailed below.

GENERAL BROCHURE Did you know there are whales in front of the Garraf Coast? - Content: Presentation of the Project Rorcual - Type: Brochure - Pages: 8 - Size: A5 (folding) open A4 - Languages: Spanish, Catalan - Distribution: free in fairs and events

CETACEANS IDENTIFICATION DATA SHEET - Content: illustration of the different species that can be found in the Mediterranean and behavior patterns for its identification. - Format: Cardboard sheet printed on two sides - Pages: 2 - Size: A4 - Languages: Spanish, Catalan, English - Free distribution: preferably to children, fishermen and sailors

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Conferences and Informative Talks Another way to increase the presence of our projects and diffuse the knowledge of it is by presenting it. Whenever we are invited we go to educational institutions, nautical or outreach initiatives to present the study of whales that we carry out on the Costa del Garraf. Below is the list of those made during the current season.

EYE CATALUÑA –Barcelona Streaming

Interview– October 2015

Delivery of prizes for the Research Project

Barcelona Zoo – 16th of December 2015

Nautic Club

Vilanova I la Geltrú - January 23rd 2016

Nautic Club

Garraf - March 19th 2016

ORYX

Barcelona – March 31st 2016

IES Benapres

Sitges – Abril 22nd 2016

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CUM

Vilanova i la Geltrú – May 3rd 2016

Santa Teresa School – P3

Vilanova i la Geltrú –June 3rd 2016

“Espai Mercat

Calella” – October 27th 2016

Vaterinary Faculty

Cerdanyola del Vallés – Novembre 30th 2016

Events, Exhibitions and Races participation

Delta Birding Festival

Delta del Ebro – September 2015

Nautic Salon

Barcelona – October 2015

Route of the Salt– Regatta of Altitud

Castelldefels Ibiza – March 2016

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Press releases and Media relations List of press releases sent in 2016: • July 5th - Results Project Rorcual 2016 • June 16th - The use of drones for cetacean research • May 2nd - Whale sightings have doubled this season • April 14th - There could be five fin whales killed this season • March 3rd – The startof a new season with the Fin Whale Project (Complete content of the notes at: http://www.edmaktub.org/prensa/) We have also collaborated with the media that requested it. Here are some photos of the making off:

VOTV –Living from the Granollers Escence –

November 25th 2015

TV3 – Friday (live)

Vilanova I la Geltrú – Febuary 3rd 2016

Onda Cero – The City of

Vilanova I la Geltrú – March 15th 2016

TV3/Super3 – The world of the “Supers“

Filmed on board –April 12th 2016

Canal Blau – Free Entrance

Vilanova I la Geltru – June 8th 2016

Wordl10 – Interview in the Nautic Salon Barcelona – Ocotober 2015

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Press Clipping Relations with the media is an area where the association pays special attention and since the beginning of the Fin Whale Project has had an important impact in the media: television, radio, print and digital news portals. The complete and up-to-date list of published news is accessible on our website: www.edmaktub.com/clipping

Interview with WorldPress10 Eduard Degollada in the Nautic Salon in Barcelona

2015

Scientific Congress Participations The EDMAKTUB Association regularly participates in the main scientific meetings around cetaceans that take place at national and international level with the aim of presenting the results of the Fin Whale Project. Since 2014, the scientific team participates every year in the Annual Conference of the ECS (European Cetacean Society), and in the Annual Congress of the Spanish Society of Cetaceans (SEC)

Scientific poster presented at the VIII

Congress of the Spanish Society of Cetaceans 2015

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Art and Culture Bonds

The Maktub navigating with the sail decorated by Pepa Poch

The EDMAKTUB Association maintains a permanent collaboration with the artist Pepa Poch, who enjoys great prestige and recognition at an international level. Their website is: www.pepapoch.com Pepa Poch says of herself that she is "supportive by instinct" describes the Catalan artist Pepa Posch as herself. This internationally recognized artist decorated the sails and the helmet of the Maktub and that makes it a floating exhibition since in 2012 it was painted in the Biennal Art of Cuba. The singular style of the artist gives the Maktub a beautiful and marked personality.

This collaboration is an interesting interaction where art and culture allow greater diffusion of science and the need to preserve the environment.

A image taken while Pepa Poch paints the sail of the Maktub in the celebration of

the Biennal Art of Cuba.

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NEARBY WORK The outstanding results obtained encourage us to continue our research work, incorporating more ambitious objectives, and new activities. Among which we highlight the ones that are included below.

To continue and expand research on the common whale on the Catalan coast

Create a catalog of individuals of common whales in the Catalan Mediterranean, identified genetically (through samples of exhaled particles and feces) and by photo identification. Share information with other research groups to try to determine the migratory routes of the cataloged animals. This would also allow us to know details about the population present in the Mediterranean and its relation with the fin whale populations in other seas and oceans.

Determination of the diet of the fin whale in the Garraf coastal waters through samples of zooplankton and feces.

Establishment of oceanographic parameters that affect the presence of fin whales in the study area, defining a model that relates both variables.

Determination of the state of environmental health of the Catalan coast in relation to the presence / absence of the fin whale.

Acoustics: to determine the presence and number of whales that visit the area, vocalization patterns and the possibility of identifying individuals through the analysis of buoy-hydrophone recordings. Obtain reference values and detect acoustic phenomena out of normality, in order to establish noise pollution patterns in the area.

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Incorporation of New Technology

Continue developing the research methodology based on the use of drones for the study of whales and other cetaceans, with the aim of minimizing the approach to observed animals, avoiding even physical contact when taking biological samples.

Expand the research team with a thermographic camera that would detect the presence of whales and other cetaceans in the area surrounding the boat, both day and night. This would be of great importance in order to establish protocols that minimize the risks involved in maritime traffic for whales.

Education and Awarness

Involve the navigators in the study and conservation of cetaceans of the Catalan-Balearic Sea. This is done through the creation of a digital portal that would have a double objective: On one hand share the information on reported sightings and on the other, to educate in the Knowledge of the species presented in the Balearic Sea.

Create a network of marine custody in Garraf's Marine Waters with the common objective of conserving the area and its rich biodiversity.

Ask for the possibility of establishing protection and conservation measures on the area after making the area known as a space of special importance not only for whales and other cetaceans, but also for other species of invertebrates, fish and seabirds.

Promote the designation of the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection act) for the Garraf Marine Waters.

Take advantage of the media impact to raise awareness among the general public.

Continue presenting the results of the Fin Whale Project publishing articles and scientific congresses with the results of our research in specialized journals.

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ABOUT THE EDMAKTUB ASSOCIACION The EDMAKTUB Association is a non-profit organization based in Barcelona. It is dedicated to scientific study of the aquatic environment, especially to the research of cetaceans. It was founded in the year 2000 by Dr. Eduard Degollada. EDMAKTUB develops its activities through different research projects, either through its own initiatives or collaborating in studies of other institutions. The interest is always to deepen the knowledge of the sea and marine fauna, to preserve its richness and biodiversity. The EDMAKTUB Association has for this purpose a complete research platform whose central axis is a catamaran equipped with drones, hydrophones and diverse instruments for the collection of samples, sounds and images. The team of the EDMAKTUB Association is made up of a group of scientists and specialists in different fields: biology, veterinary, environmental sciences, audiovisual techniques ... The Fin Whale Project is an initiative that EDMAKTUB has been developing since 2013, which has the authorization of the General Direction of Sustainability of the Coast and Sea of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment for the approximation of cetaceans with scientific purposes in the Balearic Sea (Rf116 / 3662). It has the support of:

Collaborations with:

For more information, please contact us:

info@edmaktub.org www.edmaktub.org

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ANNEX I: FIN WHALE Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is a species of cetacean, which belongs to the suborder of the mysticetos (whales with beards). It is the second largest animal in the world (can reach up to 24 m in length) after the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), but is the only species of whale that can be found in the Mediterranean, and one of the most Unknown.

Whales are pelagic filtering whales that feed mainly on krill (small euphoric cacti in the zooplankton of the oceans) but also on copepods, small fish (mackerel, anchovies and sardines) and squids. Like all Balaenopteridae, it carries out migrations for reproduction and feeding, moving seasonally to low and warm latitudes in winter and to cooler and more productive waters with abundance of food in summer. The so-called fin whale is characterized by the great speed that it reaches when swimming, and that can surpass the 30 km / h. Fin Whale Distribution throughout the Mediterranean The fin whale has unclear distribution within the Mediterranean throughout the year due to its migratory habits. In general, fin whales are found in relatively cold waters, associated with outcrops and deep-water springs, rich in nutrients. Within its area of distribution it makes latitudinal migrations, occupying northern waters in summer, during the feeding season, and southern waters in winter, during the breeding season. Seasonal migration begins approximately in the month of February. The animals move northwards through the Catalan-Balearic Sea generally parallel to the coast. From February to June individuals can be observed near the Catalan coast. In the summer months most whales are concentrated in the northern waters of the western basin, especially the Ligurian Sea, where they feed mainly on krill. After feeding, in autumn most of the individuals are heading towards south warmer waters but the routes and the destinations that follow are unknown.

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Conservation Status of the Fin Whale: On an international level: •The fin whale has been in the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) red list since 1996 as a threatened / endangered species. In addition, the species is protected by different international instruments such as: • European Union Habitats Directive (Annex IV) • Berne Convention (Annex II) • Barcelona Convention (IV Protocol, Annex II) • CITES Convention (C1) At the Mediterranean level: • It is considered a species of interest by ACCOBAMS (Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean and contiguous Atlantic Area) with the aim of monitoring to determine their conservation status. At the national level: • The National Catalog of Threatened Species (CNEA -Real decree 139/2011) considers the fin whale as a vulnerable species. • The Catalog of Threatened Species of the Canary Islands classifies it "in danger of extinction". The main threat of this species are collisions with boats.

The protection of the common whale is very important because it acts as an "umbrella species", since it includes many species that coexist in the same

environment. Therefore, their protection helps the conservation of all these other species.

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ANNEX II: LIST OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS SUBMITTED

I) Annual Conference of the ECS (European Cetacean Societty) 14– 16 of March of 2016, Madeira (Portugal) Video: Drones for cetacean Research Scientific Posters: - Interannual variation (2014-2015) of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during their migration along the coast of Garraf. - Opportunistic platforms as a source of citizen science during a scientific study: "Fin Whale Project" - Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Photo-Identification catalog results in the Catalan Coast 23-25 of March of 2015, Malta Scientific Posters: - New data revealing remarkable fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) presence within Catalonian shallow waters - Creating a network of contacts with local fishermen as a fundamental tool to provide data consistently throughout the year. - First photo-identification account of fin whales feeding in the Mid Southern Catalonian Coast. 6-9 of April of 2014, Lieja (Bélgica) Scientific Posters: - The study of catalonian shallow waters as a foraging area for fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)

II) Annual Congress of SEC (Sociedad Española de Cetáceos)

September 30th – October 2nd 2016, Gran Canaria (Spain) Video: Study of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) on the Catalan coast. Scientific poster: Photo-Identification: Inter and Intra-annual re-sightings of common whales on the Catalan coast of Garraf. 2nd and 3rd of Ocotber of 2015, Vigo (Spain) Scientific Posters: - First catalog of photo-identification of fin whale on the Catalan coast of Garraf. - Interannual variation (2014-2015) in the presence of common whale (Balaenoptera physalus) as it passes through the Garraf coast: a decrease in the number of individuals. - The Fin Whale Project establishes the first bases to constitute a network of marine custody in the Costas del Garraf. Oral presentations: - Advances in the use of drones for the study of cetaceans. - Use of multifractal analysis in the determination of a functional model of the distribution of Common Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) on the Catalan coast.

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4 and 5 of Ocotber of 2014, Palma de Mallorca (Spain) Scientific poster: - Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) as it passes through the Garraf coast: collaboration with the fishing sector and interpretation of oceanographic parameters in the area. Oral Presentation: - Study of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) on the Catalan south-central coast.

III) Sixth meeting of ACCOBAMS partners (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea Mediterranean Sea and Contigous Atlantic Area) 20 - 22 of October of 2016, Monaco Scientific poster: Whale presence in the catalan coast: A possible new MMPA?

IV) Other Works 2016 - Beatriz Tintoré, graduated in Biology and member of the scientific team of the Fin Whale Project in 2016, on the occasion of her End-of-Grade Work, she developed a line of research on microplastics and later presented her work entitled "Abundancia y distribución de microplásticos y possibles impactos sobre el rorcual común (Balaenoptera physalus) en las costas del Garraf" at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, obtaining an outstanding rating and identifying a total of 514 microplastic particles. 2015 - Estefi Jiménez, graduated in Biology and member of the scientific team of the Project Rorqual in 2015, on the occasion of his Work of End of Degree developed a line of research on water temperature, presenting later his work titled: "Relación entre las variaciones de temperature y la presencia del rorcual común (Balaenoptera physalus) en las costas del Garraf en Primavera "at the University of Girona. 2014 - Cristina Martín Bernal, member of the EDMAKTUB scientific team and on the occasion of the Master's in Oceanography and Environmental Management, presented her Thesis "El rorcual común (Balaenoptera physalus) a su paso por las costas del Garraf: colaboración con el sector pesquero y parámetros oceanográficos "at the University of Barcelona.

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ANNEX III: CLIPPING This is the list of appearances of EDMAKTUB in the media in 2016, as well as the links to be able to access the original published information.

TV 26 oct – TVE La 2 (Cataluña) – Animalades (Minutos 1:25 a 5:25) Programa especial de entrevistas a los investigadores y expertos http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/animalades/animalades-pgm6-especial/3712512/

22 jul- TVE La 1 – L’informatiu (Vespre) Resultados del Proyecto Rorcual 2016 (Minutos 9:30 a 11:00) http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/linformatiu/vespre2-info22juliol/3672003/ 22 jul- TVE La 1 – L’informatiu Resultados del Proyecto Rorcual 2016 (Minutos 12:00 a 13:30) http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/linformatiu/informatiu-22jul/3669951/ 21 jul- TVE La 1 – Telediario Resultados del Proyecto Rorcual 2016 (Minutos 39:20 a 40:45) http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/telediario/telediario-21-horas-21-07-16/3669080/ 5 jul- Canal Blau TV – Informativos Resultados del Proyecto Rorcual 2016 http://www.canalblau.cat/edmaktub-presenta-resultats-campanya-dinvestigacio-rorquals-aquest-2016/

15 jun- Canal Blau TV – Entrada lliure Entrevista a Eduard Degollada sobre el Proyecto Rorcual (a partir del minuto 39:30″ del video a la carta) http://www.canalblau.cat/entrada-lliure-15-06-2016/ 15 may – TV3/Super3 – El món dels Supers A Joel le gustan mucho las ballenas http://www.super3.cat/psuper3/sp3Seccio.jsp?seccio=video 14 ab – TV3 – Telenotícies Ballena muerta en la costa barcelonina http://www.ccma.cat/tv3/alacarta/programa/balena-morta-a-la-costa-barcelonina/video/5595056/

14 abr – BTV – Notícies Localitzada una balena morta de 13,5 metres a la bocana sud del port. http://www.btv.cat/btvnoticies/2016/04/14/balena-morta-cadaver-port-de-barcelona-bocana-sud/

14 abr – TV3 – Espai Terra Programa sobre naturaleza y respeto al medio ambiente. Incluye mención a EDMAKTUB en el minuto 1:30″ dentro del resumen inicial y reportaje completo a partir del minuto 21:15″ http://www.ccma.cat/tv3/alacarta/espai-terra/dijous-14-dabril/video/5594989/

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3 feb – TV3 – Divendres Participamos en este programa en directo, informando de la presencia de ballenas frente a la costa de Vilanova i la Geltrú. Aquí el video a la carta (Si no quieres verlo todo, Edmaktub aparece del 1:13:30 a 1:22:00) http://www.ccma.cat/tv3/alacarta/divendres/la-pesca-el-xato-i-la-merenga-de-vilanova-i-la-geltru/video/5582095/

Radio 26abr – Catalunya Radio – L’efecte papallona Balenes al Garraf, fins quan? – Noticia de la presencia de ballenas en la costa del Garraf con declaraciones de Eduard Degollada. http://www.ccma.cat/catradio/alacarta/informatius-catalunya-radio/lefecte-papallona-balenes-al-garraf-fins-quan/audio/919278/

30 mar – Onda Cero – La Ciutat Vilanova (13:00h) Entrevista a Eduard Degollada sobre el Proyecto Rorcual y sobre los primeros avistamientos de ballenas de la temporada (Si no quieres escucharlo todo, Edmaktub aparece a partir del minuto 8:45 y hasta el 26:50) http://desprogresiva.antena3.com/mp_audios5//2016/03/31/BFAA91F5-1867-42F7-ACEB-CF522D27DA4C/BFAA91F5-1867-42F7-ACEB-CF522D27DA4C.mp3

15 mar – Onda Cero Catalunya – La Ciutat (13:00h) Se informa sobre el Proyecto Rorcual con un extracto de la entrevista realizada a Eduard Degollada (Si no quieres escucharlo todo, Edmaktub aparece del minuto 38:30 al 42:30) http://www.ondacero.es/emisoras/catalunya/audios-podcast/ciutat/la-ciutat-1300h-15032016_2016031556e80e876584a878723c34c6.html

Press & Internet

13 jul – Diario de Tarragona Detectan más de 60 ballenas entre la costa de Sitges y Cunit en 51 días. Artículo en PDF: http://www.diaridetarragona.com/costa/66157/detectan-mas-de-60-ballenas-entre-la-costa-de-sitges-y-cunit-en-51-dias 11 jul – La Vanguardia Más ballenas avistadas entre Sitges y Cunit Artículo en PDF: http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/16-07-11-La-Vanguardia-Resultados-2016.pdf 8 jul – Diari de Vilanova Más ballenas que nunca: La tercera temporada del Proyecto Rorcual advierte sobre el incremento de muertes de cetáceos Artículo en PDF (en catalán): http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016-07-08-Diari-Vilanova.pdf 7 jul – Noticias del Ayuntamiento de Vilanova i la Geltrú Se presentan los resultados del Proyecto Rorcual http://www.vilanova.cat/jsp/noticies/detall.jsp?id=29991148#.V3-WYPmLTIU

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23 jun – Diari de Vilanova A vista de pájaro: El uso de drones, clave para la investigación de cetáceos en el Proyecto Rorcual Artículo en PDF (en catalán): http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2016-06-23-Diari-de-Vilanova.pdf 18 jun – Panorama Náutico Los drones facilitan la investigación de cetáceos http://www.panoramanautico.com/noticias/los-drones-facilitan-la-investigaci%C3%B3n-de-cet%C3%A1ceos 15 may – Diari de Vilanova Más avistamientos de ballenas Artículo en PDF: http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-05-13-Diari-Vilanova-Mes-albiraments-de-balenes.pdf 8 may – Panorama Náutico Los avistamientos de ballenas se duplican esta temporada http://www.panoramanautico.com/noticias/los-avistamientos-de-ballenas-se-duplican-esta-temporada 25 abr – EcoAvant Vuelve el rorcual http://www.ecoavant.com/es/notices/2016/04/vuelve-el-rorcual-2561.php 4 abr – Panorama Náutico Descenso de ballenas, Investigación Rorcual http://www.panoramanautico.com/noticias/descenso-de-ballenas-investigaci%C3%B3n-rorcual 4 abr – Eix Diari Albiren un exemplar de rorqual comuna amb la seva cria a la costa del Garraf http://www.eixdiari.cat/territori/doc/62061/albiren-un-exemplar-de-rorqual-comuna-amb-la-seva-cria-a-la-costa-del-garraf.html 4 abr – Diari de vilanova Un rorqual i la seva cria albirades a la Costa del Garraf http://www.diaridevilanova.cat/noticia/675/rorqual/seva/cria/albirades/costa/garraf

4 mar – Panorama Náutico Descenso de ballenas, Investigación Rorcual http://www.panoramanautico.com/noticias/descenso-de-ballenas-investigaci%C3%B3n-rorcual

24 mar – Diari de Vilanova (edición papel) Balenes a la vista – Amplio reportaje sobre el Proyecto Rorcual. http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-03-24-Diari-Vilanova-24mar-Balenes-a-la-vista.pdf 3 mar – Eix Diari – Diari Independent del Garraf, Alt i Baix Penedès Primer albirament de balenes de la temporada a la costa de Vilanova http://www.eixdiari.cat/territori/doc/61356/primer-albirament-de-balenes-a-la-costa-de-vilanova-de-la-temporada.html

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