The scarcity of systematic data on the ecology of some cetacean species in Spain negatively compromises their conservation. Through this initiative, a new methodology for its monitoring is proposed.

The scarcity of systematic data on the ecology of some cetacean species in Spain negatively compromises their conservation. Through this initiative, a new methodology for its monitoring is proposed.

There is currently a high concern on the part of public administrations in identifying marine areas of special interest and the greatest threats to the populations of marine mammals that inhabit the coastal waters of the Iberian Peninsula. On the other hand, the methods of studying cetaceans at sea used today, mainly visual and acoustic censuses, do not facilitate, on many occasions, sufficient approach for the correct observation of the animals. In addition, they allow only partial data to be acquired that must be complemented with subjective interpretations.

This proposal proposes the performance of tests for the development of a new non-invasive methodology, based on the use of a remote-controlled model aircraft, which allows a wide range of data acquisition.

An attempt will be made to pay special attention to the species that have been less known so far, given their limited accessibility, through the use of techniques that are traditionally used to monitor populations from boats, as well as their application from land, improving the effectiveness in other related projects, such as LIFE+Indemares.