Handbook & Itinerary

HANDBOOK & ITINERARY

SAL REI AND THE ISLAND OF BOAVISTA, CABO VERDE August 4-11th, 2019 Welcome

Are you ready to monitor the sea’s large wildlife? Splendid! We can’t wait for you to join us for a week of learning, doing and experiencing life as a marine biologist, working alongside our team while contributing to our annual monitoring efforts.

Thank you for participating in this yearly project that is critical to the sustainability of our long-term monitoring of large marine wildlife.

This monitoring has already yielded invaluable information on the populations, abundance, density and habitat preferences of a range of species of sharks, rays, turtles and large predatory fish such as snappers and groupers. We take these data and turn them into information that we share with site users and managers and government decision-makers to promote more wildlife-friendly legislation such as gear restrictions or site and seasonal closures that permit populations to thrive and more animals to reach reproductive age.

It is thanks to your work and contribution that we are able to conduct conservation science and advance better management of marine wildlife in Cabo Verde

I am pleased to share with you our detailed expeditions guide that also includes the monitoring methods that you will be using while in the field. Please familiarize yourself Rachel T. Graham with these and the exercises along with the species Executive Director identification guides that we are sending you separately MarAlliance prior to arrival so that we can all hit the water “swimming” so to speak.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at: [email protected] with any questions that you might have in the meantime.

See you soon!

CONTACTS IN CABO VERDE

Rachel: Whatsapp +501 602-1750 • [email protected]

Zeddy: +238 971-1944 • [email protected] Cabo Verde Recent studies conducted by MarAlliance have indicated Zeddy Seymour Zé Luís Cabo Verde contains a rich diversity of marine megafauna The archipelago of Cabo Verde provides key habitats as well as potentially important nursery habitats for for many species – both resident and migratory – Cabo Verde Coordinator Fisher and Field Associate endangered species, including several species of including giant manta rays, whale sharks and tiger hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini and S. zygaena). sharks, yet scientific data is in short supply. In recent Alexander (Zeddy) is the coordinator for MarAlliance in Zé Luís is originally from Praia Baixo on the Island of Furthermore, it is believed to contain significant years shark populations have become the focus of Cabo Verde where he conducts baseline studies and Santiago though has lived in Boavista for the last 15 aggregations of ‘mega-planktivores’ (whale shark, oceanic foreign-industrial fishing efforts, and West Africa has long-term monitoring for elasmobranchs, working with years. He is the captain of Stephannie and probably the manta ray and other mobulidae spp.). In spite of their vast one of the highest rates of Illegal Unreported and traditional fishers and local schools. happiest fisher in Cabo Verde! sizes, very little is known about the mega-planktivores in Unregulated fishing (IUU) globally. this region, and possible connections between After receiving a BA in Latin American Studies in England His favourite fish is the yellowfin tuna. He navigates the populations in West Africa and elsewhere in the Atlantic sea around Boavista second to none and is never fazed Boavista, known locally as the island of dunes (ilha das with a year abroad in Brazil, Zeddy went on to read an remain unknown. even in adverse conditions. He is fascinated by the dunas), is where the cascading sands of the Sahara MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity at the University of gentleness of the whale shark. He is the proud father of meet the rich turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Exeter in 2012 where he completed a thesis on fisheries- By working with traditional fishers we aim to investigate sweet little girls called Stephannie and Zayla and a Such abundant white sand beaches and guaranteed independent monitoring of sharks in Belize. He studied these current shortages, establish baselines and promote massive FC Porto fan. sunshine have made the island the focus of the recent under Dr. Brendan Godley and Dr. Graham who inspired the protection of threatened marine resources. Through tourism boom; nonetheless, fisheries and him to pursue a career in marine conservation. a combination of scientific monitoring, education and environmental regulations are lagging behind. It is not capacity building we strive to raise awareness of the His diverse experience in Latin America and Africa have known to what extent rapid development may be importance of marine megafauna to marine ecology, and helped him not only to study the fauna, but also to work affecting the marine environment, including artisanal in doing so, safeguard these populations and the in raising awareness of ecology at a community level. He fisheries and critical nursery habitats. communities that depend on the sea for their survival. was project coordinator for the Zoological Society of London supporting projects in Mozambique from 2012 to 2014.

4 5 Activities

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF SHARKS, RAYS, TURTLES AND WEST AFRICAN FISHES

Identifying marine megafauna and mega-planktivores by species is an important part of assessing biodiversity. Species ID will be used during in-water visual transects, analysing Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) recordings and Mega-planktivore monitoring. We will further ask you to familiarize yourself with species prior to the trip to improve identification in the field.

MEGA-PLANKTIVORE MONITORING

PROGRAM ‘Mega-planktivores’ as the name suggests, is a term for large plankton-eating fish - in this case the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris), the largest fish and ray in the world respectively. Everyone will be assigned a job that they will be responsible for in the water - such as photo ID/filming, sex ID and laser size estimation. We will also be taking a biopsy for genetic material, as well as tagging animals in order to expand on- going studies into their spatial ecology.

BAITED REMOTE UNDERWATER VIDEO (BRUV)

Baited Remote Underwater Video monitoring is a relatively novel and non- invasive method of monitoring marine species, particularly sharks, remotely. BRUVs consist of a frame constructed from PVC or metal, a camera , and an extended arm with a bait cage. BRUVs are deployed on to the sea floor at various sites around the Island of Boavista for 65 minutes in order to assess species diversity and relative abundance of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). These videos are later analysed to record the species and number of individuals and Travel and accommodations assess diversity and relative abundance. We will collectively review videos taken On August 4th you will arrive at Rabil international Airport on the island of and annotate these to record target species and frequency of occurrence Boavista, Cabo Verde. We will be there to pick you up and take you to your accommodation at Orquidea Guest House. Orquidea guest house is a true NIGHT PATROL ON THE TURTLE NESTING BEACH WITH tropical oasis, steps from the beach. TURTLE FOUNDATION

Boavista is world-renowned for its breeding population of loggerhead turtles The rooms are centred around a courtyard bustling with life and the owners (Caretta caretta). Although the species was reclassified as ‘Vulnerable’ world-wide maintain a family atmosphere without sacrificing any of the elegance. The guest (IUCN redlist.org), in Cabo Verde it is given an ‘Endangered’ status due to the high house is sited in lush tropical gardens filled with hibiscus, palm trees, and level of poaching that still occurs. The Turtle Foundation has been working in the flourishing banana trees, which add to Orquidea’s overall Cabo Verdean charm. protection of these populations since 2008 alongside the local community. Between June and October dedicated rangers and volunteers patrol the beaches nocturnally, monitoring these animals and protecting them from poaching. Training Together with trained volunteers and rangers you will be able to observe the protection of these animals, see the nesting process and learn the scientific Your objective is to assist MarAlliance’s Cabo Verde-based research team to methods used to monitor their populations. undertake annual monitoring of marine megafauna around the island of Boavista. To prepare for your trip and help us collect the most valuable data, we will provide you materials in advance to assist you with species identification and size/distance estimation. On your first days in Boavista we will hold training sessions to review the methods.

6 7 DAY 2 AUGUST 5th, 2019

8:00 Safety briefing and job assignment on board Simply No Stress

8:30 Megaplanktivore surveys in the South ITINERARY 12:30 Lunch in the field on board Simply No Stress 17:00 Return to Sal Rei

18:00 Presentation by Expedition leader Dr. Rachel Graham

19:00 Dinner at ‘Cabo Café’

PLEASE NOTE THE AGENDA MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DAY 1 AUGUST 4th, 2019

10:00 International flight arrival at Rabil international DAY 3 AUGUST 6th, 2019 airport. Pre-arranged transfer to Orquidea Guest house 7:30 Breakfast at Orquidea Guesthouse

Afternoon Relax and acclimatisation / time to explore / 8:30 BRUV surveys in the Baía de Sal Rei possibility of a ½ day island Excursion for those interested 13:30 Barbecue lunch on Ilhéu de Sal Rei 15:30 Day time instruction to neonate capture and tagging for hammerhead, 17:00-18:00 Overview of the coming week’s research and Species ID instruction and/or review, instruction milk sharks and blacktip sharks on survey methods and data collection. 18:00 Presentation by Country Coordinator – Zeddy Seymour

18:30 Pre expedition dinner with Dr. Rachel Graham and 19:00 Dinner at ‘Alisios Restaurant’ the Cabo Verde based research team at ‘Porton di Nos Ilha’

8 9 DAY 4 AUGUST 7th, 2019 DAY 6 AUGUST 9th, 2019 8:00 Megaplanktivore surveys on our vessel ‘Simply No Stress’ in the North 8:00 Megaplanktivore surveys on our vessel ‘Simply No Stress’ 12:30 Lunch in the field on board Simply No Stress 12:30 Lunch in the field on board ‘Simply No Stress’ 17:00 Return to Sal Rei 17:30 Return to Sal Rei 18:00 Dinner at Ca’ Baby 18:30 Presentation by Cabo Verde Education Officer Cintia Lima 19:30-23:00 Nocturnal neonate capture and tagging for hammerhead, milk 19:00 Dinner sharks and blacktip sharks

DAY 7 AUGUST 10th, 2019 DAY 8 AUGUST 11th, 2019 DAY 5 AUGUST 8th, 2019 8:00 Breakfast at Orquidea Guesthouse 7:30 Final team breakfast at Orquidea 8:30 Breakfast at Orquidea Guesthouse 9:30 Full day Island Excursion Guesthouse & check out 9:30 BRUV / longline survey Ilhéu de Chaves 18:00 Dinner 8:30 Transfer to Rabil International 13:00-15:00 Lunch at Perola de Chaves 19:30 Nocturnal longline surveys at Ponta do Sol Airport for travel home 15:15 Return to Sal Rei

18:30 Dinner at ‘Siroco Bar & Grill’ If you wish to extend your stay in Cabo Verde, we would be happy assist you with 20:00 To Lacacão for guided turtle patrol activity planning and travels throughout the country. 23:30 Return to Sal Rei

10 11 The basics

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Passport valid at least 6 months after the trip • Photocopy of passport • International air tickets (e-tickets)

• Travel insurance—MarAlliance does not cover medical, travel, trip cancellation or luggage insurances. You will need to take out your own insurance policies. Please visit the following website, http://www.quotewright. TRAVEL GUIDE com/?sub_id=6056. Information available on the site includes an explanation of the different forms of travel insurance, a chart comparing c verage under all currently available policies, plus an instant online quote feature.

NOTE: All visitors entering Cabo Verde require a visa (cost: 40 euros)

CASH AND PAYMENTS

The official currency of Cabo Verde is the Cabo Verde Escudo (CVE). One US dollar is equivalent to CVE 103.5, and one Euro equivalent is equivalent to CVE 110.26 (fixed, non-variable exchange rate). Exchange counters are located at international airports, but not at domestic airports. Every county has a bank that is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, there are exchange offices that also exchange currency at the official rate. You can sometimes pay with euros in stores and taxis, but change will be returned is Escudos at a less favourable rate of 1 euro to 100 Escudos. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted Accommodations at major hotels and banks. You must present your passport when exchanging money or paying with a credit card (so you should always have it with you). ORQUIDEA GUEST HOUSE MEALS SECURITY You will stay in Ocean Front rooms, which include double The Guest house offers breakfast in the morning and can beds, a large bathroom, AC, flat screen TV, minibar, in- accommodate most dietary needs and requests. Orquidea serves Safety is our top concern and MarAlliance has an emergency plan for field room safe, balcony with sea views, and free Wi-Fi can be the freshest fruits and vegetables all of which are grown locally on work conducted at all its sites on Boavista. Comprehensive first aid kits will be found in the breakfast area of the guesthouse. the island. Evenings will be spent dining at Orquida or enjoying the held on board the Maximus and at the guesthouse. culinary scene of Sal Rei, so be prepared to be well fed, enjoy communal meals with the team, and good company discussing the During down time, enjoy a short stroll to the beach and VACCINATIONS relax, or explore the capital of Boavista, Sal Rei and all its amazing things you experienced during the day’s work. charm. All travellers headed to Cabo Verde should be up to date on routine vaccinations. In addition, visitors who have not been vaccinated against Typhoid or Hepatitis A or B should receive the vaccines before traveling to Cabo Verde. OUR RESEARCH VESSEL CONTACTS Our research for the week will be carried out aboard the the 'Simply No Stress', a 15m motor yacht, whose captain, Vicente, is an experienced local sailor with a great level of knowledge of the island's cetacean populations.The spacious and comfortable Police Station: +238 2 511 132 seating onboard ensures work aboard this vessel more than lives up to its name. We will also be working out of small artisanal Health Centre: +238 2 511 167 fishing boats in order to be able to catch and tag juvenile sharks in and around the city bay. The yacht is designed for harbour (Private Medical Clinic – Clinica Esperança Medica): +238 2 511 416 cruises, fishing excursions, whale watching, snorkelling expeditions and of course research expeditions. While completing our work be sure to take in the breath taking scenery and landscapes of beautiful Boa Vista.

12 13 What to bring RASHGUARD This will provide added sun protection while on the boat during the day. We recommend packing light and bringing the essentials. Having said that, Rashgaurds can also provide warmth while swimming transects if the weather this is a research trip in a demanding environment and it is better to be safe is cool. We will also have MarAlliance rashgaurds for sale on site. than sorry. Please make sure you read these items carefully, especially the environmental indication for skincare products and insect repellents. LYCRA BODYSUIT

—EVERYDAY CLOTHING— For added sun protection during days spent out on and in the water. We are on the water most of the day, and even with sunscreen, being exposed to the 1-2 LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS AND ONE PAIR OF LONG PANTS sun’s rays all day is draining. Full coverage helps avoid sunburn and exhaustion (and cuts down on sunscreen use). A light long sleeve shirt will protect your arms from the strong sun, and come in handy for the cooler early mornings and late evenings. Non-cotton, dry-fast — EQUIPMENT — materials are recommended. A light pair of long pants will be beneficial to cove up against the strong sun or for cooler times of (Pants with zip-off legs are ideal) MASK, FINS AND SNORKEL

WATERPROOF JACKET Please make sure you test equipment to ensure everything fits properly prior to arrival. In case of light rain UNDERWATER OR WATERPROOF CAMERA/GOPO SANDALS There is stunning marine life underwater that you will probably want to Aquatic style sandals are preferred for walking on the beach. You will also want capture on film. Our suggestion is to bring more memory cards and batteries something with good traction while in the boat. than you think you will need.

SHOES DRY SACK

You’ll want to bring a pair of running or hiking shoes, for transit to Las Rocas This will keep camera gear and other items water free and protected from sea Resort, or if you plan to explore the island during down time. spray while out on the boat.

— SUN AND SEA — REUSEABLE WATER BOTTLE Tap water is not potable in Cabo Verde; drink only bottled water. In the SUNSCREEN field and at the guest house we will provide you with filtered bottled water. Make sure your sunscreen is coral/reef safe and doesn’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC and the common preservative butylparaben, all of which kill — HEALTH AND WELLBEING — coral. Good alternatives include mineral-based sunblocks. PHARMACY SUNGLASSES For precaution we suggest hand sanitizer, pain relief medication for headaches, Polarized are recommended as they cut down the glare on the water. This will stomach pains and muscle aches. help you spot sharks, rays, turtles and other underwater wildlife. Electrolyte solutions are recommended to ensure you are sufficientl hydrated. HAT Powders are preferred, as they are easier to carry and transport.

A wide brimmed hat with chin strap is suggested, to prevent it from blowing off Bug-spray. DEET based insect repellent can be harmful to the environment, and we encourage you to look into natural/safer alternatives.

SWIMWEAR If you are prone to seasickness or unsure, we recommend Dramamine or Meclizine. For swimming, and transects. We recommend bringing two pairs, so that one can dry from the previous days activities. After-sun moisturizer.

14 15 — TECH —

WIFI/MOBILE COVERAGE

If you plan on using your cell phone, standard roaming charges will apply and rates will be carrier dependent. The guesthouse will supply free Wi-Fi, and some cafés and restaurants are equipped with free Wi-Fi for paying STANDARDIZED customers. You will have the opportunity to buy a local sim on your first day (if your phone is unlocked) POWER SURVEY METHODS Electrical sockets (outlets) in Cabo Verde are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The “Type C” Europlug and the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko. If your plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. FOR MARINE LANGUAGE The official language of Cabo Verde is Portuguese; however, Cabo Verdean Creole (kriolo) is a Portuguese-based creole language spoken as the native MEGAFAUNA language by the Cabo Verdean diaspora.

Photo: Pete Oxford Got camera?

Do you like photography or film-making? Have you got audio or vide recording equipment or access to an underwater camera? Background and Introduction We are always looking for help documenting our research process and you could be of great help if you wanted to assist in this area. We cannot offe MARALLIANCE: WHO WE ARE equipment insurance but any footage you can produce and share with us will go a long way towards improving our communications. Our mission is to explore, enable, and inspire positive change for threatened marine wildlife, their critical habitats and dependent human communities. We are driven by a vision of thriving populations of big fish throughout the world’s tropical seas.

But who are we really? We are a small international non-profit organisation registered in the US as a 501(c)3, working in several countries with our principal field office based in San Pedro, Belize. We began operations in April 2014 and have a small team of staff who are joined annually by Maste s students, volunteers and over 30 fisher/guide partners across multiple si es. The nuts and bolts: we currently work in seven countries to research and promote the management and conservation of marine wildlife, notably big fis .

A core function of MarAlliance is to produce management-driven research undertaken with large marine vertebrates also known as marine megafauna. In our program these include large fish – both finfish and elas ranchs - and turtles, species that generally share similar life history characteristics where they are often slow growing, late maturing, of low productivity and vulnerable to exploitation. Research focuses on understanding population demographics and

16 17 dynamics over time, spatial distribution of species and populations, movement and feeding behaviour and anthropogenic impacts on these target species. This Mega-Planktivore work is conducted to help identify effective means of tailoring management Monitoring and conservation for these species. We conduct our work throughout several countries’ territorial waters and focus on several long-term sites where annual "‘Mega-planktivores’ as the name suggests, is a term for large plankton-eating fish - monitoring is key to both establish long-term monitoring programs that provide in this case the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and the oceanic manta ray (Mobula information on population changes as well as train new cohorts of marine birostris), the largest fish and ray in the world respectively. In spite of their enormous megafauna monitors. size, these leviathans live on a diet of mostly microscopic animals (zooplankton) that This manual provides practical guidance for conducting surveys and analysis they retain after streaming water through their wide mouths and filtering out using of data for MarAlliance’s marine megafauna research. Please become familiar their modified gill structures. with our methodologies prior to arrival. You can also gain insights on how we work and methods from our technical video series on our MarAlliance YouTube Both species are known to undertake large-scale migrations, sometimes crossing Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_tSmGYTHNrJz-qyyvCn7Qw entire oceans in search of food, making their study difficult. Whale sharks have been the focus of long-standing scientific studies in Australia, Belize, Mozambique and WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU PRIOR TO STARTING Mexico, and considerable information has been generated on their ecology, THE FIELD EXPEDITION behaviour and life history, yet much information is missing from the Eastern Atlantic that includes Cabo Verde. Nearly our entire understanding of whale shark 1. Take the time to learn how to estimate sizes using the metric system reproduction comes from one individual caught off Taiwan in the 1990s, which had (cm/m). We need to you to become as accurate as possible from a range 300 developing and full term offspring in her uterus. Manta rays are known to of distances for animals that measure between 10-300 cm, and distances produce just one offspring after a year’s gestation and only a handful of putative in general. This skill comes in very handy well beyond the trip! parturition and nursery sites are identified where this occurs.

2. Learn your fish Identification. This is critical. We are sending you the PDF We have been studying the populations and movement behaviour of both species in sharks, rays, finfis and turtle species to study so that you are familiar prior Boavista since 2015 with the aim of generating data that can improve the to arrival and can confidently identify our key species. We suggest that yo management and protection of these species - particularly mantas (whale sharks are make a game of it and have people test you. currently nationally protected). 3. Familiarize yourself with your snorkeling gear to ensure you can “hit the water swimming”. You want to ensure in particular that your mask doesn’t Our research suggests that Boavista, is an important area within the archipelago, fog up, your fins don’t chafe (purchase a pair of lycra socks just in case particularly for subadults whale sharks. Satellite tracking data has revealed and that you are comfortable chugging along for 30 minutes at a go, which movement throughout the archipelago with whale sharks preferring to stay in equates the length of a transect. Barlavento and mantas heading south to the Sotavento. ‘Barlavento’ literally ‘windward’ is a term used to describe the northern chain of islands between Sal and Santo Antão, to which Boavista belongs and ‘Sotavento’ or ‘leeward’ the southern Species identification of islands between Maio and Brava. sharks, rays, turtles and piscivorous fish

Identifying marine megafauna by species is an important part of assessing biodiversity. Species ID will be used during in-water visual transects and in analyzing Baited Remote Underwater Video recordings. We will ask you to familiarize yourself with species, using the species identifica ion powerpoint presentation prior to the trip to improve identification in the field

18 19

‘back’ in order to get a better look at us , which makes this task much easier, other times this involves diving below the animal. Generally speaking, whale sharks move more slowly at the surface though this is not always the case.

Using these photographic identification shots, we are able to build a catalogue of the population observed in Cabo Verde, which can then be cross-references with other sites in the Atlantic such as the Azores and even the other side in the Caribbean.

TASKS

Everyone will be assigned a job that they will be responsible for in the water - such as photo ID/filming, sex ID and laser size estimation. We will also be taking a biopsy for genetic material, as well as tagging animals in order to expand on-going studies into their spatial ecology.

PhotoID

Obtaining a successful photographic ID is essential to each encounter in order to know whether its a new observation or a returning visitor to the island. As a result, multiple people will have cameras and GoPros and please make sure your GoPro is on and filming before you get in the water.

Sex ID

As with other elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), males possess 2 claspers (the male sexual organ), which are located on the ventral side between the pelvic fins. Whale sharks and manta rays, mature at between 6-8 and 3.5-4m respectively. Prior to reaching maturity it is easy to misidentify the sex, as immature claspers are small and relatively easily overlooked.

Size Estimation

These animals can grow to nearly 20m (long) and 8m (across) in the case of whale sharks and manta rays respectively. Obtaining accurate size estimations can help us understand population demographics and growth. As marine biologists, we are trained to estimate sizes in water through other scientific monitoring methods and it’s a good idea to always think ‘how big is the animal’? Comparing it to your forearm, fin or body length, or even in comparison to the boat is a simple way to begin to do this.

The use of laser photogrammetry allows us to make more accurate estimations. This consists of a bar with two lasers secured, equidistant apart either side of a camera. By defining the distance between the lasers (for example 50cm), we are able to produce images with a predefined scale. On whale sharks, we use this to measure the distance between a). the last gill slit and b). start of the base of the first dorsal fin. This length correlates to the overall Total Length (TL) allowing us to extrapolate it to produce an accurate size estimation of the animals overall size. On manta rays, we measure the distance between the wing tips (Disk Width, DW).

ENTERING THE WATER

When an animal has been sighted, speed is of the essence! Consequently, you will need to have your fins, mask and camera etc., prepared and ready to go. It’s important we enter the water quietly, so as not to disturb the animal but quickly as both species can swim well beyond our maximum speed with a single stroke of their tail/ flap of their wings.

Once in the water, the aim is to let the animal approach us. This is not always the case, as some animals can actively look for interaction and others avoid it. Often juveniles are more curious where as older ones can be less interested. It’s important to state, we do not want to disturb or touch the animal.

In most cases, whales sharks appear not to notice being tagged due to their incredibly thick skin. Mantas on the other hand, will disappear after tagging so we must get all the data before this. IDENTIFICATION Size Estimation These animals can grow to nearly 20m (long) and 7m (across) in the case of whale sharks and manta Both whale sharks and mantas possess unique spot patterns that do not change rays respectively. Obtaining accurate size estimations can help us understand population during the course of their lifetime and allow us to identify individuals. With whale demographics (are they recently born, juveniles or adults, males or females) and their growth. As sharks, the key area used to identify individuals is located between the gills and first marine biologists, we are trained to estimate sizes in water through other scientific monitoring dorsal fin (see photo) on either side of the animal. Ideally, we get IDs from both sides, methods as we need to know ‘how big is that animal’! Comparing it to your forearm, fin or body though this is not always possible and the left is the preferred choice. length, or even in comparison to the boat is a simple way to begin conduct size estimation.

With manta rays, the pattern of black spots on the ventral side (underside or belly) What several studies have now demonstrated is that the use of laser photogrammetry reduces sizing provide the unique identifying feature. Sometimes, manta rays perform a ‘barrel roll’ as error considerably and allows us to make more accurate estimations. This consists of a bar with two they are feeding, where they make a pass on to their ‘back’ in order to get a better look lasers secured, equidistant apart either side of a camera. By defining the distance between the lasers at us , which makes this task much easier, other times this involves diving below the (for example 50cm), we are able to produce images with a predefined scale. On whale sharks, we use animal. Generally speaking, whale sharks move more slowly at the surface. this to measure the distance between a). the last gill slit and b). start of the base of the first dorsal fin. This length correlates to the overall Total Length (TL) allowing us to extrapolate it to produce an Using these photographic identification shots, we are able to build a catalogue of the accurate size estimation of the animals overall size. On manta rays, we measure the distance population observed in Cabo Verde, which can then be cross-referenced with other between the wing tips (Disk Width, DW).his. sites in the Atlantic such as the Azores and even the other side in the Caribbean to ENTERING THE WATER help build up migratory patterns and support the estimation of population sizes.

Once in the water, the aim is to let the animal approach us. This is not always the case, as some animals can actively look for interaction and others avoid it. Often juveniles are more curious whereas older ones can be less interested. It’s important to state, we do not want to disturb or touch the animal.

In most cases, whales sharks appear not to notice being tagged due to their incredibly thick skin, the thickest in the animal kingdom. Mantas will react to tagging and will disappear after tagging so we must get all the data before tagging takes place.

TASKS

Everyone on the team will be assigned a job that they will be responsible for in the water - such as photo ID/filming, sex ID and laser size estimation. We will also be taking a biopsy for genetic material, and tagging animals to expand on-going studies into their spatial ecology.

PhotoID Obtaining a successful photographic ID is essential to each encounter in order to know whether it’s a new observation or a returning visitor to the island. As a result, multiple people will have cameras and GoPros and please make sure your GoPro is on and filming before you get in the water.

Sex ID As with other elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), males possess 2 claspers (the male sexual organ), which are located on the ventral side between the pelvic fins. Whale sharks mature at between 7-7.5 m for males and close to 9 m for females and manta rays mature close to 3.5-4 m. Prior to reaching maturity it is easy to misidentify the sex, as immature claspers are small and relatively easily mistaken for the pelvic fins.

20 21 Chop bait using a machete or butcher knife- make sure the bait is chopped Baited Remote Underwater into small pieces to ensure maximum scenting. Bait (1kg) can be added to Video (BRUV) cages on shore for expediency and space saving. At sea Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) are simple installations made of PVC, wood or metal that consists of a free-standing structure holding an arm When the site is reached, turn on GoPro and set to video, then slide it into loaded with bait and a video camera. BRUVs can be used to characterize the place (Fig. 5a). Add 1 kg of bait to the bait cage (if not done on shore), then relative abundance and diversity of marine wildlife, notably piscivorous species secure the open end with wire (Fig. 5b). Slide the bait arm through the zinc that are attracted to the bait. Because it is capture-independent and benthic, pipe holder: the “front” of the bait arm should be above the 100 cm cross bar this method may provide information for species that are not as susceptible (Fig. 5), and the back slides under the elbow joint. Secure the end of the bait to hooks or other gears such as rays, morays or other bottom-dwelling fish. arm under the elbow joint with rope or wire. Angle the GoPro to ensure end of Construction creates a simple PVC mono-BRUV, that uses only one camera, as BRUV arm is in the bottom third of the picture. Turn on video to record. Lower opposed to a stereo-BRUV, which uses two cameras set up in stereo fashion the BRUV into the water and use the buoy line to guide it into place (Fig. 6). and calibrated to enable the most accurate size and biomass estimates of target species. Use a mask to visually assess the location of the BRUV, and free dive to correct position if necessary (Fig. 7). The BRUV should sit with the bait arm parallel to DEPLOYMENT the sea floor, and should not bounce from wave action. The measuring T bar should also be parallel to the horizon, and the ropes should not interfere with On shore the visual field (Fig. 8). Mark and record position on GPS, and allow BRUV to record for a minimum of 1 hour and 10 minutes. (The BRUV can be left in place Attach appropriate length of rope ending at a buoy for the depth of for a longer period of time, but the minimum time should be observed). deployment. Attach weights to the lower end of the vertical legs of the frame (can be dive weights or concrete attached by cable ties). Place 1 kg (~2 lbs) of If there is a strong current or high waves, observe the BRUV in its location for bait inside the bait cage and close the top. several minutes to assure that it is not bouncing, tilting, or being moved. More line may need to be added in high current conditions, and/or the flotation may Assure that GoPro is fully charged and has at least a 16GB memory card. Place need to be reduced for big waves. In high theft areas when it is not possible in waterproof housing, and check seal for foreign objects. Equip GoPro with a to monitor the BRUV, the buoy and lines can be removed (Fig. 8b): the GPS red filter if possible to enhance the reds and colors underwater. location should be used to re-locate the BRUV.

Figure 5. BRUV components showing (left) the GoPro properly mounted and set to record while the bait arm is secured; and Figure 6. Deploying the BRUV. Photo: R. Graham. Figure 7. The BRUV being properly checked and positioned by a (right) the bait arm with 1 kg of bait and secured with wire. Photos: R. Graham. free diver. Photo: A. Seymour

22 23 BRUV REVIEW

Two readers should review BRUV footage independently. Each reader should begin watching the video at the 5 minute mark to allow for deployment and placement. If the BRUV is moved by a free diver after the 5 minute mark, the reader should allow for another 5 minutes to pass after the BRUV has been finally placed. Record th time that the review began in the notes of the datasheet. When an animal of interest enters the frame, the reader should pause the video and record the time. When the video continues, the animal should be identified to species if ossible. If the animal leaves the frame, keep in mind that it may return. Try not to double count animals that enter and leave the frame multiple times. If you suspect that an animal returns several times, only record the first time it was sighted and record return times in the notes. If multiple animals of the same species are in the frame at the same time (i.e. a school of fish), take a maximum count also known as Max N), then occasionally revisit the count to ensure that more animals have not joined the group. If a species identification is uncertain, do not guess t e species, but identify Figure 8. A BRUV configured with A) a PVC pipe bait cage and weighted with dive weights; and B) a mesh wire bait cage, weighted to the lowest taxonomic level possible (genus or family). Only record species that are by a variety of found objects (coral head and metal), and without the marker buoy for stealth placement. Photos: left: A. Seymour, large, piscivorous fishes or other types of megafauna such as t rtles or crocodiles. right: Pete Oxford. Grunts, chubs, bar jacks, yellowtail snapper, and herbivores (e.g. parrotfish) are no to be recorded.

Upon retrieval of the BRUV, assure that the GoPro housing is thoroughly The reader should watch the footage until 60 minutes of time has elapsed from rinsed in fresh water and dried. Download the card’s video files and ensure the time the review began. If one hour was not achieved, the total time should be that at least 1 hour of video has been captured. recorded in the notes.

Make sure each set of video files is appropriately labeled for archiving. Include Several BRUV videos will yield exciting footage, so be sure to note the time when the the year, country, location, and set number (e.g., 2017_BZ_LRA_B_001). species/behaviour of note was recorded in the review sheets for ease of reference and to help us make a highlights reel.

Figure 9. Bait cages loaded (left), and BRUV ready for deployment (right). Attach GoPro cameras and bait arms only when ready to deploy in the water. Photos: Pete Oxford

Right: BRUV recording video frame.

24 In the 'nursery area', we use small longlines and individual rod and hooks in order Longline capture and reduce stress on this small sharks. Longlines consist of a main line of rope or monofilament, to which are attached approximately 10 “gangions” (clips, leader wire tagging of juvenile sharks of 6 ft with terminal baited hooks), held down at each end by small anchors and floated in midwater by a series of equally interspaced buoys. At each station where the longline is set, our “soak time” or time that baited hooks are in the water is 20-30 minutes after which the line is checked and rebaited for another set of 30 minutes. Following this double set, we change stations. If a shark is captured, we bring the animal to the side of the boat, keep it in the water for the work up - in the cae of neonate and juvenile sharks we can more easily remove the hook and work it up quickly on the boat deck. We secure the animal’s head and tail while we measure it, sex it, take a small fin clip (for population studies), occasionally a biopsy for contaminants analysis, and then tag the animal with a marker that will identify them in future captures or sightings.

The wellbeing of captured sharks is our top priority, so aside from keeping them in the water for the work up, we also use circle hooks which are are less impactful and these are generally removed prior to the sharks’ release. We very much hope that you will want to assist with baiting and setting the longline, collecting environmental data, and help us to work up the sharks while learning proper handling techniques for safely tagging and releasing sharks and rays.

Figure 10. Deploying the baited longline. Photo A. Seymour

Scientific longlining is another standardized method to assess shark and benthic ray diversity and abundance. This forms our primary survey method to estimate the abundance, diversity and distribution of big fishes, which allows a “hands on” approach. Capturing sharks allows for a much more accurate evaluation of size and maturity, and enables us to mark each shark with an identifying or “conventional” tag for future recaptures or sightings or tracking tag to study behaviour and environmental preferences. These tags mean that we can, in some cases, learn the fates of these animals, whether they remain close to home, migrate to other areas, or are captured by fishers.

Figure 11. A neonate scalloped hammerhead seen in the nursery area; an adult round stingray released; Rachel Figure 12. A tiger shark captured on longline being measured. Photo Francesco Garzon. tags a DNA sample from a juvenile blacktip.

26 27 FIELD NOTES

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