Nautical surveys consist of the observation, visual and audio detection of cetaceans at sea with their subsequent identification and description. The advantages of this technique are that it allows searching for cetaceans in waters close to shore, as well as collecting biopsy samples or photographs for photo-identification studies.

The intention of the nautical surveys is to cover the 12-nautical mile (nm) area of sea around the coast of the islands of the Archipelago of Madeira. The study area was divided into 8 sectors (Madeira South, West and North; Travessa (between Madeira and Porto Santo); Porto Santo North and South; Desertas East and West), following the divisions adopted in the previous LIFE project and in the Permanent Cetacean Monitoring Programme for the Archipelago of Madeira.

Between January 2010 and March 2012 nautical surveys will be carried out in the 8 sectors described. A team of five members of the Whale Museum on board the 18-metre research yacht Ziphius will record all the sighting of cetaceans and other relevant information on a computer linked to a GPS for the simultaneous registration of their geographical position. The members will work in rotation so that three will be at the lookout stations to make the sightings, one will take notes, and the other will be at the helm.

This research method, when used in a defined study area, makes it possible to determine the index of relative abundance for the cetaceans; study their distribution and seasonal patterns. It also makes it possible to gather information on the impact of human activities on the sea and on cetaceans. This project will make use of nautical surveys, photo-ID and boarding on whale-watching boats to achieve goals 1 and 2 of the project.