OUR RESEARCH
Discover our research base in Cadaqués
The sanctuary of Cap de Creus
The Cap de Creus Natural Park offers an exceptional field of study. This unspoilt area, both wild and unpredictable, is home to an underwater canyon that stretches from the cliffs to more than 30 miles offshore, reaching a depth of 2,000 metres. A veritable ecological corridor, it forms a unique ecosystem where hundreds of marine, plant and animal species live side by side.
For us, it's the ideal setting in which to study respectful, non-intrusive approach techniques. Cetacean watching can - and must - be done with total respect for their freedom and their habitat. These practices can be perfected, shared and passed on. This is our mission. It's also what drives us deeply.
In the footsteps of cetaceans
Among the many marine species present in the canyon, two families of dolphins are resident there: the Tursiops truncatusclose to the coast, and Stenella coeruleoalbawhich can be seen further offshore. This underwater corridor is also a regular stopover for fin whalesthe sperm whales and other large deep-sea cetaceans.
To date, no other scientific or tourist organisation has visited this canyon as regularly or as actively as we have. For the last five years, our continuous presence has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the richness of this ecosystem and to monitor its evolution with total respect for living things.
Cadaqués, our living laboratory
This canyon has become our open-air laboratory. The cetaceans we encounter here are entirely wild, living far from any human interaction. Human activity is extremely limited, reduced to a few trawlers that the animals instinctively avoid.
Our sea trips enable us to test, evaluate and refine ethical, respectful and non-intrusive approach techniques. These experiments feed our expertise and enable us to pass on our methods to partner whale watching bases that we select in other parts of the world.
The Cadaqués base embodies the heart of our mission: a space for observation, innovation and sharing.
TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT CETACEANS
BY CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPERATOR FOR YOUR OUTING
Pierre Lavagne De Castellan
Marine bioacoustician - Ethologist - Founder of the Shelltone Whale Project
Since 1981, my passion for cetaceans and my research into inter-species communication with whales have led me to work in habitats where these animals live and reproduce. Over the years, I have watched whale watching evolve from a confidential activity reserved for enthusiasts and scientists in the 80s and 90s to a mass tourist activity in the 2000s.
This uncontrolled development has led to a proliferation of boats in cetacean habitat, often using disrespectful approaches dictated by the need to satisfy tourist expectations. The consequences of this constant harassment quickly became apparent: stress, loss of appetite and libido in the animals, and even abandonment of certain territories.
Despite the efforts of marine sanctuaries to regulate this activity through charters and training courses, many operators continue to flout the rules, seeking spectacular and intrusive approaches with no real controls.
Fortunately, I have met operators who are passionate and respectful, guided by their love of cetaceans and not by profit. Their knowledge enables them to take a gentle and respectful approach, creating authentic and peaceful encounters with the animals.
The Shelltone Whale Project aims to list and promote these conscientious operators, offering everyone the chance to choose a harmonious experience at sea that respects cetaceans. By booking your trips through our organisation, you are supporting our mission to promote responsible practices and protect cetaceans from intrusive approaches.
