{"id":7124,"date":"2025-06-05T10:36:35","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T08:36:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/notre-mission-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T04:15:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T02:15:44","slug":"investigacion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuestra investigaci\u00f3n"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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La base de investigaci\u00f3n de la organizaci\u00f3n medioambiental Shelltone Whale Project, situada en Cadaqu\u00e9s, es la primera instalaci\u00f3n del mundo<\/strong> dedicada al estudio y desarrollo de metodolog\u00edas de investigaci\u00f3n respetuosas con los cet\u00e1ceos<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n


Bajo la direcci\u00f3n de Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, esta base lleva a cabo campa\u00f1as mar\u00edtimas peri\u00f3dicas destinadas a mejorar y normalizar los protocolos de observaci\u00f3n de cet\u00e1ceos, con el fin de minimizar las perturbaciones y evitar cualquier impacto negativo en los animales en su h\u00e1bitat natural.<\/p>\n

Estas actividades de investigaci\u00f3n son fundamentales para nuestra organizaci\u00f3n, cuyo objetivo principal es la conservaci\u00f3n de los cet\u00e1ceos mediante el fomento de pr\u00e1cticas responsables y basadas en la ciencia en el avistamiento de ballenas.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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NUESTRA INVESTIGACI\u00d3N<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Un nuevo enfoque sobre la relaci\u00f3n entre el ser humano y los cet\u00e1ceos<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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En Shelltone Whale Project, nuestra investigaci\u00f3n se basa en una sencilla convicci\u00f3n: la observaci\u00f3n de los cet\u00e1ceos nunca debe interferir en su libertad. Desde hace varios a\u00f1os, venimos desarrollando y probando protocolos de acercamiento no intrusivos en condiciones reales, basados en la escucha, la interpretaci\u00f3n del comportamiento y el respeto absoluto por los animales en su entorno natural. Nuestro objetivo no es simplemente observar. Se trata de comprender, perfeccionar y transmitir una nueva forma de relacionarnos con los seres vivos.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Un laboratorio al aire libre: el ca\u00f1\u00f3n submarino de Lacaze-Duthiers<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Nuestra base de investigaci\u00f3n se encuentra en Cadaqu\u00e9s, en el coraz\u00f3n del Parque Natural del Cap de Creus. Este entorno excepcional nos proporciona un acceso directo y r\u00e1pido a un ca\u00f1\u00f3n submarino que se adentra hasta una profundidad de m\u00e1s de 2.000 metros \u2014el Ca\u00f1\u00f3n de Lacaze-Duthiers\u2014, un aut\u00e9ntico corredor ecol\u00f3gico en el que conviven numerosas especies marinas.<\/p>\n

El ca\u00f1\u00f3n de Lacaze-Duthiers discurre en paralelo al ca\u00f1\u00f3n del Cap de Creus, en el lado espa\u00f1ol, con el que comparte l\u00edmite. A lo largo de seis a\u00f1os de trabajo de campo ininterrumpido, hemos observado una presencia notablemente mayor de cet\u00e1ceos en el lado franc\u00e9s, una diferencia que atribuimos a una presi\u00f3n pesquera significativamente menor en esa zona en comparaci\u00f3n con la intensa actividad de las flotas pesqueras espa\u00f1olas que operan desde Llan\u00e7\u00e0, Port de la Selva y Roses. Una menor presi\u00f3n pesquera deja m\u00e1s peces en el mar, y ah\u00ed es donde se concentran los cet\u00e1ceos.<\/p>\n

En esta zona, que a\u00fan se conserva en su estado original, trabajamos en unas condiciones excepcionales: cet\u00e1ceos totalmente salvajes, un impacto humano m\u00ednimo y comportamientos naturales inalterados. Este contexto convierte a este ca\u00f1\u00f3n en un lugar \u00fanico en el mundo para poner a prueba enfoques respetuosos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Investigaci\u00f3n continua y comprometida en este \u00e1mbito<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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All\u00ed llevamos a cabo misiones de observaci\u00f3n activa. Durante cada campa\u00f1a de campo, analizamos: las reacciones de los cet\u00e1ceos ante la presencia humana; las distancias y los \u00e1ngulos \u00f3ptimos de aproximaci\u00f3n; las se\u00f1ales conductuales sutiles; y las condiciones que favorecen las interacciones pac\u00edficas. Durante m\u00e1s de cinco a\u00f1os, esta presencia habitual nos ha permitido realizar un seguimiento de los cambios en el ecosistema y perfeccionar gradualmente nuestros m\u00e9todos.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Especies estudiadas<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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El ca\u00f1\u00f3n de Lacaze-Duthiers alberga dos especies residentes durante todo el a\u00f1o: el delf\u00edn mular (Tursiops truncatus, costero) y el delf\u00edn rayado (Stenella coeruleoalba, de alta mar). El ca\u00f1\u00f3n tambi\u00e9n recibe ocasionalmente la visita del cachalote (Physeter macrocephalus), el rorcual com\u00fan (Balaenoptera physalus), el calder\u00f3n de aleta larga (Globicephala melas), el delf\u00edn de Risso (Grampus griseus), las ballenas picudas y la ballena minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Estas especies, que presentan comportamientos y patrones de presencia muy diferentes, ofrecen un entorno de investigaci\u00f3n ideal para desarrollar enfoques adaptativos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Hacia una norma internacional de respeto<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Uno de los principales retos de nuestra investigaci\u00f3n es estandarizar las mejores pr\u00e1cticas. Ante una industria del avistamiento de ballenas en r\u00e1pida expansi\u00f3n y, a menudo, invasiva, estamos trabajando para definir m\u00e9todos que sean: reproducibles, transferibles y aplicables por parte de los operadores de todo el mundo. Nuestros resultados influyen directamente en la selecci\u00f3n de los socios de Shelltone Whale Project, todos ellos comprometidos con un enfoque \u00e9tico muy riguroso.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Una filosof\u00eda: observar sin molestar<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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El avistamiento de cet\u00e1ceos puede \u2014y debe\u2014 evolucionar. Defendemos un enfoque en el que: los encuentros nunca sean forzados, el animal tenga libertad para interactuar y la calidad prime sobre la proximidad. Es en estas condiciones donde surgen las experiencias m\u00e1s aut\u00e9nticas\u2026 y m\u00e1s impactantes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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De la investigaci\u00f3n a la acci\u00f3n<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Nuestra sede de Cadaqu\u00e9s es mucho m\u00e1s que un centro de estudio: es un centro de experimentaci\u00f3n, validaci\u00f3n y divulgaci\u00f3n. Los m\u00e9todos desarrollados aqu\u00ed se comparten posteriormente con operadores seleccionados de todo el mundo, lo que contribuye al surgimiento de una red internacional de observaci\u00f3n responsable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\u00danete a nuestro equipo de investigaci\u00f3n en el mar, en Cadaqu\u00e9s<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Las salidas que ofrecemos desde Cadaqu\u00e9s no son simples excursiones: son salidas de campo, dirigidas por un miembro del equipo de Shelltone Whale Project. Cada salida es una prueba en condiciones reales, lo que nos permite perfeccionar los protocolos de aproximaci\u00f3n que luego transmitimos a los operadores de avistamiento de ballenas de todo el mundo.<\/p>\n

Al unirte a nosotros, no solo participas en una observaci\u00f3n, sino que contribuyes, a tu manera, al desarrollo de los mismos m\u00e9todos que definen un enfoque respetuoso hacia los cet\u00e1ceos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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ACT\u00daA PARA PROTEGER A LOS CET\u00c1CEOS<\/h1>\n

ELIGIENDO EL OPERADOR ADECUADO PARA TU EXCURSI\u00d3N<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Pierre Lavagne De Castellan<\/span><\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Bioac\u00fastico marino \u2013 Et\u00f3logo \u2013 Fundador de Shelltone Whale Project<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Desde 1981, mi pasi\u00f3n por los cet\u00e1ceos y mi investigaci\u00f3n sobre la comunicaci\u00f3n entre especies con las ballenas me han llevado a trabajar en los h\u00e1bitats donde estos animales viven y se reproducen. A lo largo de los a\u00f1os, he visto c\u00f3mo el avistamiento de ballenas ha pasado de ser una pr\u00e1ctica minoritaria, reservada a aficionados y cient\u00edficos en los a\u00f1os 80 y 90, a convertirse en una actividad de turismo de masas en la d\u00e9cada de los 2000.<\/p>\n

Este desarrollo descontrolado ha dado lugar a una proliferaci\u00f3n de embarcaciones en las zonas de vida de los cet\u00e1ceos, con acercamientos que a menudo resultan irrespetuosos, dictados por la necesidad de satisfacer las expectativas de los turistas. Las consecuencias de este acoso constante no tardaron en hacerse evidentes: estr\u00e9s, p\u00e9rdida de apetito y de libido en los animales, e incluso el abandono de determinados territorios.<\/p>\n

A pesar de los esfuerzos de los santuarios marinos por regular esta actividad mediante contratos de fletamento y cursos de formaci\u00f3n, muchos operadores siguen incumpliendo las normas, buscando acercamientos espectaculares e intrusivos sin controles reales.<\/p>\n

Afortunadamente, he conocido a operadores apasionados y respetuosos, que se gu\u00edan por su amor por los cet\u00e1ceos y no por el beneficio econ\u00f3mico. Sus conocimientos les permiten adoptar un enfoque amable y respetuoso, lo que da lugar a encuentros aut\u00e9nticos y tranquilos con los animales.<\/p>\n

Shelltone Whale Project tiene como objetivo dar a conocer y promover a estos operadores responsables, ofreciendo a todo el mundo la oportunidad de elegir una experiencia en el mar armoniosa y respetuosa con los cet\u00e1ceos. Al reservar tus excursiones a trav\u00e9s de nuestra organizaci\u00f3n, apoyas nuestra misi\u00f3n de promover pr\u00e1cticas responsables y proteger a los cet\u00e1ceos de acercamientos intrusivos.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The research base of the environmental organization Shelltone Whale Project, located in Cadaqu\u00e9s, is the world\u2019s first facility dedicated to the study and development of cetacean-friendly research methodologies. Under the direction of Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, this base conducts regular sea campaigns aimed at improving and standardizing cetacean observation protocols to minimize disturbance and avoid […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":11330,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7124","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"builder_content":"

The research base of the environmental organization Shelltone Whale Project, located in Cadaqu\u00e9s, is the world\u2019s first facility<\/strong> dedicated to the study and development of cetacean-friendly research methodologies<\/strong>.<\/h2>


Under the direction of Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, this base conducts regular sea campaigns aimed at improving and standardizing cetacean observation protocols to minimize disturbance and avoid any negative impact on animals in their natural habitat.<\/p>

These research activities are fundamental to our organization, whose primary objective is the conservation of cetaceans through the promotion of responsible, science-based whale watching practices.<\/p>\n

OUR RESEARCH<\/h1>\n\"\"\n

A new approach to the relationship between man and cetaceans<\/h1>\n

At Shelltone Whale Project, our research is based on a simple conviction: observing cetaceans must never interfere with their freedom. For several years now, we have been developing and testing non-intrusive approach protocols in real-life conditions, based on listening, behavioral reading and absolute respect for the animals in their natural environment. Our aim is not simply to observe. It's to understand, refine and pass on a new way of relating to living things.<\/p>\n

An Open-Air Laboratory: The Lacaze-Duthiers Underwater Canyon<\/h1>\n

Our research base is located in Cadaqu\u00e9s, in the heart of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. This exceptional environment provides us with direct and rapid access to an underwater canyon that plunges to a depth of more than 2,000 meters\u2014the Lacaze-Duthiers Canyon\u2014a true ecological corridor where numerous marine species coexist.<\/p>

The Lacaze-Duthiers Canyon runs parallel to, and shares a boundary with, the Cap de Creus Canyon on the Spanish side. Over six years of continuous fieldwork, we have observed markedly higher cetacean presence on the French side, a difference we attribute to significantly lower fishing pressure there compared to the intensive activity of Spanish fishing fleets operating out of Llan\u00e7\u00e0, Port de la Selva and Roses. Lower fishing pressure leaves more fish behind \u2014 and that's where the cetaceans gather.<\/p>

In this still-pristine area, we work under rare conditions: completely wild cetaceans, minimal human impact, and unaltered natural behaviors. This context makes this canyon a site unlike any other in the world for testing respectful approaches.<\/p>\n\"\"\n\"\"\n

Ongoing, committed research in the field<\/h1>\n

We conduct active observation missions there. During each field campaign, we analyze: the cetaceans\u2019 reactions to human presence; optimal approach distances and angles; subtle behavioral cues; and conditions that foster peaceful interactions. For more than five years, this regular presence has allowed us to monitor changes in the ecosystem and gradually refine our methods.<\/p>\n

Species studied<\/h1>\n

The Lacaze-Duthiers Canyon is home to two year-round resident species: the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, coastal) and the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, offshore). The canyon is also visited occasionally by the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), beaked whales, and the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). These species, which exhibit very different behaviors and patterns of presence, provide an ideal research setting for developing adaptive approaches.<\/p>\n\"\"\n\"Choose\n

Towards an international standard of respect<\/h1>\n

One of the major challenges of our research is to standardize best practices. Faced with a rapidly expanding and often invasive whale watching industry, we are working to define methods that are: reproducible, transferable and applicable by operators worldwide. Our results feed directly into the selection of Shelltone Whale Project partners, all of whom are committed to a demanding ethical approach.<\/p>\n

A philosophy: observe without disturbing<\/h1>\n

Cetacean watching can - and must - evolve. We advocate an approach in which: encounters are never forced, the animal remains free to interact, and quality takes precedence over proximity. It's under these conditions that the most accurate... and powerful... experiences are born.<\/p>\n\"\"\n\"\"\n

From research to action<\/h1>\n

Our Cadaqu\u00e9s base is much more than a study site: it's a center for experimentation, validation and transmission. The methods developed here are then shared with selected operators around the world, contributing to the emergence of an international network of responsible observation.<\/p>\n

Join our research team at sea, in Cadaqu\u00e9s<\/h1>\n

The outings we offer from Cadaqu\u00e9s are not simple excursions: they are field outings, led by a member of the Shelltone Whale Project team. Each outing is a real-world test, allowing us to refine the approach protocols we then pass on to whale-watching operators around the world.<\/p>

By joining us, you're not just taking part in an observation \u2014 you're contributing, in your own way, to the development of the very methods that define a respectful approach to cetaceans.<\/p>\n Join a research outing in Cadaqu\u00e9s <\/a>\n\"\"\n

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT CETACEANS<\/h1>

BY CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPERATOR FOR YOUR OUTING<\/h1>\n Discover responsible operators <\/a>\n\"\"\n

Pierre Lavagne De Castellan<\/h1>\n

Marine bioacoustician - Ethologist - Founder of Shelltone Whale Project<\/h5>\n

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've watched whale watching evolve from a confidential practice reserved for enthusiasts and scientists in the 80s and 90s, to a mass tourism activity in the 2000s.<\/p>

This uncontrolled development has led to a proliferation of boats in cetacean living areas, with approaches that are often disrespectful, 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Fortunately, I have met passionate and respectful operators, guided by their love of cetaceans and not by profit. Their knowledge enables them to take a gentle, respectful approach, creating authentic, peaceful encounters with the animals.<\/p>

Shelltone Whale Project aims to list and promote these conscientious operators, offering everyone the chance to choose a harmonious, cetacean-friendly experience at sea. By booking your outings through our organization, you support our mission to promote responsible practices and protect cetaceans from intrusive approaches.<\/p>\n\"\"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7124"}],"version-history":[{"count":85,"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12453,"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7124\/revisions\/12453"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shelltonewhaleproject.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}