Hello Ocean’s Research in Belize
A collaboration of scientists and artists, supporting research and protection.
Expedition Echo is a 7 day research expedition that continues the work of Expedition Underway, our first in a series of Belize expeditions, that launched in 2016. During Expedition Echo, four scientists, a filmmaker, an artist, and a wildlife musician will search for the whales and dolphins that inhabit the coastal and offshore waters of Belize. This expedition will continue the first systematic and comprehensive study of marine mammal population distribution and behavior. Our researchers will employ methods including photo identification, hydrophone audio recordings, aerial drone video, and toxicology/ genetic testing. The information collected on this expedition will be used to facilitate improved conservation management as well as further collaboration with NGO’s and government officials to improve long-term monitoring efforts and marine mammal protection.
Who’s Aboard
Eric Angel Ramos
Lead Marine Mammal Researcher
Derek Alan Rowe
Filmmaker
Dave Anderson
Marine Mammal Researcher
What We Do
Facilitate ocean science and media to
empower the public, inform legislation, and inspire change
Research
We provide research-under-sail expeditions to both seasoned scientists and passionate early career scientists and artists doing pioneering work.
Citizen Science
We create citizen science opportunities that bring together engineers, scientists, the maritime industry and the recreation boating industry in collaborative citizen science research on the oceans most pressing issues.
Media
We create relevant, accessible media such as video, installations and articles to bring ocean science to new audiences.
Research Expeditions
Hello Ocean’s 2016/2017 projects focus in the following areas
Mapping Cetaceans In Belize
Hello Ocean completed its first research expedition in the coastal and offshore waters of Belize. This inaugural expedition was conducted in partnership with The Moorings, a bareboat charter company, and scientists Dr. Nataly Castelblanco, and Eric Ramos and research assistants Benito Hernandez, Kristi Collom, and Alton Jeffords. The role that cetaceans play in marine ecosystems east of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) or the consequences of they face from anthropogenic impacts are largely unknown. During Expedition Underway, the crew conducted the first systematic study to assess the status or abundance of most cetaceans in Belize. The results of this work will be used to support improved protection for marine mammals and pelagic ecosystems throughout Belize.
Advisors
- Deb Castellana – Mission Blue & Sylvia Earle Alliance
- Wallace J. Nichols – Blue Mind
- Chris Palmer – American University
- Rachael Miller – Rozalia Project
- Bill Mills – Digital Cinema HD
- David Conover – Conservation Media Group
- Luke O’Neill – American Explorers, LLC
- Ben Scheelk – The Ocean Foundation
