The M.E.E.R. e..V
Research, environmental protection, awareness-raising and public relations work
MEER stands as an abbreviation for M ammals / Mamiferos (mammals), E ncounters / Encuentros (encounter), E ducation / Educación (education) and R esearch / Reconocimiento (research) and thus describes the goals and work content of the association.
The non-profit association MEER works to ensure that encounters between humans and whales take place with respect and consideration by combining whale watching tourism with scientific research and public relations. With our award-winning project “MEER La Gomera” , we have been carrying out a comprehensive scientific study of the occurrence and distribution of whales and dolphins and their reactions to whale watching boats since the founding year 1998. MEER would like to achieve the following goals:
1. Establishment of a comprehensive, ecosystem-based marine reserve off La Gomera and around the entire Canary Islands.
2. Establishment and permanent operation of a whale watching information center on the island.
3. Promotion of gentle whale watching worldwide as a sustainable use of cetaceans in the sense of responsible ecotourism.
4. Strict regulation of shipping traffic around the Canary Islands to avoid collisions between ships and whales.
MEER holds information events in Germany and on La Gomera. Films and / or presentations produced by us are used in public relations. Educating the local population and tourists is our special concern. In addition, we offer two-week internship courses and seminars, which are principally aimed at anyone who is interested in whale research and the topics of whale watching and deep ecology.
MEER is networked with national and international organizations, associations and scientists and tries to exert influence on a political level. Our chairman has been a member of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) since 2003 and participates annually in its international meetings.
Since it was founded in 1998 , MEER has continuously been collecting data on whales and dolphins off La Gomera - in cooperation with the whale watching provider Oceano. As a result, one of the most extensive sighting databases in the world has now emerged, containing more than 11,000. This scientific treasure is gradually being unearthed as we analyze the data and publish the results. We are regularly present at international conferences and also organize specialist workshops there.
The project "MEER La Gomera" was honored in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourism and Environment" from the German Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (DRV). The project was praised as an "outstanding example of environmentally friendly whale watching tourism", which "shows exemplary and innovative new ways of cooperation in the field of research and tourism".
Author: Dipl.-Biologist Fabian Ritter from MEER eV
Contact:
M.E.E.R. e. V.
12161 Berlin
Bundesallee 123
Germany
Phone: +49 (o) 30 644 97 230
E-Mail: info(at)m-e-e-r.de
About the author
Fabian Ritter
The biologist Fabian Ritter has been researching the world of whales and dolphins for over 25 years. He paid particular attention to the marine mammals around the Canary Island of La Gomera. In close cooperation with the sustainable whale watching provider Oceano , sighting data have been collected and evaluated since 1998. He is also the first chairman of MEER eV , a member of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation ( WDC ) and a longstanding member of the science committee of the International Whaling Commission.
Books by Dipl.-Biol. Fabian Ritter
Free PDF download
"Dolphins and whales off La Gomera" - changing biodiversity
To accompany the exhibition "Dolphins and whales - biodiversity in transition", which you can visit free of charge in the offices of the whale watching company Oceano , MEER eV has published a free and very informative information brochure . On 54 pages - divided into nine exciting chapters - you will find a lot of background knowledge, tips and recommendations about marine mammals, their habitat and their individual behavior. Your personal and free sea protection primer for your home.
