MAMO overflights in the Eastern Channel
The MAMO project (Study of marine megafauna by aerial observation in the Eastern Channel, particularly in the Picardy and Opal Sea estuaries) commissioned by the Marine Natural Park “estuaires picards et de la mer d’Opale” concerns the Channel – North Sea coast.
These overflights aim to improve knowledge of the distribution, abundance and use of the area by marine megafauna in the Marine Natural Park and the various Natura 2000 sites.
Targets
In order to complete our knowledge on a spatial and temporal scale that is better adapted to the Park’s issues, this aerial observation data acquisition campaign is targeting seabirds, marine mammals and other mobile species visible at the surface (fish, rays, etc.), floating waste at the surface and ships.
The expected results, especially for seabirds and marine mammals, are to provide knowledge of the diversity, distribution, abundance and seasonal variability of these species, in order to describe their preferential habitats.
Sampling
In the interests of ecological consistency in the monitoring of these mobile species, the study area extends beyond the administrative boundaries of the Park and the Natura 2000 sites, covering around 9,000 km².
Over the course of two consecutive years, 8 overflight sessions of around 1,600 km each will be carried out with the GON (Ornithologic Group for the North of France)
To help identify species and archive images of sightings, the STORMM digital photographic system will be deployed on some of the overflights.
