In the Dutch Oosterschelde estuary, a small population of Harbour Porpoises is present year-round. Little is known about this population. To organize the scientific endeavour, a team of volunteers called Stichting Rugvin (Rugvin Foundation: www.rugvin.nl) started a dedicated field research in 2009.

Part of our ongoing Rugvin Foundation research is to determine if and when Harbour Porpoises pass the Storm Surge Barrier (using C-Pods), how many individuals inhabit the Oosterschelde (regular surveys), their site fidelity (using photo-ID). During the last survey in June 2011, 61 individuals were counted.

Using photo-ID, we have already noticed that several individuals are "regulars" in certain parts of the estuary. In the next few years we hope to answer several critical questions, such as how many individuals inhabit the Oosterschelde, their site fidelity, birth-rate and social structure.

Note: all photos are for sale. If you are interested please contact me at: wj_strietman (at) hotmail.com.

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