First, it is necessary to define the area and objectives of the survey. Surveys are implemented over periods of many days, from boats, using binoculars. After we have information on the regional population, we can attach TDR tracking devices to the animals themselves. These devices provide us with time and dive depth data, as well as with the animal's exact location. Marine mammals can also be located by means of underwater microphones.
Surveys are studies conducted over long periods of time.
All the information, the technological basis, the human infrastructure - we have it all in Israel. The problem is mainly one of funding. Even today, with the scanty resources at our disposal, we have carried out studies and presented them at the most prestigious scientific centers in the world. Just recently, Dr. Dani Kerem of the Institute of Marine Medicine, Oren Sonin of the Fishing Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, and I presented a study at a conference of the Marine Mammal Society in Florida, with special findings on the relationship between dolphins and trawlers in Israel. The dolphins swim alongside the trawlers because of the opportunity to obtain easily available food around the nets.