Example of applying a Health, Safety and Environment management system in cetacean research: Case study from a satellite tagging field accident

Satellite telemetry is a powerful method to study the movements and habitat use of cetaceans. The deployment transmitters usually conducted using remote techniques involves close approaches target animals. present reports on an accidental collision between female humpback whale inflatable boat, which occurred 7 October 2010 off coast Brazil. At time accident, boat was occupied by four crew members: tagger, photographer, driver observer. This resulted in head trauma severe brain injury photographer. It also changes tagging procedures implementation Health, Safety Environment (HSE) management system. objective this work report accident describe adopted assess minimise risks. Changes updates protocols are viewed as improvements accidents during marine mammal operations. Some these were discussed implemented other organisations. Accidents such one reported here can should be prevented. However, when they occur, provide opportunity correct unanticipated deficiencies field procedures.