Valparaiso

12 March 2024

Valparaiso

For the past eight days we have been anchored off the port of Valparaiso. It was bustling with container ships arriving and departing, tugs and pilot boats, tourist boats and smaller cargo ships also dropping anchor on the roads.

On board, we had two Darwin researchers studying behavior in a fragile wetland. Avery specifically examined the impact of dogs present, both street dogs and stray pets. Camilla focused on the behavior of visitors crossing the marsh on their way to one of the area’s beautiful beaches, unaware of the effects of their behavior (such as littering or public urination) on the environment.

On Thursday we organized an event where one of the main sponsors was invited to see up close how the project was going and to experience the atmosphere on board the Oosterschelde. Of course, we showed our best side: the ship was spick and span, there were delicious snacks and drinks, and we presented the results of the two surveys. The guests clearly enjoyed the afternoon and evening. Now that the ship is again exclusive to the crew, we are using the opportunity to complete all the maintenance chores that had not yet been completed. The little sloop that is always on the main deck has seen water again and we sailed it with the crew.

Also in Valparaiso is the Chilean training ship Esmeralde, a 113-meter sailboat with 300 trainees on board. Some crew members came aboard to see our ship, and most of our crew got a tour of their ship. We are almost ready for the next leg to Callao.