Giving Back
Ocean protection and education are core values of Latitude and the motivation to create Latitude in such a unique way
In order for us to continue to do what we love we must help protect it, in order to protect it, we must first understand it.
At Latitude we are convinced that the conservation of marine megafauna will largely depend on the success of collaborative work. Joining efforts between the Scientific sector, the tourism sector and the fishing sector is essential for the generation of knowledge. In particular, monitoring, data collection and citizen science through tourism, are a viable, desirable and necessary option, not only for the acquisition of scientific knowledge, but also for the dissemination of knowledge, and the generation of values and environmental awareness.
Data Collection in the field
Citizen Science is a collaboration between scientists and us the citizens who are motivated to help
As we face more changes on the planet and realize how little we really know about our world, we can be a part of the research that has the power to make discoveries that could change the world. The collection of data is one of the most important parts of citizen science as it can be done widely and is based on fact. The information collected can be used to address research questions such as regional trends, or patterns in biological populations. When related to the ocean, these findings can translate into movements for law changes and protections for the ocean and it’s species.
Why Its important
The monitoring and collection of data requires a lot of time and resources. For that reason "Citizen Science" can be crucial in countries like Mexico, a place with high Biodiversity and few resources for research. The data collection made on our trips is publicly shared with marine biologists in the area and used in various ongoing research and conservation projects. We also use our tours as a platform for Marine biologists to share their knowledge of their specialized species and aid them in continuing their efforts out in the field. Biologists and researchers have to do the hard work, often in a lab and away from the fun, so we want to do our part too.
Why We Do It
We believe that participating in citizen science is the least we can do in appreciation for all the amazing moments we have in the water.
Citizen science should be a core part of any eco, environmental, and sustainable nature tourism. It brings value to both the traveler and the local community
Partners
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RABEN
Active Member & Rescue Assistance
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Mexico Azul
Shark Data Collection
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MMAPE
Megafauna Data Collection & Photo ID
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Mobula Conservation Project
Data Collection & Projects
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Shark Research Mexico
Data Collection & Whaleshark Photo ID
How Do We Do It? …It’s Very Simple
On all of our trips, we carry with us a format that we can fill out, upon any sighting of a marine species and if possible combine it with some ID photos. If we don't see anything then we will also record the water temperature and conditions as this is also valid information. This information is put into an online database that we share with our research partners to aid in their ongoing marine diversity research. We also share it with a public online data collection database so that the information can be used by anyone who needs it.