In contrast to growing "green" (pretentious or sometimes plain "green-washed") hype affecting Ecotourism today, Marine Earth Expeditions` new Dolphin Research Ecotours is an explicit commitment to support science and sustainable practices even beyond our Travel Ethics code. Ecotourism is not automatically sustainable and can actually cause more harm than good if not conducted properly.

Our research programs are just one way in which we propose to contribute to the environment while enriching visitors experience. They“re the result of years of collaboration with field specialists, based on priority scientific and conservation objectives to accomplish together with visitors, being the first Scientific Tourism experience in Chile to effectively integrate Ecotourism with real-life science and conservation. Due to its nature, programs shall evolve in time in accordance to scientific objectives and changes in conservation priorities. Other subjects of study and regions are under evaluation and expected to be incorporated in the near future.

Below is an overview on the ways in which our commitments and visitors' participation and shall take effect:

• Science: Data collecting and monitoring is the primary objective and bottomline of the programs, a contribution in which visitors play a key role. Fresh and solid scientific knowledge is essential for developing protection proposals and key for promoting public awareness. Despite the ample information available, the present moment requires urgent updating of various data findings and the expansion of new biological information to reinforce current initiatives and to confront recent changes. Furthermore, with 16 distinct species already registered in such a small area, (some rare and first sightings for Chile) there is much to learn and further investigations will surely reveal new findings and reasons to reinforce protection and sustainable practices. At times these tours may even be the only means to place the scientists in the field to obtain and process the needed information.
• Funding: Scarce funding has been the main obstacle for sustaining regular monitoring activities and in maintaining and strengthening past efforts. An important portion of revenues obtained on each tour is committed directly as a donation for science. Depending on the circumstances, these may include providing travel to the area of study for researchers and/or for community workshop monitors, expenses for data processing phases of new and/or accumulated data, production of educational materials, acquisitions and/or repair of research instruments, publication costs, costs for management proposals, and translation of documents, among others.
• Community Support: The local fishermen play a key role in the conservation of the POD-R dolphins and the biodiversity in the region, particularly those that work in Dolphin Watching and Ecotourism as an economic alternative. The locals are an integral part of the Dolphin Research Ecotours in many ways. Besides using their services, they will be evaluated during their dolphin watching operations and provided with vital feedback for improvements by our visitors and guides. They will also form part of research procedures and will take part in various discussions concerning the dolphins“ situation and the community. Additionally, much of the information and techniques learned during the past "Turismo Seguro" workshops conducted by CMMR Leviathan will be enforced, discussed, updated and monitored.
• Learning Experience for Visitors: Our guests are granted with a unique and unforgettable opportunity to learn closely about this unique group of wild dolphins while learning about the methods and applications involved in scientific research. Those highly motivated will also find fertile ground and guidance for pursuing their interests even after returning home.
• Virtual Dolphin Adoption Program "PAVD": The additional data and images obtained will be used for CMMR Leviathan's virtual dolphin adoption program to be inaugurated soon. The adoption program is currently at a pilot phase, maintaining a growing number of POD-R enthusiasts and it is expected to provide additional funding for science. Visitors will be granted a year membership and are encouraged to contribute with their own images and texts for PAVD.