This activity is linked with the Seabird and Marine Mammal Monitoring Network (RAM, in Portuguese). It's a seabird observation network initiated in the Cantabrian and Galician coasts and now extended to the whole Iberian Peninsula, including the continental Portuguese coast and the Madeira and Azores archipelagos.
One of RAM's main initiatives are the seabird observation days. During these days observers are placed along different spots of the coast, preferably at the same time, to record all birds, including items such as species, number, flight direction, age group, etc.
This project aims to coordinate the volunteers' work in studying seabirds across the whole Iberian Peninsula, thus improving the knowledge and conservation of Atlantic bird species. An important characteristic of these census is the use of standardized methodology to gather information. Observations are done simultaneously to provide more systematic and accurate information and get an estimate of seabird abundance and movement along the coastline, in different areas and at different months.
Participating in this network is free and voluntary for all collaborators with an interest and knowledge on seabirds.