COURSES EVALUATION

Katrin from Germany (Bottlenose dolphins: Field methods in the wild, 2007):

I spent two weeks at the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute with Bruno, his wife Andrea and another German marine biology student in their comfortable house. Since I did not have any other experiences in dolphin research I thought "Field methods in the wild" might be the best chance to learn how bottlenose dolphins behave, learn about their habitat and environment. During the first week, since the weather did not permit us to go to the sea, Bruno taught me the main principles of marine mammals and various methods they use to identify the dolphins and to analyse the behaviour. In the second week, the weather was wonderful and we spent almost every day on Bruno's motor boat keeping an eye out for dolphins. During the praxis field lessons I learned how to collect data base and how to evaluate them afterwards. Another amazing thing was listening to the sounds of the dolphins (clicks, whistles or burst pulses). Even if we did not see an animal on the surface of the water we actually knew, since we observed their sounds with bioacoustics, that they must be there somewhere in the deep blue. During my free time I enjoyed walking along the dreamlike beach, sometimes snorkelling or just relaxing and getting some rest. Bruno and Andrea have been really nice and humorous hosts with wonderful cooking skills that I enjoyed staying with and will never forget. Thank you for everything!

Monika from Switzerland (Bottlenose dolphins bioacoustic course, 2007)

My background is not a biological one, but I am very interested in dolphins and whales. So I have a large knowledge about these animals from reading books, watching films and also from volunteering in other projects. Last year I got very interested in bioacoustics and I was looking for a way how I could learn more. So I was very glad to find out that Bruno offeres courses in bioacoustics. I travelled to Sardinia by ferry and I just felt happy to be in Sardinia, a nice place with emerald-coloured waters. I also liked the environment of Golfo Aranci where I could go for long walks. We lived and worked together as a small community, were Bruno and his wife Andrea, two students of marine biology and me ...and Luna, the dog. In the first week, we had lectures about bioacoustics of the bottlenose dolphins and about their behavior. The lectures were interesting and well prepared. When the weather allowed it, we went out to the sea. In the second week, we could go out on the sea often, observing the dophins, collecting data and working with the data back at home. I learned more about how a researcher's life can look like. I was faszinated to analyze sounds on the computer with a specific programme which kind of translates sounds into pictures. Bruno has a good collection of scientific papers which he offered me to read. I am convinced that there is very important work done by the BDRI for the conservation of the dolphins and I am glad I got some insight.

Billur from Turkey (Bottlenose dolphin Photo-identification course, 2006)

I have participated to the course entitled "Bottlenose dolphins photo identification and social structure" at the end of August 2006. Actually I am a master student in Turkey studying Mediterranean Sea grass; from this point it seems that I have nothing to do with dolphins but that's not true! They are the only reason why I choose to study marine biology. In my institute we are working with Mediterranean Monk Seals, so I am a little bit familiar with this marine mammal species, but with bottlenose dolphins I had no real experience before this course, just some knowledge from books and documentaries and a dream from the film "Big Blue". In the first day Bruno explained us the difference between "to study dolphins" and "to love being and playing with dolphins". That was the moment when my childish dream changed to a scientific objective. I do not want to go to the details of the course content and practical field surveys here because they all were very well organized in my opinion. But there is one thing that I definitely want to mention: the atmosphere in the center was very friendly. Beside the scientific experience I gain there I also had the chance to share cultural values with other volunteers' .I hope somehow I was beneficial for the institute's research, too. Thank you for everything!

Chiara from Italy (Bottlenose dolphin Photoidentification course, 2006)

I have attended the course titled "Photoidentification of bottlenose dolphins: field methods in the wild" from the 4th till the 9th September 2006. It was just what I was looking for: something practical, scientific and serious.
I have been part of the team, on board and at the centre, I was on the first raw with the others, collecting data, observing the animals in the wild, learning precious information. We have learned the basic knowledge about how using the camera and then studying the photo-id method. Just the right way to approach the problem, in my opinion. Back at the centre, we have inserted the data into the database and we have also tried to draw the consequences. I don't have to forget also that, socially spoken, it's extremely stimulating to work in an international team, the perfect way to share space and opinions and your knowledge with other talented future scientists.

Laura from USA (Bottlenose dolphin Bioacoustics course 2006)

I applied to the Acoustic and Diving Behavior Training Course at the BDRI after completing an undergraduate degree in marine biology. Bioacoustics are of particular interest to me and this course was great experience. Not only is there field work out on the boat, but also it was also great to learn the
theory side and be introduced to the equipment and methods used for recording and analyzing sound. The 'hands on' approach I found, helped me learn and understand. Apart from the science, the open and friendly atmosphere kept everything enjoyable and comfortable. It was a great environment. Thanks!!!!

Sanna from Sweden, (Bottlenose dolphin Field Methods in the wild & Bioacoustics course, 2006)

With an interest of animals and nature since early childhood and an ever growing concern for conservation and environmental issues in adulthood it was with growing frustration I realised life was bringing me further and further away from actually doing anything about these issues. Having chosen another field of study and work and living in a big city, I really felt I was missing out on an important part of life but didn't´t feel qualified for working in the field. So I started looking for volunteer positions but soon found out that most of them where either "tourist excursions" or at the other end of the spectrum required a degree in biology. When i finally found out about the research courses offered at the BDRI I was thrilled. Here was a program that offered theoretical education and hands on experience in the field/participation in ongoing research. It was also the only program I could find that focused on the interaction between human activities (fish farm industry) and dolphins, an applied field of research that I think is of tremendous importance for the future. Another important aspect of the program was its dedication to being minimally invasive in the dolphins lives. The center was smaller than I had expected in terms of number of staff and participants as well as amenities but the amount and quality of the research being done was impressive. The program was extremely well organized and exuded professionalism and dedication. The enthusiasm end patience of our highly qualified teachers while they took us through basic knowledge about dolphin anatomy, physiology, behavior, social structure to sound production and interaction with their environment. The atmosphere at the institute was international, welcoming and open-minded. It is always very stimulating to meet people who live like they learn without becoming too radical to play an important part in their community. Needless to say I also enjoyed my stay in the middle of the beautiful italian summer of 2006 for other reasons such as the beauty of the peninsula and the good food. I am so thankful for having had this opportunity to learn about dolphins and strongly recommend this program to anyone with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of our environment.

Carolyn from Australia (Bottlenose dolphin Field Methods in the wild, 2005)

If there is anyone in this world who knows what a dolphin could be thinking it would have to be Bruno Diaz. He even knows quite a few of the local Sardinian dolphins by name. I spent 7 days with him, along with Andrea (his partner) and Luna (their very friendly puppy dog) and marine biology students from Spain and England, learning about dolphins. My background has nothing to do with marine biology so it was an amazing experience for me. I learnt so much about the habits of dolphins, their effects on the habitat and the effects of human activities on them including ocean fish farming practices and large ferry crossings and I got to ask heaps of questions. We were given information classes at the centre but mainly we headed out onto the Meditarranean Sea to look for and observe the dolphins. Sitting on a boat in the fresh air and sunshine while gathering information made it an incredible experience - one day at sunrise, on another at sunset. And, being right there, at times almost nose to nose, with the dolphins meant fantastic opportunities to capture these amazing animals with my camera. And, then there was the yummiest freshly cooked food we had everyday - one day we even had fresh mussels that Bruno harvested that morning while we were out on the ocean - mmmmmmmmmm. But, most importantly it was really satisfying knowing that I was contributing positively to the database of valuable knowledge that is helping to preserve the earth's wildlife. It was also a privilege to be able to spend time with and learn from one of the world's foremost researchers on dolphins.

Alysdair from Australia (Bottlenose dolphin Field Methods in the wild & Bioacoustics course, 2006)

BDRI is set in friendly relaxed atmosphere, in a small village community where nothing happens fast. A good environment to be studying in. Great food and small jobs that are not demanding means there's time for learning and some time to go for a stroll, swim at the beach (not with the dolphins however, as dolphins are more interested in eating fish and having sex, not swimming with you, don't worry, you'll learn, it's in lesson number one), or go for a coffee. Lessons are interesting and quite informative witthout being overwhelming, I had no previous knowledge and kept up to speed with the lessons without problems. If you are a student with a specialisation in dolphin behaviour, this would be a fantastic experience as other students around me, who had university qualifications in this area were certainly getting a lot out of it. For me, I was a first time beginner and it was still fun. If you love being in a multi-lingual environment, this place is for you, I was frequently between English and Italiano, and very few people in the township tried to talk to me in English as they will do in bigger cities of Italia. Great place, nice experience, peaceful and easy going.

Kike from Venezuela (Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification course and Field methods in the wild, 2006)

"Es una experiencia enriquecedora en el ámbito académico y social ya que por una parte, el nivel didáctico de la teoría y la práctica están a la altura de generar conocimientos que permitan realizar estudios en nuestros mares; y por la otra, la vivencia entre los cursantes genera nuevas amistades que permiten el trabajo en equipo" "Bien valen la pena"

Clara from Spain (Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification course and Field methods in the wild, 2006)

Mi experiencia en el BDRI ha sido inmejorable, creo que los cursos que se imparten, ya sean generales o especializados, son de mucha calidad tanto a nivel teórico como práctico. Además, del hecho de poder conocer gente de otras partes del mundo, lo bien que se come y el buen trato personal en el centro de investigación.

Alessandro from Italy, (Bottlenose dolphin Field Methods in the wild, 2005)

Sono Alessandro è nell'estate del 2005 ho frequentato il corso l' istituto di ricerca del delfino di Bottlenose (BDRI). Sono uno studente di Biologia marina è questa esperienza è stata molto utile per capire come uno studio di ricerca, di qualsiasi genere, viene svolto, in più c'è l' immenso piacere di vivere il mare in tutte le sue sfumatura, avvolte anche nelle sue assenze.... mi spiego meglio: sono uno dei pochi, o forse l' unico, che non ha avuto la fortuna di vedere glia dorati delfini. Ma fondamentalmente è poco rilevante, sapevo di non essere nell'acquario di Genova o in qualche delfinario, certo un po' di sfortuna l'ho avuta ma l' importante era essere lì al mare ad appettarli...

Mª de Gràcia from Spain (Bioacoustics of bottlenose dolphins, 2006)

En primer lugar quisiera decir que explicar en palabras la sensación que produce estar en el mar abierto simplemente viendo delfines produce una sensación muy emotiva, excitante, apasionante... y una larga lista de adjetivos. Si además de verlos puedes participar aunque sea unos días con los trabajos de investigación que se llevan a cabo en la base del BDRI, resulta una experiencia inolvidable y provechosa al mismo tiempo.

Eleonora from Italy (Bottlenose dolphin photo-identification course, 2006)

Sono una studentessa del secondo anno di biologia (a Padova) e questa estate ho partecipato a un corso di ricerca delfini in Sardegna. Consiglio questa esperienza a tutti, anche a chi non è interessato alla biologia marina, perchè è un'occasione speciale per conoscere nuovi posti e studiare i delfini, splendidi animali! Durante la settimana si è ospiti nella casa dei 2 ricercatori, persone splendide, davvero!!! Ti fanno sentire a loro agio e ti insegnano un sacco di cose! Ho perfino rispolverato il mio inglese...eh si...c'erano una canadese e una svedese li con noi! Peccato il maestrale che non ci ha fatto uscire a mare per 3 giorni...ma può succedere...comunque mi sono divertita molto!

Sergio from Spain (Bottlenose dolphin Field Methods in the wild, 2005)

Parece mentira como pasa el tiempo, pero ya hace un año que estuve participando en los cursos del BDRI. Al principio fui con un poco de miedo de no avistar ningún delfín en las dos semanas, pero hicimos bastantes avistamientos y mereció la pena. Aun recuerdo la emoción al escuchar los delfines, al ver los saltos.... Para los amantes del mar en general y de los mamíferos marinos en particular, recomiendo una estancia en Cerdeña con los miembros de BDRI, no os arrepentireis.