VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DOLPHIN RESEARCH

We invite you to join our ongoing study of the behaviour, habitat use and social lives of these amazing dolphins off the north-eastern coast of Sardinia Island. The volunteering program will last 6, 13 or 20 days, and - weather permitting - we will be out on the water at least during 4, 8 or 12 of these days respectively.

Although our volunteering project focuses primarily on bottlenose dolphins, you will also experience the complex Mediterranean coastal ecosystem in which we live and work. If you are planning to spend a period as part of your continuing education or a gap year, and are looking for a hands-on learning experience that incorporates boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other, then consider studying abroad with the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute.

Working with us and our staff, you will rotate between tasks on land and sea. Onboard the Spartana you will work together with our team in search of cetaceans. To refine details of bottlenose dolphin population biology and responses to human activities at sea, we will take identification photos, observe behaviour, and monitor vocalizations using a hydrophone.

Volunteers will participate in boat-based research surveys investigating ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. Volunteers will actively participate in data collection and analyses as part of an ongoing research. You will learn to spot bottlenose dolphins and sea birds. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in the seagrass beds, walk the beaches of the research area and meet the local people.

Dedicated to those who are interesting to participate to dolphin research and conservation campaigns. It is open to anyone age 18 and above, with no special prerequisites concerning research experience. No background knowledge of cetaceans is required, we ask only for you willing to learn about the dolphins and their environment. To be successful participants in this project, volunteers should have open minds, flexibility in changing situations, and a desire to help and to learn.

The assistance of volunteers is crucial to the success of this project. They assist with data collection and recording while on the boat, helping to locate and keep track of dolphin groups, recording sighting and behavioural data, collecting environmental information and recording sounds or photographic data. Back at the lab, volunteers may occasionally be asked to restock field supplies or check and transcribe that each day's data sheets are complete. Boat cleaning and maintenance may also be required.

Previous experience in the use of binoculars, computers, and cameras would be a bonus but is not required.

The volunteering fee includes research training and all associated field costs during your stay with us, accommodations and three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the research station. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute is not a tourist or dolphin watching organisation, but a well-organised team of researchers. Therefore, as part of a working team, you will be expected to participate in all activities of the day including your share of basic domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and maintenance.