Help marine biologists to study and protect bottlenose dolphins and short-beaked common dolphins in the Mediterranean Ionian Sea, Greece.
Since 1991, this volunteer project has been investigating the ecology, behaviour and conservation status of two dolphin species in the waters of the eastern Ionian Sea, Greece.
The work carried out by this project is producing science-based information, aimed to contribute towards dolphin conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. Once one of the most abundant cetacean species in the Mediterranean Sea, common dolphins have declined throughout the region during the last 30-40 years. In 2003 and 2005, the Mediterranean common dolphin population was listed as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and included in Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. You will be part of a scientific team and will learn about marine conservation priorities, apply advanced dolphin investigation methods and help with research at sea.
The Project
The Ionian Dolphin Project team investigates dolphin ecology, behaviour, feeding habits, interactions with human activities and dolphin response to habitat degradation. By participating in this programme you will make close encounters with dolphins in their natural environment and have opportunities to observe other marine life. You will actively engage in the research, participating in all phases of the field work, analysing digital photos at the field station and attending lectures on cetacean research methods and conservation strategies.
Location
Galaxidi, in the Gulf of Corinth, Ionian Sea, Greece, is about 200km West from Athens or 90 km East from Patra. This noble and picturesque village is a nautical city with 4,000 years of heritage and one of the most attracting destinations in Greece, and yet it is relatively untouched by mass tourism. Galaxidi has well-preserved traditional houses and buildings, superb beaches with crystal green-blue waters, an adjacent park to walk and hike, and a small port used by small fishing boats and yachts, encircled by fine restaurants and lively pubs. Galaxidi makes a popular destination to visit the stunning and world-famous archaeological site of Delphi, just a short drive away.
Description
During your stay on the project you will share the field base with the research staff. It consists of two adjacent apartments: the first apartment is the researchers’ headquarters and includes their sleeping room and office, the second is used by project participants and sometimes by one research assistant. The latter apartment has a large living area with open kitchen and fireplace, a big patio facing the surrounding hills, a toilet with bathtub/shower and a large bedroom. Both apartments are new, modern and fully furnished. The building is surrounded by a large garden. The field station is located in a quiet part of the village of Galaxidi, approximately 300 m from the seaside and 500 m from the centre. The main port with seaside restaurants and bars is at walking distance, less than 1 km from the house. You will be asked to share cooking and cleaning shifts with the other participants. Daily surveys at sea will be held using a 5.8m-long inflatable boat.
Sample Day
The field work is carried out whenever the weather is good. Participants should be aware that the schedule may vary, depending on weather conditions, research priorities and logistical constraints. On a research day, you will move to the research boat by 7.30-8am, then between 8-11 am work at sea. Then lunch, afternoons are spent working on research date, and free time/rest. Early evening, lecture and/or video on cetacean research methods and conservation aspects, dinner, relaxing by the beach, then rest.
Please visit www.workingabroad.com for updates on 2013 dates.
Placements are available for one to several weeks. Volunteers work in groups of 8 (5 volunteers, 3 staff).
Costs: The total cost ranges from 645 to 760 GB pounds per week (depending on course date). This includes a 110 GB pounds deposit payable with the application with the balance payment to be paid in Euros (595 to 725 Euros depending on course date). Discounts are available for students under 26 yrs old (530 to 575 Euros). Discounts also available for last minute bookings. Please enquire to: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com for further dates or questions. * The last minute discount price for this group is £550
Price includes:
- Food and beverages (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the field station for the duration of the course
- Accommodation
- Electricity, running water, water heating and cooking costs
- Gasoline and oil for the boat surveys
- Lectures and training by programme researchers
- Scientific supervision
- Certificate of attendance to the Ionian Dolphin Project
- Personal insurance for the duration of the course, issued by programme
- Contribution to the research
Price excludes:
- Travel expenses to Galaxidi
- Personal expenses (telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
- Extra food and beverages (e.g., those consumed at restaurants and bars)
- Alcoholic beverages
Important Information:
This is a partly liveaboard holiday. Please contact us to discuss any questions you might have about comfort onboard a 5.8m inflatable craft. If you know that you suffer badly from seasickness, this holiday might not be the best one for you. You should be in a good enough physical condition to tolerate the hot weather, sun and long periods (up to 4-5 hours) on the inflatable boat.
Feedback from volunteers:
Ann Watts, from the UK said: "I had an amazing time in Galaxidi; I met some fabulous people and encountered wonderful wild dolphins too! I really enjoyed the data capture and the statistical analysis. A trip I shall remember forever; thank you all."
How to get there
The village of Galaxidi may be reached by bus or taxi from Athens and Patra. You can get to Athens easily by plane, while Patra can be reached via ferry from the main ports of the Adriatic Sea (e.g. from the Italian ports of Venice, Ancona and Bari). Several national airlines (e.g. Olympic, Alitalia, Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa) and low-cost airlines such as EasyJet fly to Athens from all over Europe. For more details on ferries and buses to Greece, please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com or visit http://www.workingabroad.com/page/200/dolphin--whale-research.htm
