Become a marine conservation volunteer and participate in dolphin research in the Ionian Sea, helping to provide a marine environment that provides long-term viability for the species. The research focuses on the Bottlenose Dolphin and the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin, in the Amvrakikos Gulf and the Inner Ionian Sea archipelago. We have places for Cetacean Volunteer Researchers to join for one or more weeks from April to September each year.
Individuals, groups, families and students doing research all welcome.
Cost for food, accommodation, programme materials, equipment, scientific lectures & training; from £672.
An opportunity for marine conservation volunteers to take part in Bottlenose and Short-Beaked Common Dolphins research in the Ionian Sea. You can help with some of the following activities during your stay:
- Monitoring dolphins within the research area through the use of specific surveying techniques,
- Dolphin photo-identification, used to identify individual dolphins and their traits, in an attempt to fully understand how expansive and diverse local dolphin populations are,
- Recording dolphin behaviour and group sizes, in addition to how different groups interact - data is logged with GIS software,
- Collection of data regarding other marine species such as sea turtle, tuna, swordfish and seabirds - data which gives the project scientists knowledge of how the area is faring in a broader context,
- Inspection of dead dolphins in order to understand cause of death, as well as to collect biological and genetic data that can help to enhance further investigatory projects
- Assessment of how local dolphins interact with local fisheries, and how their interaction can fuel positive change in the area for the marine environment
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