Description

Research Mission
Follow bottlenose dolphins in Mediterranean waters to help scientists understand and protect them.

Situation Report
Amvrakikos Gulf, - In the deep blue waters off the west coast of Greece, within sight of famous Greek landmarks of history of mythology, bottlenose dolphins congregate in unusually high numbers. The nutrient-rich waters of the Ionian Sea also attract fish, and, closely on their heels, fishermen. Greece's bottlenose dolphins are facing pressure from competition with humans for food as well as dealing with threats to their health from marine pollution. Scientists who monitor these dolphins have identified 107 individuals and have estimated that 150 live in the area. Marine biologists Dr. Giovanni Bearzi and Joan Gonzalvo Villegas are working to identify the main threats facing these amazing marine mammals. Their work will provide data to help local managers develop effective conservation strategies.

Meals and Accommodations
Teams stay in a comfortable and fully-equipped apartment. A sleeping loft is adjacent to a large living area with an open kitchen and living room, plus two bathrooms, an office, and rooms for the research staff. Bathrooms are conventional, with showers, hot water, and flush toilets. Housekeeping, including cooking and cleaning up, are communal activities, though you may opt to enjoy Vonitsa's quaint and inexpensive restaurants when the mood strikes you. Juices, soft drinks, and ice are always available.

Highlights

You will assist researchers conduct daily surveys on the Amvrakikos Gulf from a small research vessel, scanning the Gul'fs rich feeding grounds for dolphin dorsal fins. When your team spots dolphins you will follow them and record information, such as number of newborns, calves, juveniles, and adults, their activity, their direction, and their location using GPS. Your team will also gather data on the ecosystem, including water temperature, depth, sea bed type, and the presence of prey. You may also record data on sea turtles, birds, and species of fish. Back at the lab, you will help enter data and prepare digital images of dorsal fins for matching. Your days will start early, but you will have the traditional siesta each afternoon for resting or otherwise enjoying the small village of Vonitsa and the Greek coast.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Photography
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,546

Program Fees Include:

Projects range from USD 500 to USD 4,400 per person excluding travel to and from the rendezvous. The price of each project, which we call your contribution, covers your food, accommodation, on-site travel (not airfare), emergency medical and medical evacuation insurance, and all of the various costs of field research (field permits, equipment, etc.). These costs may vary for each expedition and individual team so please check prior to making your reservation or call the Expedition Coordinator if you have any questions. The contributions shown on each page are the lowest available in each case and are subject to change. As a non-profit organization that supports scientific research, the contribution can be tax-deductible for U.S. citizens in some cases. Contact Earthwatch for details. U.S. members of Earthwatch are eligible for a USD 100 reduction of the contribution.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range

18-90

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

Brief

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement

Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded

1971