Description

For those wishing to jumpstart or further a career in marine biology, or for more casual conservationists keen to enjoy Italy's 'dolce vita' while contributing to important ecological research, this placement on the Italian island of Ischia is for you. You will specifically investigate declining dolphin populations in the Italian Mediterranean with a local NGO, living aboard a historical cutter ship of 18 m and contributing to ongoing academic research and conservation initiatives.

The presence of common dolphin population off the island of Ischia, Italy, has been consistently documented since 1997. This short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis is a small cetacean species with a wide distribution. Literature, photographic documentation, and osteological collections indicate that the common dolphin used to be common - thence its name - throughout the Mediterranean Sea, however the species has experienced a dramatic decline in numbers during the last few decades, and has almost completely disappeared from large portions of its former range including the northern Adriatic Sea and the Ligurian Sea. In 2003 the Mediterranean common dolphin 'subpopulation' was listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. A number of interacting factors may have played a role in the decline of common dolphins in the Mediterranean, ranging from natural fluctuations to the impact of human activities. Some of the human-induced threats - based on the available evidence - are most likely to be implicated in the species' decline. These include factors as diverse as prey depletion, contamination by xenobiotics, direct killing, fishery bycatch and global climate change. Other potential threats to Mediterranean common dolphins include disturbance by recreational vessel traffic, noise from shipping, mineral prospecting (seismic) and military sonar, and oil pollution.

The research is conducted in collaboration with: ASMS Ocean Care (Swiss coalition for marine mammals), Humane Society, OceanoMare, RSPCA (Royal Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals, University of Naples (Geology Department), Zoological Station A. Dohrn.

Highlights

On board there will be lectures on cetology: the research on cetaceans in the Italian seas, the key areas for the study of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, conservation and preservation, evolution, adaptation to the marine environment, classification, insight into the cetaceans of the Mediterranean and in particular of the studied species, bioacoustics, social behaviour and interaction with fisheries.

You will leave every day to sail, according to the project and weather conditions. Your duties onboard consist in helping researchers monitoring dolphins. Dolphin behaviour is recorded together with geographic position, group size, group composition, group formation, surface activity patterns and duration of surfacing intervals. Behavioural sampling is coupled with acoustic recording of dolphin vocalizations, in order to relate the sounds produced by the animals to different behavioural activities. Navigation data are collected in order to estimate dolphins relative sighting frequencies. You will also help record the presence of sea turtles, tuna, swordfish, fish schools, mantas, moonfish and marine birds.

Get on board with this unique project and gain invaluable research, monitoring, and evaluation skills, while enjoying Italian wine (included in the project fee) and the clear waters of the Med.

Qualifications

This placement is particularly suited to those looking to gain a career in marine biology or environmental conservation. You do not need any specific skills, although any you do have will be very beneficial.

* Minimum age 18
* Minimum 6 days commitment
* Reasonable physical fitness
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Intern Types

• Education
• Environmental Studies
• Marine Science
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

680 - 850 Euros Project Fee (depending upon when you go) per 6 day trip + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Program Fees Include:

Discounts available for students under 26. Fees include meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), beverages (water and wine), petrol and port costs, insurance for the duration of the course.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009

Global Nomadic Ltd is a based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.