Dolphins and Whales of Abaco Island

  Bahamas

Abaco Island

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2008: Jan 8 - Jan 18, Feb 12 - Feb 22, Feb 26 - Mar 7, Jun 24 - Jul 4, Jul 8 - Jul 18 (teen), Jul 22 - Aug 1

Description: Research Mission
Explore the deep channels and shallow shoals of Bahamian islands to track and observe whales and dolphins.

Situation Report
Great Abaco Island, Bahamas -- The deep channels and shallow shoals surrounding the Bahamian islands attract a variety of whales and dolphins. Marine scientist Diane Claridge and acoustic scientist Charlotte Dunn (both of Bahamas Marine Mammal Survey) are studying whales and dolphins in this area to find out how many live there, where they live, and whether we can track individuals using their vocalizations. This information will contribute to a conservation and management plan for the area, and will provide data on deep-diving whales that are most vulnerable to military sonars.

Meals and Accommodations
You will stay at the research center, a large house on the beach in Sandy Point, Abaco Island. You'll share share the three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living area, and an office with the staff, though some might choose to camp on the beach or stay in a second house close by. Volunteers and project staff share cooking and cleaning duties, and the menu consists of fresh seafood and local produce, as well as cereals, breads, lunch meats, and other locally available foods.

Highlights: On the Expedition
Your team will divide into rotating boat and shore crews. On the turquoise water for eight hours, you will quickly pick up the skills you need to spot and identify whales and dolphins. Your team will do surveys, track whale and dolphin groups, and note behavior and environmental data, while staff members photograph identifying marks of individual animals. Meanwhile, the shore crew will keep busy with entering data entry and matching identification photographs of individual whales and dolphins to an existing catalogue of known individuals. You may also assist with the Sandy Point Environmental Camp, our a local outreach program.

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. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,646 - 2,946

Experience Required: no

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: teen (16 - 18) and adult (18+) teams

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

Participants Travel to Bahamas Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

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. Hundreds of expedition teams can use your help in 48 countries and 16 U.S. states this year.

Year Founded: 1971