Spanish Dolphins

  Spain

• Malaga: 
Malaga
• All Other Areas: 
Almeria

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Spend your days at sea, spotting dolphins and whales, and adding to the data that will help scientists protect these amazing animals.

Situation Report
Alboran Sea, Spain -- Common dolphins aren't as common as they once were. Over the past few decades, these marine mammals have experienced a dramatic decline throughout their range. Protecting critical habitat, such as the nutrient-rich waters off the beautiful southern coast of Spain, could mean the difference between survival and extinction for common dolphins, as well as several other cetaceans and marine turtles in the Mediterranean. Dr. Ana Cañadas and Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten were chosen by the European Commission and Spanish agencies to create management and monitoring schemes for marine protected areas proposed here on the basis of four years of Earthwatch research. You can help them document the range, social behavior, and ecology of dolphins in an effort to better understand their habitat needs.

Meals and Accommodations
You'll live and work aboard the Toftevaag, a classic 18-meter wooden sailboat, in the company of dolphins, whales, and sea birds. Living quarters are simple but cozy below deck, with narrow bunks for your sleeping bag, or you can sleep on deck in what the crew calls the "thousand star hotel." The boat is equipped with one small water-closet, and hot showers can be expected most evenings at marinas and fishing ports along Spain's southern coast. You'll cook communally in the boat's snug galley, using fresh foods acquired along the way. At port stops, you can explore tapas at local restaurants.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You will conduct research on board the Toftevaag, a historic Norwegian fishing vessel of wood and sail equipped with modern navigational and scientific equipment. Rising to the lap of waves on the hull, you will rotate between a variety of tasks aboard this classic working ship, from keeping watch to observing and recording data on common dolphins and other cetaceans you encounter. You will learn to record environmental data and human activity, as well as to identify sea life present. During long observations, duties may include filming the dolphins' underwater behavior, helping with photo-identification, and tracking dolphin movements over an extended period. In your off hours you can do some beach-combing, birdwatching, or sightseeing in colorful coastal villages.

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$: $3,146

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: 18 - 90

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

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-7

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

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