Dolphins of Greece

  Greece

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2008: Mar 15 - Mar 23, Apr 11 - Apr 19, Apr 21 - Apr 29, May 11 - May 19, May 21 - May 29, Jun 1 - Jun 9, Jul 11 - Jun 19, Jul 1 - Jul 9, Jul 11 - Jul 19, Aug 1 - Aug 9, Aug 11 - Aug 9, Aug 11 - Aug 19, Sep 1 - Sep 9, Sep 11 - Sep 18, Oct 1 - Oct 9, Oct 1

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.

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.

Cost in US$: 2,546

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

Participants Travel to Greece Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

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