Dolphin Conservation in Greece

  Greece

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: June-September 2008

Description: Since 1991 the Ionian Dolphin Project (IDP) has been investigating the ecology and behaviour of two dolphin species in the clear waters around the island of Kalamos, Greece. This study documented a sharp decline of the common dolphin population. Ongoing actions aim to document the main threats to the animals, prevent ecosystem damage and facilitate common dolphin recovery. Bottlenose dolphins in the same area have relatively stable population trends and can be predictably sighted.

This is one of the Mediterranean areas where these marine mammals have been studied most intensively. Some individual dolphins are particularly well known, and researchers can tell stories about them.

Project participants are trained through specific lectures and work side by side with IDP researchers, being involved in field activities that include regular surveys of the study area with large inflatable craft. Participants engage in spotting dolphins and other animals during the surveys at sea. Once dolphins are sighted, participants contribute to data collection by recording dolphin number and behaviour at regular intervals, during long-lasting observation sessions. In the afternoon, participants help researchers in the analysis of the many digital photos of the dolphins' dorsal fins taken at sea. Dorsal fin features are used to identify individual dolphins. Participants will learn how to match and recognize dolphins one by one by looking at their fins.

Highlights: The work carried out by Dr. Giovanni Bearzi and his team is producing science-based information aimed to support management actions and contribute to dolphin conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 1991, the Ionian Dolphin Project team has been documenting the status and ecology of two dolphin species living in the area of Kalamos and has highlighted their conservation needs. These efforts have contributed to the qualification of the IDP study area as a "Site of Community Importance" under the EC Habitats Directive.

Following proposals made by Dr. Bearzi in 2003 and 2005, the Mediterranean common dolphin population was listed as "Endangered" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and included in Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (Bonn Convention - CMS). Concern is being raised on the critical status of common dolphin populations such as that living around Kalamos through collaboration with local and regional organisations and experts.

During your days at the Ionian Dolphin Project field station you won't feel like a tourist. You will be part of a scientific team sharing the same commitment and conservation goals. You will learn about marine conservation priorities, apply advanced dolphin investigation methods and get a feeling of research at sea while enjoying the beautiful landscape and lifestyle of Ionian Greece.

Participants are informed about marine ecosystem damage caused by human activities and provided with sets of solutions ranging from personal changes of behaviour (e.g. responsible consumption of seafood) to collaboration with NGOs active in environmental protection. Ways to address the main threats facing cetaceans and the marine environment are discussed in the context of informal "round tables". The participation in this projects is - in itself - a way of supporting the work of a group committed to the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Cost in US$: from 810.00 USD for 1 week

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Greece Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5 plus staff

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Tethys Research Institute's Mission Statement: Tethys aims at protecting the Mediterranean biodiversity by promoting the adoption of a precautionary approach for the management of natural resources. Public awareness and conservation activities, coupled with education and capacity building, find their strength in Tethys' scientific background. The activities conducted by Tethys seek to prevent the decline of marine species and to encourage a sustainable use of the marine environment, particularly where habitat degradation makes it necessary.

Year Founded: 1986