Wild Dolphin Societies and Dolphins Communication Project

  Italy

• All Other Areas in Italy: 
Olbia

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: The project runs weekly from February to November / arrive Monday.

Description: Sardinia Island is a marine biologist's paradise and the dolphin behaviour you will witness is unsurpassed. An ancient land with an ancient language, Sardinia is a uniquely fascinating place at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Volunteers assist researchers with data collection and recording while on the boat, helping to locate and keep track of dolphins, recording behavioural data, environmental information and recording sounds, video or photos. If you are looking for volunteer opportunity that incorporates boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other, then consider volunteering with the BDRI. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in the sea-grass beds, walk the beaches of the research area and meet the local people.

Highlights: BDRI researchers carry out one of the longest ongoing research projects of a resident dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. BDRI is partner to ACCOBAMS, the UNEP's Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area. This project's long-term information on identifiable individual dolphins available from 1991 to the present is very important among field studies of dolphin-human interactions, food availability patterns, and how dolphins structure their lives in a changing environment. If the results of our research to date are any indication, then this year's project should be very productive, both in terms of our own enlightenment about the complex biology of these dolphins and in producing information bearing directly on the conservation of this species. Unlike many other research teams our volunteering program offers a wide spectrum of educational tools that go beyond the "average research period". All expeditions are designed to enhance our awareness of dolphins, other marine life and the marine habitat that surrounds us. Our goal is to have each volunteer depart our centre with a greater understanding and appreciation of the marine environment and the wealth of life it supports.

Qualifications: No specific experience is required to participate as volunteers with the BDRI. Dedicated to those who are interesting to participate to dolphin research and conservation campaigns.

Cost in US$: Fee amount from 85 U.S. $ per day

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: No specific experience is required to participate as volunteers with the BDRI. Dedicated to those who are interesting to participate to dolphin research and conservation campaigns. Participants should be comfortable on a boat and working as a team.

Age Range: 18-60

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

Participants Travel to Italy Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of from 4 to 8 people

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The Bottlenose Dolphin Researh Institute BDRI's Mission Statement: The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) is a center for Research, Education, and Training in bottlenose dolphins ecology and behaviour. BDRI members seek to contribute to the understanding and conservation of dolphins, expand the public's knowledge and concern for our marine environment. If you are planning to spend a period as part of your holidays, continuing education or a gap year, and are looking for a hands-on learning experience that incorporates boat based field work, marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work hard, have fun, and learn from the dolphins and each other, then consider studying abroad with the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute. Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild dolphins in Sardinia Island, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. Because of the high degree of behavioural and social flexibility that bottlenose dolphins have demonstrated throughout their range, it is essential to understand factors effecting local dolphins if their populations are to be managed and conserved. The main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the relationships between bottlenose dolphins and human activities. If the results of our research to date are any indication, then this year's project should be very productive, both in terms of our own enlightenment about the complex biology, behaviours and social system of these wild dolphins and in producing information bearing directly on the conservation and management of this dolphin species and others.

Year Founded: 1999