Volunteer on a Dolphin and Whale Research Project in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain

  Spain

Tarifa

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Visit our website for upcoming start dates

Description: This project sees volunteers being trained to work alongside a team of scientists researching whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain. The research has been ongoing for the last 10 years and the area is particularly important as it has some of the highest cetacean diversity and abundance in Europe. Volunteers may come across the following species during the research surveys; Pilot Whales, Killer Whales, Sperm Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Fin Whales, Striped Dolphins and Common Dolphins. Research work includes sea based surveys as well as data entry back on land. Training will be given on methodologies used, and presentations will be delivered on knowledge so far and future conservation plans for cetaceans in the area. You will be in charge of a small supervised project during your trip.

How this program makes a difference:

The Strait of Gibraltar has the second highest amount of maritime traffic in the world. Problems of collisions exist between ships and Sperm Whales, Fin Whales and Pilot Whales. The project team are working directly with the Spanish Ministry of environment to mitigate these problems. The team have already changed maritime charts that now include a note on the presence of cetaceans in the Strait. Further problems exist between Bluefin Tuna long-line fisheries and Killer Whales. Finally, many whale watching boats operate in the area targeting mainly Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. Thanks to our studies we have identified all the individual Killer Whales, Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales and most Common Dolphins. This allows us to follow the life of each individual and study in detail the demography of each population. The project team also collaborate directly with ACCOBAMS, IUCN and the International Whaling Commission for the conservation of cetaceans.

Highlights:
- Field study of up to 7 species of cetaceans: Killer Whales, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Fin Whales, Common Dolphins and Striped Dolphins.
- Get involved and learn about scientific projects that have conservation impacts on cetaceans.
- Share the life of highly qualified scientists studying cetaceans based in the middle of a natural park.

Qualifications: No special training or qualifications are required as all training will be provided in the field.

Cost in US$: See website for details.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum 6

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998