Whale & Dolphin Volunteering in the Ligurian Sea, Italy
in brief
A sailing boat-based cetacean research and conservation programme in the Cetacean Sanctuary, Western Mediterranean, to study ecology and beahviour of fin whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins and striped dolphins.
destination
The project is conducted within the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, in an area delimited by Cote d'Azur (France), Tuscany, and northern Sardinia (Italy).
kind of holiday
adventure, sailing boat, volonteering, volunteer camps, nature trail Marine activities
prices
Weekly fees ranging from 860.00€ to 960.00€. Transport to and from the field base not included. Student discount available.
departures
departure on 28/05/2012. duration 6 days
departure on 04/06/2012. duration 6 days
departure on 11/06/2012. duration 6 days
show all the dates
departure on 04/06/2012. duration 6 days
departure on 11/06/2012. duration 6 days
show all the dates
spoken languages
operator contact
ecology and sustainability '
who are we
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.
Since 1990 the Tethys Research Institute organises every year a series of whale and dolphin field courses dedicated to those who are willing to contribute to research and conservation campaigns. Professional experience by the researchers involved is a "trade mark" of the Tethys courses. These courses represent a unique opportunity of observing marine mammals in their natural environment and discover the fascinating world of cetacean research.
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.
Since 1990 the Tethys Research Institute organises every year a series of whale and dolphin field courses dedicated to those who are willing to contribute to research and conservation campaigns. Professional experience by the researchers involved is a "trade mark" of the Tethys courses. These courses represent a unique opportunity of observing marine mammals in their natural environment and discover the fascinating world of cetacean research.
social responsability
Before departure Tethys provides participants with detailed information on the project they are going to join. Information covers issues such as the research undertaken, the daily schedule, life in the field, travel to the field base, health care information etc.
Once at the field base, volunteers are informed about the most appropriate behaviour and dress, particularly when walking around in local towns, visiting churches, sitting at restaurants etc. The local customs are described and volunteers are told how they should and should not react to approaches by locals. For instance, volunteers in Greece are advised to avoid wearing bikinis and tops when not on a beach, and avoid hanging around until late at local bars, also considering that they are involved in a research programme with clearly defined goals.
Concerning the collaboration between Tethys and local realities where the research is conducted, meetings, lectures and events centered around the marine environment and its conservation are regularly organized to involve the local community and schools.
Whenever possible, Tethys involves local people as researchers and assistants. Collaboration with local Authorities, Universities and NGOs is frequent.
Once at the field base, volunteers are informed about the most appropriate behaviour and dress, particularly when walking around in local towns, visiting churches, sitting at restaurants etc. The local customs are described and volunteers are told how they should and should not react to approaches by locals. For instance, volunteers in Greece are advised to avoid wearing bikinis and tops when not on a beach, and avoid hanging around until late at local bars, also considering that they are involved in a research programme with clearly defined goals.
Concerning the collaboration between Tethys and local realities where the research is conducted, meetings, lectures and events centered around the marine environment and its conservation are regularly organized to involve the local community and schools.
Whenever possible, Tethys involves local people as researchers and assistants. Collaboration with local Authorities, Universities and NGOs is frequent.
environmental responsibility
The aim of the Cetacean Sanctuary Research project is to provide a scientific basis for the management of Pelagos. Intensive research conducted by CSR is highlighting the conservation needs of several cetacean species and has been raising remarkable awareness. Since 1992, almost 2,000 volunteers participated in the research cruises. Living on board and co-operating to different aspects of the research creates a bond between researchers and volunteers, leading to a stronger commitment to environmental conservation.
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.
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.
economical responsability
Tethys research projects aim to benefit the local communities and field work is conducted where possible in conjunction with local organizations with the primary aim of protecting the local biodiversity and preserving cetaceans and their habitat.
Project leaders can provide advice on how any purchase the volunteers wish to make can benefit the local economy. Supplies such as food, replacements and some equipment are purchased locally and all project-related spendings for items including fuel, boat mooring and parking fees, boat and marine engine upkeep and service, upkeep of scientific equipment, benefit the local economy.
Expedition team members are encouraged to make recreational and other use of local facilities and resources and benefit the local economy. Shopping is consistently done locally and team leaders try to suggest appropriate ways of supporting the local economy, particularly in western Greece where the economy is somewhat depressed. This also includes consuming at local bars, restaurants and taverns as well as spending nights in local hotels and “studios”, or taking benefit of local opportunities (nature trips etc.).
Project leaders can provide advice on how any purchase the volunteers wish to make can benefit the local economy. Supplies such as food, replacements and some equipment are purchased locally and all project-related spendings for items including fuel, boat mooring and parking fees, boat and marine engine upkeep and service, upkeep of scientific equipment, benefit the local economy.
Expedition team members are encouraged to make recreational and other use of local facilities and resources and benefit the local economy. Shopping is consistently done locally and team leaders try to suggest appropriate ways of supporting the local economy, particularly in western Greece where the economy is somewhat depressed. This also includes consuming at local bars, restaurants and taverns as well as spending nights in local hotels and “studios”, or taking benefit of local opportunities (nature trips etc.).
support development to local communities
collection of items for recycling
practical of water/energetic saving
enviromental conservation project
vegan and vegetarian diet
self catering
holidays for single
credit card accepted
medical insurance recommended
nature trail
courses and workshops
passport required
The tourism impact unfortunately it's inevitable but there are operators that promote cultures and local traditions, which support the economy of and host communities that protect and enhance the environmental resources.
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what you will do
Since 1990, this whale and dolphin volunteer programme has been dedicated to investigating the spatial distribution, habitat preferences, ecology and behaviour of cetaceans living in the Cetacean Sanctuary - a special marine protected area extending between Italy and France. By volunteering on this programme you will contribute towards this vital research and help to protect some spectacular species.
The research focuses on beautiful large-fin whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, pilot whales, and striped and bottlenose dolphins. This is conducted by field techniques, which include individual photo-identification, remote tracking, distance sampling and behavioural sampling.
To provide a scientific basis for management recommendations to the policy makers, the final goal of the Cetacean Sanctuary Research project in the area is to gain a basic understanding of this complex ecosystem. Intense research activities conducted in this region have also been raising remarkable public awareness.
The project works in collaboration and within the legal framework of the UNEP’s Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area.
The research focuses on beautiful large-fin whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, pilot whales, and striped and bottlenose dolphins. This is conducted by field techniques, which include individual photo-identification, remote tracking, distance sampling and behavioural sampling.
To provide a scientific basis for management recommendations to the policy makers, the final goal of the Cetacean Sanctuary Research project in the area is to gain a basic understanding of this complex ecosystem. Intense research activities conducted in this region have also been raising remarkable public awareness.
The project works in collaboration and within the legal framework of the UNEP’s Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area.
detailed itinerary
SAMPLE DAY
The schedule of a research cruise depends very much on weather conditions. Surveys are conducted whenever the sea state and wind forecasts are favourable for data collection. In an average survey day, the crew gets up early in the morning, between 7.00 and 8.00 AM. After breakfast the navigation starts and research is conducted until the vessel reaches another harbour or a sheltered bay for the night. Depending on the cruise programme and the weather conditions, the boat may remain offshore for one day or longer.
Participants are full members of the crew, so they will be assigned a number of duties. These include sighting shifts (looking for cetaceans), computer shifts (data entry and hydrophone listening), navigation shifts (checking the boat course and velocity), and cooking and boat-keeping shifts (participants as well as staff members will be in charge of preparing meals and cleaning-up, and keeping the boat tidy and ready to sail).
SAMPLE WEEK
On the first day of the trip you will rendezvous at the harbour of Portosole, Sanremo, where the research vessel is moored. The boat will not leave the harbour during the first day. Participants will be thus invited to settle in the cabin to familiarize themselves with the boat. Before dinner a briefing of all the crew is scheduled in order to meet all the participants and to present the cruise programme. The following days are devoted to the fieldwork.
Fieldwork is carried out whenever the weather is good. Participants should be aware that the schedule may vary depending on weather conditions, research priorities and logistical constraints. For instance, a rainy or windy day may force the staff to postpone a scheduled survey at sea, so therefore participants would get involved with theoretical work, data analysis or go on a trip to a nearby location (depending on the circumstances).
The schedule of a research cruise depends very much on weather conditions. Surveys are conducted whenever the sea state and wind forecasts are favourable for data collection. In an average survey day, the crew gets up early in the morning, between 7.00 and 8.00 AM. After breakfast the navigation starts and research is conducted until the vessel reaches another harbour or a sheltered bay for the night. Depending on the cruise programme and the weather conditions, the boat may remain offshore for one day or longer.
Participants are full members of the crew, so they will be assigned a number of duties. These include sighting shifts (looking for cetaceans), computer shifts (data entry and hydrophone listening), navigation shifts (checking the boat course and velocity), and cooking and boat-keeping shifts (participants as well as staff members will be in charge of preparing meals and cleaning-up, and keeping the boat tidy and ready to sail).
SAMPLE WEEK
On the first day of the trip you will rendezvous at the harbour of Portosole, Sanremo, where the research vessel is moored. The boat will not leave the harbour during the first day. Participants will be thus invited to settle in the cabin to familiarize themselves with the boat. Before dinner a briefing of all the crew is scheduled in order to meet all the participants and to present the cruise programme. The following days are devoted to the fieldwork.
Fieldwork is carried out whenever the weather is good. Participants should be aware that the schedule may vary depending on weather conditions, research priorities and logistical constraints. For instance, a rainy or windy day may force the staff to postpone a scheduled survey at sea, so therefore participants would get involved with theoretical work, data analysis or go on a trip to a nearby location (depending on the circumstances).
other activitiy
You will be trained through specific lectures and work side-by-side with researchers. During your time you will be asked to contribute to the data collection and analysis (e.g. recording cetaceans number and behaviour at regular intervals, preliminary analysis of cetaceans digital photos, etc).
Participants will be expected to take part in all aspects of fieldwork and be aware that they are a part of a scientific project with its related challenges and uncertainties. Participants are of valuable assistance to the researchers and they are expected to help in the fieldwork. Quality data collection will be ensured through careful training of volunteers, and by communicating the importance of recording unbiased data. If participants feel uneasy with a given task, or find it too demanding, they will be assigned to another task or given more specific training, depending on circumstances. No particular skill or scientific and nautical experience is necessary. It takes only good will and enthusiasm to make a difference.
Participants will be expected to take part in all aspects of fieldwork and be aware that they are a part of a scientific project with its related challenges and uncertainties. Participants are of valuable assistance to the researchers and they are expected to help in the fieldwork. Quality data collection will be ensured through careful training of volunteers, and by communicating the importance of recording unbiased data. If participants feel uneasy with a given task, or find it too demanding, they will be assigned to another task or given more specific training, depending on circumstances. No particular skill or scientific and nautical experience is necessary. It takes only good will and enthusiasm to make a difference.
accommodations
Accommodation during your experience will be aboard a comfortable 21m sailing boat, which hosts 16 persons in five cabins: two single beds in the bow sharing one bathroom, two four-bed cabins and a very large room for six (two double and two single beds); each with private bathroom, shower and hot water.
Additional volunteer tasks to be shared with the researchers include cooking, dish washing, boat cleaning and navigation shifts.
Additional volunteer tasks to be shared with the researchers include cooking, dish washing, boat cleaning and navigation shifts.
detailed prices
Boarding is in the marina harbour of Portosole (Sanremo, Italy), on Monday after 5pm. The cruise lasts six days and ends on the following Sunday by 11am.
If travelling by air volunteers should get a return flight to and from EITHER Nice, France OR Genova, Italy. From here you can get a bus to the train station, and several trains stop at San Remo. More detailed information will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
FEES
Fees should be available soon
INCLUDED IN THE FEE:
-Food and beverages (breakfast, lunch and dinner, except for alcoholic and soft drinks) for the duration of the cruise, except for the dinner at a restaurant in town on the day of the arrival
-Accommodation on board
-Mooring expenses in San Remo harbour
-Electricity, water heating and cooking costs
-Fuel for boat and dinghy
-Lectures and training by Tethys researchers
-Scientific supervision
-Certificate of involvement in the Cetacean Sanctuary Research
-Research contribution
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE:
-Travel expenses to and from San Remo
-Mooring expenses outside of Portosole (approximately €80-100 per night, to be divided by all the crew with the exception of the skipper)
-Personal expenses (telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
-Meals other than those served onboard the boat
-Soft drinks, liquors and spirits (beer, wine, etc.)
If travelling by air volunteers should get a return flight to and from EITHER Nice, France OR Genova, Italy. From here you can get a bus to the train station, and several trains stop at San Remo. More detailed information will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
FEES
Fees should be available soon
INCLUDED IN THE FEE:
-Food and beverages (breakfast, lunch and dinner, except for alcoholic and soft drinks) for the duration of the cruise, except for the dinner at a restaurant in town on the day of the arrival
-Accommodation on board
-Mooring expenses in San Remo harbour
-Electricity, water heating and cooking costs
-Fuel for boat and dinghy
-Lectures and training by Tethys researchers
-Scientific supervision
-Certificate of involvement in the Cetacean Sanctuary Research
-Research contribution
NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE:
-Travel expenses to and from San Remo
-Mooring expenses outside of Portosole (approximately €80-100 per night, to be divided by all the crew with the exception of the skipper)
-Personal expenses (telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
-Meals other than those served onboard the boat
-Soft drinks, liquors and spirits (beer, wine, etc.)
equipment
We suggest yuo to bring lightwear clothing suitable for hot weather, plus a warmer tops and bottoms for boat work and evenings.
Participants must be 18 years older, speak enough fluent English to communicate with other project participants and team members, be in good physical conditions to tolerate hot weather, sun, and long periods on the boat and be able to swim and feel comfortable on a boat at sea.
Skills essential to participation include an open mind, flexibility to changing situations, and a desire to help and learn. Experience in use of computers is not necessary.
Participants must be 18 years older, speak enough fluent English to communicate with other project participants and team members, be in good physical conditions to tolerate hot weather, sun, and long periods on the boat and be able to swim and feel comfortable on a boat at sea.
Skills essential to participation include an open mind, flexibility to changing situations, and a desire to help and learn. Experience in use of computers is not necessary.
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