Join this marine research team in Moray Firth, Scotland
Program Overview
This volunteer project provides you with an exceptional opportunity to become actively involved in field activities related to the conservation and protection of cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises) in Scotland.
Located on the dramatic southern coastline of Scotland’s spectacular Moray Firth, you will assist our marine scientists with long-term studies of bottlenose dolphins and minke whales. The conservation of these animals and the protection of ecologically important habitat make the monitoring of their populations a necessity.
As a volunteer, you can expect to fully participate in all aspects of this research, learning about the animals and their environment through firsthand experience as you work closely alongside the researchers and the whales and dolphins themselves.
Life on the Program
The team will be based in the picturesque fishing village of Gardenstown, near Banff in Aberdeenshire. Surrounded by majestic sandstone cliffs and rolling farmland, the area is a haven for wildlife and worth exploring in your free time.
In the first two days, you will have an orientation, introductory talks and presentations as well as boat and survey training. For the rest of your time you will be conducting surveys with the team or analyzing and collating data back at base. Lectures on cetacean biology and management will be given by the staff throughout your time on the project.
You will share accommodation with other volunteers and staff. Electricity, hot water are available. Everyone will help with domestic duties and preparing meals.
Project Details
During surveys you will assist the team with a variety of research tasks:
- Counting animals
- Recording behaviour
- Determining geographical positions and taking photographs
Much of the work is done onshore and so back at the base time will be spent:
- Identifying the animals encountered
- Cataloguing slides and photographs
- Analysing data
- General chores and household duties
Further to the research work, you may be expected to assist the team with their exciting cetacean rescue work. Most groups get involved with education and public awareness activities as whales and dolphins are an excellent medium for educating people about the impact of marine pollution and marine conservation in general. On occasion you may also be involved in fundraising and PR events.
How this project makes a difference:
The cetacean species in the unprotected waters of the outer Moray Firth are currently listed as data deficient, vulnerable or near-threatened. Yet bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and harbour porpoises comprise a significant component of many coastal ecosystems, and a better knowledge of their behaviour, ecology, habitat requirements and their role in the marine environment is fundamental for their future management and conservation.
Volunteer Testimonials
Travelling to the site I was so excited - finally I was getting out of the lab and into the field doing some actual wildlife surveying with real wild animals, an opportunity I'd been looking forward to for such a long time and I was expecting a lot. Cetacean identification training, wildlife photography courses and boat driving lessons later and the project did not disappoint - the experience was definitely worth it.
My time in the Moray Firth was a life-changing experience. Every moment was one of great anticipation, every experience one of discovery and excitement. If you love the ocean, are thrilled by the grace and beauty of cetaceans, and you're looking for peace and beauty in a small, Scottish town by the edge of the sea, this adventure can't be missed!
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Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- A Certificate of Participation, detailing your involvement and support for the project
- Full supervision and training by lead scientists and project leaders
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Internal transfer costs to and from Banff
