Overview
Dolphin Conservation in Greece

Since 1991, this project has been investigating the ecology, behaviour and conservation status of two dolphin species in the waters of the eastern Ionian Sea, Greece - one of the Mediterranean areas in which these marine mammals have been studied most intensively.

This project takes you to be trained through lectures and working side-by-side with researchers, getting involved in field activities that include regular surveys of the study area. You will spot dolphins and other animals during the surveys at sea, and once dolphins are sighted, you will contribute to the data collection. In the afternoon, you will help researchers with the preliminary analysis of digital photos of the dolphins.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

The Ionian Dolphin Project is neither a dolphin-watching-program nor a pure holiday. It is much, much more than this – and it is something completely different. I joined as a volunteer primarily because I have been travelling to Greece for some years now and I wanted to see a different side of this country I so fell in love with. I was always aware of the fact that there was more to it than Ouzo and Sirtaki, but this week was more than I had thought it would be. I experienced true international teamwork in the best possible way. I spent more time outside in a week than I usually get in a month. I enjoyed some brilliant home made food. I learned a lot about cetaceans in the Greek seas and about the problem of over-fishing. And yes, I did see dolphins in the wild. But the amazing thing is that the days we did not see dolphins were not even the least bit less interesting, fun or informative as the days we actually saw them.

Ruth, volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The work carried out by this project is producing science-based information, aimed to contribute towards dolphin conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. 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. You will be part of a scientific team and will learn about marine conservation priorities, apply advanced dolphin investigation methods and help with research at sea.

Highlights

Having the unique experience of being within close contact of dolphins in their natural environment; aiding the field research by getting directly involved in field activities and helping the researchers to collect and analyze cetacean data; enjoying the beautiful village of Galaxidi, its quiet life and wonderful food; swimming in the clear waters of beautiful small bays.

Location

Galaxidi, Gulf of Corinth, Ionian Sea, Greece, about 200km West from Athens or 90 km East from Patra. This noble and picturesque village is a nautical city with 4,000 years of heritage and one of the most attracting destinations in Greece, and yet it is relatively untouched by mass tourism. Galaxidi has well-preserved traditional houses and buildings, superb beaches with crystal green-blue waters, an adjacent park to walk and hike, and a small port used by small fishing boats and yachts, encircled by fine restaurants and lively pubs. Galaxidi makes a popular destination to visit the stunning and world-famous archaeological site of Delphi, just a short drive away.

Field Conditions

During your stay on the project you will share the field base with the research staff. It consists of two adjacent apartments: the first apartment makes the researchers’ headquarters and includes their sleeping room and office, the second is used by project participants and sometimes by one research assistant. The latter apartment has a large living area with open kitchen and fireplace, a big patio facing the surrounding hills, a toilet with bathtub/shower and a large bedroom. Both apartments are new, modern and fully furbished. The building is surrounded by a large garden. The field station is located in a quiet part of the village of Galaxidi, approximately 300 m from the seaside and 500 m from the centre. The main port with seaside restaurants and bars is at walking distance, less than 1 km from the house. You will be asked to share cooking and cleaning shifts with the other participants. Daily surveys at sea will be held using a 5.8m-long inflatable boat.