Overview
Whale & Dolphin Research in the Ligurian Sea, Italy

Since 1990, this whale and dolphin research 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.

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

This week has been everything we could have wished for and more. It has been wonderful to meet such nice people (researchers and participants) and being able to learn so much about Cetaceans and the good work that is being done has been such a privilege. We wish that everyone could be so lucky. Both of us felt that the sighting of the Risso's dolphins was the highlight of the trip. Their beautiful faces and graceful manner was truly a treat! We hope that it will not be the last time that we are involved with dolphin and whale research.

Grant & Arabella, South Africa 2005, Volunteers

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The aim of the project is to provide a scientific basis for the management of the Pelagos Cetacean Sanctuary. Intensive research conducted by the project is highlighting the conservation needs of several cetacean species and has been raising remarkable awareness. Since 1992, almost 2,000 volunteers have 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.

Highlights

Exploring these beautiful waters in a comfortable 21m sailing boat. Participants will be directly involved in field activities, helping the researchers to collect cetacean data and assist them in preliminary analyses of digital photos and acoustic recordings, while learning basics in sailing. Trips to visit the nearby Oceanographic Museum of Monaco are also foreseen.

Location

The project is conducted within the Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary, in an area delimited by Cote d'Azur (France), Tuscany, and northern Sardinia (Italy). This region is particularly rich in nutrients so cetaceans are found in numbers that are higher than in other Mediterranean areas. The base harbour is in Sanremo (Italy), near the French border.

Field Conditions

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.