Overview
Whale and Dolphin Research in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain

Volunteers will be part of a scientific team that has been working on whale and dolphin research in the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain for the last 10 years. The Strait has one of the highest cetacean diversity and abundance levels in Europe and research species include; Killer Whales, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Fin Whales, Common Dolphins and Striped Dolphins. Presentations will be given on methodologies used, knowledge so far and conservation plans for cetaceans in the area. Volunteers will be involved in the research out at sea as well as on land where you will help with the data collected during the day. You will be in charge of a small supervised project during your trip.

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It was a real privilege to share these days with such a dedicated and passionate team and to learn so many things about sperm whales, pilot whales, killer whales and dolphins.

Delphine, Whale and Dolphin Research Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

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. Getting involved and learning 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.

Location

The research centre is in the middle of the Natural Park of the Strait of Gibraltar in Spain, with views of Gibraltar rock and Morocco situated only 15 km across the Strait. The Strait is a beautiful place for navigation between the Pillars of Hercules delimiting the African and European continents.

Field Conditions

You will be accommodated in our research centre in Pelayo where we have a shared bedroom (for 4 volunteers), shower room and living room/kitchen for all research assistants. You will be in charge of preparing your own meals.