Sail a research vessel and assist with cetacean research in the Mediterranean
Program Overview
Join us aboard the Pelagos, a beautiful 21m sailing boat, and cruise the Mediterranean waters between Italy, France and Corsica whilst conducting research work in the stunning Ligurian Sea Cetacean Sanctuary.
This marine protected area is well known for its whales and dolphins and volunteers will investigate their spatial distribution, habitat preferences, ecology and behaviour. The research focuses on large-fin whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, pilot whales, and striped and bottlenose dolphins.
This region is particularly rich in nutrients so whales and dolphins are found in higher numbers than in other Mediterranean areas. Unfortunately, the Ligurian Sea is also affected by pollution, heavy vessel traffic and intense fishing activities, providing significant threats to the survival of cetaceans.
Life on the Program
Full training on the research and on how to live and work on a boat is given on arrival, with daily presentations on cetacean biology and conservation.
You will be full members of the crew and will therefore 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 (preparing meals and cleaning up!).
Living and working for long days at sea can be demanding. Rooms are shared and bathrooms have showers with hot running water.
Please be aware that the schedule may vary depending on sea state, weather conditions and research priorities.
Project Details
Training begins with a series of lessons on the principles of navigation, survey methods, and data collection during cetacean sightings. Necessary information is given on the use of equipment including “hand-held” microcomputers, laser range finders, chronometers, velocity-time and depth recorders (V-TDR), hydrophones and skin-swabbing instruments. This will allow you to carry out a range of research tasks such as:
- Photo identification techniques
- Visual and acoustic surveys
- Photogrammetry
- Behavioural sampling and respiration patterns
- Skin swabbing
- Vocalizations and acoustic data
- Remote underwater tracking
- Faecal sampling
In-depth information about the different aspects of cetacean research will be given during the week spent on board through interactive lectures and open discussions.
How this project makes a difference:
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. The project has been running since 1992 and over 2000 volunteers have assisted with the research work contributing valuable data.
Volunteer Testimonials
This week has been without doubt one of the most spectacular opportunities that I have been able to enjoy. Seeing so many fin whales in the first couple of days was an absolute experience, as well as the striped dolphins breaching out of the water, and swimming alongside the boat. The research team and crew were all true stars; they made the experience so enjoyable and unforgettable. They were incredibly friendly and made me feel really welcome. It really has been an absolute pleasure and I thank everyone for one of the best experiences of my life.
It has been amazing to see the striped dolphins cruising under the bow. We also enjoyed seeing a lot of striped dolphin calves next to their mother and jumping around in the water. We were lucky to follow some sperm whales during the week, which are incredible. It has been great to experience how you study the mammals and it has been exciting to learn about the mammals in the Mediterranean Sea. We will take all these facts and the knowledge about how important it is to protect the environment with us back to Denmark.
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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
- Daily lectures and presentations on cetacean biology and conservation
- Certificate of involvement in the Cetacean Sanctuary Research
- Research contribution (€400.00)
- Mooring expenses in San Remo harbour
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
- 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)
- Meals other than those served onboard the boat
