MareTerra ERC is offering internships (https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/ internship) to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment between May and October 2024 in Sardinia Island (Italy), a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. Since its founding in 2012, MareTerra has operated as a self-financed organization. We are based in Alghero, a charming town with a rich Catalan heritage in the northwest of Sardinia. The Gulf of Alghero is protected by both national and international laws due to its remarkable naturalistic and geological significance. Our location falls within the Site of Community Importance (SCI) of “Bosa, Capo Marargiu and Porto Tangone,” the SCI “Capo Caccia and Punta del Giglio,” and the Marine Protected Area “Capo Caccia and Isola Piana,” which is also designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI). Interns will receive training in data collection protocols during monitoring activities and learn research methods to monitor the behaviour, habitat use, abundance, and distribution of bottlenose dolphins. Techniques such as photo identification (photo-ID), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Species Distribution Modelling will be utilized. They will gather georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities, and boat traffic that impact dolphin behaviour. Additionally, interns will assist in bioacoustic data collection. The goal of our research projects is to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and to promote sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. For published papers, please visit https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?usp... . Interns will work within an international and multicultural team, actively engaging in environmental education to raise awareness and promote respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals onboard our boats daily. **Required Skills** - Fluency in English (English level > B2) - Self-confidence - Flexibility and adaptability to an international work environment - Punctuality - Good public relations skills - Comfort on board a motorboat and ability to swim well - Minimum age: 20 years; maximum age: 30 years Participating in this internship requires high motivation, responsibility and willingness to work long hours in the field. For any questions or to receive more information on the application process, please send an email to info@mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D. --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura@mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio@gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069