DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY

Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project 

Delfini del Ponente is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly internship and training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, from May to October 2025.

The project

The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data year-round. The study has already provided very interesting information about this community inside the study area - its social organisation, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Our dataset includes records on several cetaceans species and also on other marine fauna such as seabirds - Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and more - sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and sunfish (Mola mola), among others.

Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on recording data on marine fauna, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations to collect data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills in cetaceans and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. 

Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons for the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, data transcription, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc...)

Where: Imperia, Italy 

When:

• Weekly Program: May 19–31, November 1–7
• Monthly Program (minimum 30 days): June–October

This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. 

Internship Details

• Work Schedule: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions).
• Accommodation: Interns will be provided accommodation in an apartment in Imperia.
• Other Activities: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports.

Skills/Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18.
• Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required.
• Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural sciences, veterinary sciences, or a similar field (preferred).
• Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and marine research.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Adaptable and flexible, as fieldwork is weather-dependent.
• Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters.
• Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day.
• Sociable and positive attitude, as interns will be part of an international team.

Training Program Fee
As a self-funded research project, participation requires a tuition fee. This fee includes:

• Accommodation in an apartment in Imperia.
• Tuition and training.
• Use of the research vessel and equipment.
• Field trips, insurance, and field costs.

Note: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to info@delfinidelponente.it.

For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application!