*DELFINI DEL PONENTE RESEARCH PROJECT, IMPERIA, ITALY* *Cetacean and Marine Fauna research * *Delfini del Ponente is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our pilot project on bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from March to June**.* (DEADLINE 15th January)-LAST CALL *The project* The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been rarer and more sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with a depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area, where sightings of bottlenose dolphins have almost tripled. For this reason, Costa Balenae started in 2018 the project Delfini del Ponente to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data not only on the distribution during the Summer, but also changes during the different seasons. The project is already providing very interesting information about bottlenose dolphins and their distribution in the study area, and also about the seasonal presence of other marine fauna such as Mediterranean shearwaters (*Puffinus yelkouan)*, Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*), Northern gannets (*Morus bassanus*), Sandwich terns ( *Thalasseus sandvicensis*), sunfish (*Mola mola*) among others. *WHERE:* Imperia, Italy *WHEN:* 1 March-30 -October 2020; Minimum required: 30 days Number of interns for month: 2 /3 Activities: • boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins • data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles • classwork, database updating • photo-id matching and analysis • land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys • lessons and training about cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques PIERCE 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 . Surveys will be made in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys will be done In Imperia, in 2 different points around 10-12 times/month collecting data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats and marine birds. Surveys are weather dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training, lessons, photo-id work, transcription of data, data entry, QGIS work etc. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or lab work) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. *Skills/qualification: * · Minimum age of 18 · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be willing to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun · Be sociable as they are expected to live and work in an international team *Internship fee * Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. *How to apply: * Send your CV with a letter of interest to delfinidelponente@gmail.com before 15th of January For any further enquiries and details, please send an email to delfinidelponente@gmail.com Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi