CETACEAN- MARINE FAUNA- RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN ITALY WHERE: Imperia, Italy WHEN: September-October-November Minimum required: 30 days Number of interns per month: 2/3 About The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente” http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/ 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 been more rare and 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. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by others research groups, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. During the dedicated survey, data on marine birds ( Gannets, Shearwaters, Terns .. ), fish species and turtles are collected. Programme: Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities: - participation in field research activities in the Pelagos Sanctuary - monitoring the presence and distribution of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during dedicated surveys (10-12 per month) - environmental and ecological data collection regarding the species inhabiting the Ligurian Sea (cetaceans, fishes, seabirds ..) - transcription of data collected at sea, database updating - photo-identification and matching of bottlenose dolphin photos - opportunistic surveys - land-based surveys - lessons and training about cetacean ecology, biology and the most important research techniques used The internship is a great opportunity for anyone keen to start a career in cetacean research or simply willing to acquire fieldwork and data processing skills. This experience will give you the chance to work in the Pelagos Sanctuary and enjoy its unique marine biodiversity as well as traveling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region. Thanks to this internship you will support cetacean research and conservation in one of the most crowded and busy areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. During fieldwork, participants will gain first-hand experience in collecting data on cetaceans, seabirds and other marine fauna. Interns will improve their skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Interns will be busy 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork). During their 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 preferred but not required, · 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 prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun or in harsh conditions . Be prepared to spend long days in an office environment in cause of bad weather · Be sociable and willing 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. Information about Costa Balenae Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development, and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristics of the cooperative. http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/ How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arrival and departure) to info@costabalenae.it addressed to Elena Fontanesi and Davide Ascheri no longer than the 15th of July. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to info@costabalenae.it Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching info@costabalenae.it http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/