Join MareTerra ERC for a unique internship experience in marine research and conservation, taking place between May and October 2026 on Sardinia Island (Italy) — one of the Mediterranean’s richest biodiversity hotspots (https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship).

As an intern, you’ll be part of a passionate, international team working on projects focused on the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment. You’ll learn how to monitor dolphin behaviour, habitat use, abundance, and distribution using techniques like photo-identification, GIS, and Species Distribution Modelling. You will collect georeferenced data on dolphin sightings, fishing activities and marine traffic.

Beyond fieldwork, you’ll actively participate in environmental education initiatives aboard our boats, helping raise awareness and promote respect for the marine ecosystem among tourists and local communities.

What we’re looking for

Our goal is to create a working group that enables each participant to grow both as a researcher and as an individual, by strengthening existing skills and developing new ones where needed.  
To take part in this internship, you should:

- Be fluent in English (minimum level: B2)
- Be confident, punctual, and adaptable to an international work environment
- Have good public relations skills
- Be comfortable on motorboats and able to swim well
- Be between 20 and 30 years old

This experience requires motivation, responsibility, and a genuine willingness to work long hours in the field — but it’s also a chance to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to marine conservation.

Curious about our research? You can explore our published papers:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?usp=sharing

If you have questions or would like more information about how to apply, feel free to write to us at info@mareterra-erc.org.

Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D