Oceanomare Delphis Onlus (ODO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 1991, ODO runs the Ischia Dolphin Project, a field research project on cetaceans in the waters of the Campanian and Pontino Archipelagos. The Ischia Dolphin Project is funded through the participation of eco-volunteers coming from all over the world.

The waters around Ischia are part of a marine protected area (“Regno di Nettuno” MPA, established in 2007); the region has also been listed in the IUCN Cetacean Action Plans as a critical habitat for the Mediterranean common dolphin, an endangered species. In addition, in 2017, the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force recognized the waters of Ischia and Ventotene (with common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and fin whale as qualifying species) together with the Campanian and Pontino archipelagos (with sperm whale as qualifying species) as Important Marine Mammals Areas (IMMAs).

We are currently looking for FIELD INTERNS to join our expeditions.

The aim of the internship is to provide a hands-on experience on cetacean surveys, including the collection of data on acoustic, behaviour and habitat use.
Students willing to write a thesis or an internship report may ask for supervision.

Target species of the project are the sperm whale and the bottlenose dolphin. Surveys are conducted daily onboard of our research vessel from May to September. Interns will assist the research team with both data collection and boat chores (cooking, cleaning and so on).
A minimum of three consecutive weeks onboard is required.

Prerequisites are:

• a background in biology/environmental science or similar
• a keen interest and knowledge of Mediterranean cetaceans
• good computer skills
• good English language skills
• ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation
• be enthusiastic, hard-working, team-oriented, motivated and willing to work and learn
• be adaptable, and flexible and patient, as fieldwork is highly weather-dependent
• be comfortable with living on a boat for several days without the usual commodities
• have a right and sociable attitude towards the eco-volunteers

This is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and to gain practical experience in the field.
This is an unpaid position and successful applicants are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Italy. Oceanomare Delphis Onlus will cover accommodations (on board our research vessel) and meals during the entire staying.

If you are interested, please submit your CV and a cover letter to Barbara Mussi barbara@oceanomaredelphis.org by 30th March 2020.