WHALE-WATCHING RESEARCH INTERSHIP IN THE GULF OF TRIBUGA, PACIFIC COAST OF COLOMBIA.

 

BACKGROUND: R&E ocean community conservation, is a non-profit, non-governmental foundation focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of responsible whale watching and cetaceans conservation in the pacific Coast of Colombian. This project aims to obtain baseline information on whales and dolphins species occurrence, behavior, and whale-watching guidelines compliance and education in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies.

 

R&E volunteers are dynamic, flexible, adaptable, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the foundation and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection, processing methodologies, learning communication skills and interrelationships with stakeholders and local communities and being a part of team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment.

 

WHERE: Pacific coast of the Gulf of Tribuga, Nuqui, Choco - Colombia 

 

WHEN: The field season lasts from mid-june to end mid- october 2024. The minimum internship attendance is 1 month.

 

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN OUR VOLUNTEERS?

-Passion for Nature: If you are passionate about the ocean and marine life, this volunteering is for you!

-Commitment: We are looking for committed volunteers who are willing to learn and actively contribute.

-Respect for Wildlife and the community: We value respect and admiration for whales and dolphins. Also respect among your fellow teammates and the large part of community that we work with. We want our volunteers to be ambassadors for conservation.

- Flexibility and Adaptability: Our volunteers should also possess a flexible and adaptable mindset, capable of adjusting to changing circumstances and environments. As we operate in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable ecosystems, the ability to adapt to new situations and approaches is invaluable. Whether it's adjusting to varying weather conditions or modifying project plans to accommodate unforeseen challenges, flexibility is key to successful conservation efforts.

 

FIELDWORK: The field trips are conducted in local cetaceans watching boats. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions, operators willingness and the tourists in the zone. The field days can be intense and hard, especially in the peak of whale season but are fulfilling and good fun.

 

The volunteers will be trained to:

- Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence;

- Log sighting encounters on a handheld GPS;

- Access and collect environmental data;

- Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.;

- Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording;

- Conduct training for grade 11 students at the local school on the importance of responsible whale watching; Supervise students at the airport of Nuqui.

- Share knowledge about conservation, environment, marine fauna to the different grades of the local educational institution.

- Provide information to tourists about responsible whale and dolphin watching regulations, ecology and conservation 

 

DATA ANALYSIS: The data obtained in the field will be entered into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification analyses and acoustic recordings will be carried out periodically. 

 

INTERNSHIP FEES: R&E ocean community is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit.

 

For more information on internship fees or the volunteer program for the 2024 season, please contact: marcela.hernandez@oceancommunityconservation.org  

 

Included in the fee is:

- Accommodation in Nuqui;

- Transportation to/from field;

- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner);

- Fieldwork;

- Theoretical capacitation.

- Distinctive Wardrobe

 

Not included in the fee is:

- Transportation to/from Nuqui-Choco;

- Meals in restaurants;

- Free time activities;

- Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance);

- Others personal expenses. 

 

INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:

- Be above the age of 20;

- Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment;

- Be autonomous and flexible;

- Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea;

- Be able to work in extreme conditions

- Speak Spanish;

- Participate for minimum 1 month.

 

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

-Unique Experience: You will have the opportunity to be close to these amazing creatures and learn from experts in the field.

-Positive Impact: Your work will help protect whales and dolphins for future generations.

-Connection with Nature: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean and the Pacific coast while contributing to its preservation.

 

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION:

 

You can apply on R&E ocean community website here

< Ocean Community Conservation >

 

or

 

Send us an e-mail to: marcela.hernandez@oceancommunityconservation.org, with the subject Volunteer program R&E ocean community with your CV and motivation letter.

 

We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details.

 

Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies.