Voluntariado con delfines

DELPHIS MDC
Delphis Mediterranean Dolphin Conservation

Delphis MDC is a non profit organization dedicated to the conservation = and protection of cetaceans in Italy .It operates through scientific investigation , education and research. Since 1991 volunteers and = students have been invaluable in the collection, organization and research = analysis of data which are fundamental to our understanding and current knowledge = of the distribution and the ecology of these animals in the waters of = Ischia , Gulf of Naples , Italy. Publications of our research are available at www.delphimdc.org/en/publications.htm
We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions for our 2005 field season , which runs from June to October. Our main focus is on a relic population unit of endangered short beaked common dolphins that spend summer months in the rich waters of the = island of Ischia , in a zone corresponding to the submarine canyon of Cuma. The study area is well known for its high pelagic biodiversity. The = region is also important for cetacean species, being described as a feeding = site for fin whales, feeding and breeding ground for striped and Risso's dolphins, and transient zone for nursery groups of sperm whales. Furthermore, the area has been listed in the last IUCN Cetacean Action = Plan as critical habitat for the endangered short beaked common dolphins. The research is in collaboration with:

DHORN ZOOLOGICAL STATION (Ischia Laboratory)
ASMS OCEAN CARE
FEDERICO II UNIVERSITY OF NAPLES (Geology department)
HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL
MUSEO ZOOLOGICO (NAPLES)
OCEANO MARE
TETHYS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)


MAIN PROJECT OBJECTIVES

- examine the social structure of the population and assess the = production of calves
- study the habitat use and distribution
- estimate the impact on animals of both fishery operations and = recreational vessel traffic
- study of the acoustic repertoire

As a member of the research team students will learn and apply the principles of field research design as they participate in our ongoing = field studies.They will gain a personal understanding of conservation and = welfare issues, which drive our research activities Everyone who completes the programme will leave with an improved = knowledge in methods of digital photo-identification, improved techniques of = study of cetacean behaviour and bioacoustic, use of programmes and vehicles designated to the research , GIS, use of research instruments such a hydrophones,underwater cameras, GPS ect. The position will involve field data collection aboard our 17,70m research sailing boat. In short , a very rewarding experience in the introduction to whale and dolphin identification, data collection and wildlife viewing.

The most important requrements for participants are enthusiasm , ability = and willingness to learn and work under sometimes difficult field = conditions, feel comfortable in working and living with other students of diverse nationalities and backgrounds, and sense of homour

The cost for a week placement for 2005 starts from ? 710 ,with discount = for students and for longer placements. The price will include: full board , equipment and all associated costs during the stay, insurance. The price will not include : travel expenses ( flight to/from Naples , airport transfer - taxi or bus-, ferry to Ischia, usually 1h20m)


CONTACT
Students and /or volunteers interested in participating should provide = a brief resume including their studies/ background, personal details and interests, preferred dates of participation and contact our coordinator = for field positions, Lina Betone on email info@delphismdc.org