Location:

Madrid, Spain

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Animals, Environment

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

Located in the town of O Grove, volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to contribute to bottlenose dolphin, whale & porpoise conservation whilst gaining hands on field and laboratory experience. You will gain an insight into dolphin research, learn about different research instruments and techniques, learn about bottlenose dolphins and gain awareness about their conservation.

Dolphin research volunteers in Spain will assist with data collection while on board the research boat, help to locate and keep track of dolphin groups and collect environmental information. Back in the lab, volunteers will assist with restocking field supplies and transcribing data sheets. Boat cleaning and maintenance will also sometimes be required. Volunteers can join for a minimum of 1 week.

Originally established in Italy in 1999, the project has grown to study a wider area and a more diverse range of issues. In 2014 the project moved to it current location in Western Spain. Researchers are engaged in the long term study of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphin populations, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. Because of their behavioural and social flexibility it is essential to understand factors affecting local dolphins, if their populations are to be managed and conserved. The main purpose of this programme is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the relationships between bottlenose dolphins and human activities.

Setting Description:

The region has a relatively narrow continental shelf with the Galician continental shelf and the Galician rias sitting at the northern edge of one of the major upwelling areas in the world. The frequent upwelling of cold and dense North Atlantic Central Water results in nutrient enrichment of the area and this area is among the most productive oceanic regions of the world. It is the main fishing region of Spain and one of the most important in the world, with 87 fishing ports used by more than 6000 fishing boats along 1195 km of coastline.

Cost:

Winter Season (February to April) - £540 for 1 week (£180 application payment, balance of 490 Euros) Spring Season (May to June) - £590 for 1 week (£180 application payment, balance of 560 Euros) Summer Season (July to September) - £640 for 1 week (£180 application payment, balance of 630 Euros) Autumn Season (October to November) - £540 per week (£180 application payment, balance of 490 Euros)