Marine Biology Careership Aboard a Ship in Italy

  Italy

• All Other Areas in Italy: 
Ischia

Term: Spring, Summer 
Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Summer Months

Description: Get involved in ongoing academic research into Dolphins in the Italian Mediteranean with a local NGO. You will live on board a cutter ship of 17.70 m built in 1930 with oak tree and Oregon's pine tree, and equipped with underwater microphones and videocameras. It is a historical boat, built in 1930 and designed by a famous french architect.

Short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are rapidly declining ithroughout the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of common dolphin population off the island of Ischia, Italy, has been consistently documented since 1997.

Highlights: On board there will be lectures on cetology: the research on cetaceans in the Italian seas, the key areas for the study of whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, conservation and preservation, evolution, adaptation to the marine environment, classification, insight into the cetaceans of the Mediterranean and in particular of the studied species, bioacoustics, social behaviour and interaction with fisheries.

You will leave every day to sail, according to the project and weather conditions. Your duties onboard consist in helping researchers monitoring dolphins. Dolphin behaviour is recorded together with geographic position, group size, group composition, group formation, surface activity patterns and duration of surfacing intervals. Behavioural sampling is coupled with acoustic recording of dolphin vocalisations, in order to relate the sounds produced by the animals to different behavioural activities. Navigation data are collected in order to estimate dolphins relative sighting frequencies. The presence of sea turtles, tuna, swordfish, fish schools, mantas, moonfish and marine birds, is recorded.

Seamanship: interested volunteers can learn the main riggings to sail as steering, hoisting and striking the sails, take confidence with sheets, halyard, compass and courses... furthermore you can collaborate with the crew during the mooring

Qualifications: This placement is particularly suited to those looking to gain a career in marine biology or environmental conservation. You do not need any specific skills, although any you do have will be very beneficial.

* Min age 18
* Minimum 6 days commitment
* Reasonable physical fitness
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Cost in US$: approx. 700 dollars

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Italy Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement: Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. Unlike other companies we add ZERO commission to the price of the project, asking for a placement fee instead. We offer full pre departure support, ongoing email assistance, and a range of discounts with our partners. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded: 2009

Global Nomadic Ltd is a based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.