Kefalonia Dolphin and Underwater Research Programme, Greece

Volunteers are needed to take part in dolphin observation, assessing and monitoring their populations and carrying out underwater research for scientific surveys alongside the Ionian Sea Research Centre on the island of Kefalonia in Greece.

 

The programme is located in Fiskardo, a small village at the northern extremity of Kefalonia (Chephalonia), in Greece. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands. The Ionian islands or else “eptanisa” – 7 islands- are situated in the Ionian sea on the west side of Greece. Kefalonia lies to the south of Leykada (Leykas), to the west of Ithaki (Ithaka) and to the north of Zakynthos (Zante). The total area is approximatly 700 s.km The island is mountainous with peaks running from the most northerly cape to the extreme south. The coast is indented, and there are numerous bays and capes. Kefalonia is of especial interest for its geological structure and the big number of peculiar geological phenomena. (Caves, swallow-holes etc.)

 

The village of Fiskardo has approx. 20 - 30 inhabitants for most of the year and in the winter months the village will consist of one cafe, a supermarket and one restaurant. Fiskardo, however has up to 7.000 inhabitants in the 3 main summer months and is very much a tourist destination with a variety of tourists of different nationalities.

 

You will be working alongside Fiskardo's Nautical and Environmental Club (FNEC), a subsidiary of the Hellenic Foundation for Youth and Volunteering - on two programmes - Dolphin Observation or Underwater Research. 

 

Dolphin Observation 
The aim of the project is to register the existence and numbers of species in the area and assess and monitor their populations, places that they frequent and their movements over the years by inputting data onto maps. Furthermore the project aims to the identify potential threats to cetaceans and their environment arising from increasing recreational boat traffic in the area. This research is purely observational and will take either from the research boat NEPTUNE (30%) and/or from the coast (40%) as well as from opportunistic sightings (30%) interviewing the crew members of recreational boats. Location, identification and interaction with cetaceans will be undertaken respecting all international recognised standards, practices and ethics for cetacean observation. Please note that swimming among the group or feeding the group is strictly excluded from the practices of this project. 

 
Underwater Research 
This programme requires volunteers to have a diving certificate and log book, which you will need to bring.  If you don't have one, you can obtain one from the FNEC before the start of the programme*.  Research varies each year - but in the past, research has included studies on a bivalve mollusc called Pinna nobilis (the big Mediterranean mother-of-pearl), an eelgrass called Posidonia oceanica and an alga called Caulerpa racemosa. Today in collaboration with the National Aquarium of Plymouth, volunteers are also researching the presence of Sea horses in the area.  Other environmental parts of this project are Stranding rescue , Shark awareness , Promotion and awareness.  Volunteers participating in the underwater research project will have the opportunity to obtain the speciality course "UNDERWATER RESEARCH DIVER" as developed by the Ionian Sea Research Centre. 

 

 

Volunteers can join these programmes for 2 weeks up to 2 months throughout May to middle October 2008.  We are flexible with dates, so please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com with your specific dates and queries.

 

Dolphin observation - 2 weeks: 428 GB pounds, 1 month: 706 GB pounds and 2 months: 1143 GB pounds

Underwater research - 2 weeks: 469 pounds, 1 month: 787 GB pounds and 2 months: 1264 GB pounds

 

The programme cost includes lodging in either a caravan or a large tent in the forest camp site close to Fiskardo, beds and linen (please bring your own sleeping bag), use of the club's equipment when related to project purposes and internet access are available, training and certifications, use of the club's boats and glass vessels for research included, as well as support and placement back up from WorkingAbroad Projects.  Food and beverages are not included, but on average a volunteer spends about 100 Euros a month on food.  Airport or ferry pick up is also included. International travel, visas and travel/medical insurance are not included and an insurance is mandatory if you join the project.

 

Volunteers aged 18 years and over can apply to join this programme.  We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people who can work well in a team of volunteers of different nationalities and ages.  You should be adaptable and happy to live in a rustic camp site with limited facilities throughout the duration of the programme.  Volunteers who need their creature comforts should not apply.  We are also looking for volunteers with a genuine interested in cetaceans and marine life, and we will not accept volunteers who are looking for an alternative to a holiday.  The project is about work and research, but there will also be several hours of time off a day for exploring, relaxing or taking dive courses etc.

 

The forest camping area is 1 ˝ km from Fiskardo itself and is an extremely basic place to stay for the short period that volunteers are there.  There is an indoor kitchen, an indoor hot water shower and a ‘drop’ toilet. It is not however anything like a camp site many people may be used to with shower blocks, washing facilities and flushing toilets – it is literally a forest – not a field – where they put tents – spread around wherever there is space between the trees! Water is brought to the camp by water trucks and stored in tanks on the land.  Most of the volunteers who join are the kind of people who enjoy this kind of living and have an excellent time whilst they are there, but for those who are not keen on basic living, should not apply.  A spirit of adventure, fun and community is required to live here happily. For those you would like to join our project but can't deal with the living conditions they can offer an alternative accommodation - on request - at an extra price. Please ask for details.  Accommodation is in caravans and tents, each caravan is shared by 2 volunteers. The caravans are modern and offer a lot of space for personal items. The kitchen has gas cookers, a fridge and a microwave.  There is no telephone at the camp, but there are plenty of public phones in the vicinity of the camp around Fiskardo, as well as a telephone at the museum that you can use to receive calls on. There is no Internet at the camp, but at the museum, there are two computers which volunteers can use with Internet access.

 

By airplane, year round, there are flights from all over the world to the International Athens airport Eleftherios Venizelos. In the summertime (May to middle October) from some countries (i.e. England) there are direct connections to Kefalonia International Airport. Please ask a local tour operator for more information, or visit Olympic Airways and www.easyjet.com websites.  You can also travel by boat from Italy, or take a bus from Athens to one of the ports on the west coast of Greece and then take a ferry to Kefalonia.