Red Sea Dolphin Project

The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) working in the field of marine and land conservation. HEPCA develops and maintains a large number of projects and campaigns that help to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the Red Sea environment for the future.

Red Sea Dolphin Project
The first boat-based research plan completely dedicated to the study of the dolphins of the Southern Egyptian Red Sea. The aim of the study is to document the abundance, distribution and ecology of the dolphins to provide baseline scientific data for the adoption of long-term management measures and conservation strategies to promote sustainable tourism development for the region. The research project is carried out together with a coral monitoring study that will encompass the Egyptian coast from Marsa Alam to the Sudan border.

Volunteers duties
HEPCA’s international research team is composed of scientists specialized in many different marine environment topics. Joining the HEPCA research project, you will have the chance to work in close contact with them and acquire various skills. Participants will be fully involved in all aspects of this project; learning about the animals (dolphins, fish, turtles, corals, etc.) and their marine environment through first-hand experience. Working closely alongside the researchers and the crew, volunteers will learn about different aspects of field research methodologies with specific training on equipment use and high quality data collection.

During the marine mammal survey, participants will be assigned either to computer or observation duty. Whenever cetaceans are spotted, volunteers will assist with:

• counting animals,
• recording the composition and structure of groups (i.e. number of newborns, calves, juveniles and adults),
• observing behaviour,
• determining geographical positions, and
• taking photographs and/or videos.
• Whenever possible, volunteers will also assist in the skin sample collection.
• Furthermore, through a towed hydrophone, participants will be able to listen to the sounds of cetaceans detected in real time during daytime or night-time navigation.

When bad sea conditions do not allow the navigation, volunteers will be involved in the direct observation of marine organisms and will aid in coral reef monitoring. Data could be collected either during snorkelling or diving sessions (depending on the sea condition, area accessibility and participant skills). Assignments in the water may include identifying, count and taking pictures of corals, molluscs, echinoderms, algae and fish. Participants will help researcher to provide a physical description of the environment surrounding reefs which will be used to establish the status of the reef and to measure any occurring change in the environment.

Skills essential to participation include an open mind, flexibility to changing situations and a desire to help and learn. Swimming ability is preferred but not required. Volunteers must be able to stay some period under the sun. No other specific skills are required as full training will be provided onsite. However, volunteers with an interest in photography or proficiency with computers may be able to put such skills to very good use.

Accommodation
The Red Sea Defender is a 37-meter steel hulled boat with 11 en-suite cabins each with 2 single beds, air-conditioning and a bathroom. Sheets, blankets and towels will be provided. The spacious saloon offers comfortable lounging/dining and is ideal for scientists to congregate, present lectures, watch movies and organize quiz games.

Prices and dates Summer - Winter 2010

Team 3 01 August – 11 August €1.150
Team 4 12 August – 22 August €1.150
Team 5 04 December – 12 December €1.150
Team 5 13 December – 21 December €1.150

Please note, the discounted price for students under 26 yrs old is €650 per cruise and for joining 2 cruises is €950 per cruise. For Egyptians, the price is also €950.

Included in the price:
Food and beverages, including soft drinks, for the duration of the cruise
Accommodation on board the Red Sea Defender
Transportation to and from the Red Sea Defender
WiFi Internet connection (whenever mobile signal is present)
Mooring expenses in the harbours
Electricity, water heating and cooking costs
Fuel for boat and zodiacs
Lectures and training by HEPCA researchers
Research contribution

Not included in the price:
Travel/Flight expenses to and from Marsa Alam, additional accommodation when needed
Diving equipment rental, except for air tanks, weights and weight belts (25€ per day)
Personal expenses (telephone, souvenirs, etc.)
Passport/Visa
Travel insurance
Meals other than those served onboard the boat
Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, etc.) and espresso coffee