Bottlenose Dolphin Research Project, Croatia

This project is the longest ongoing study of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of the project is to provide an overall picture of the population status and dynamics of the bottlenose dolphins around the islands of Lošinj and Cres, islands off the coast of Croatia.

About Croatia
Croatia is a Central European and Mediterranean country, with a long maritime border with Italy in the Adriatic Sea.  It has an amazing 5,835km of coastline, 4,057km of which belongs to islands, cliffs and reefs. There are 1,185 islands in the Adriatic, but only about 50 are populated.  The islands are home to glistening sea winds around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. Ports bustle with fishermen while children dive into the sparkling water.  The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, meaning warm dry summers and mild winters, with 2,600 hours of sunlight on average yearly - it is one of the sunniest coastlines in Europe!

Island of Lošinj
The coastline of Lošinj is extremely diverse; it consists of many large and small bays and underwater caves. The field-base is located in the old village of Veli Lošinj (3 km distant from Mali Lošinj) on the sheltered east coast of the island. There are more than 95 species of fish found in these waters, and other top predators such as loggerhead turtles, tuna, sharks and swordfish regularly visit this area. The marine environment around Lošinj is the cleanest part of the Northern Adriatic Sea, with underwater visibility of consistently over twenty metres. We encourage our volunteers to explore the island and take advantage of the untouched natural environment that surrounds them.

Research
The research focuses on dolphin population dynamics, photo – identification, behavioural sampling, acoustic monitoring, and the collection of stranding data for genetic, forage ecology and toxicological analysis. Data is used to produce a regular report on the status and ecology of the population and to offer solutions for their effective conservation.  From the research station at Veli Lošinj we monitor the daily behaviour of the bottlenose dolphins of the region. It is now possible to identify around 450 individual dolphins with the help of photo-identification.

Volunteers
Volunteers are highly motivated individuals who come to join our research and provide great help throughout the season. During the course period volunteers are educated in cetacean biology, marine conservation and scientific research techniques by the resident researchers.

The Day of a Volunteer
There is no typical day……… Much of what we do is based on sea conditions.   If the sea is calm and the weather is fine, you board the boat to search for dolphins. The moment the dolphins are sighted, everyone on board has a specific task to fulfil. A researcher will take photos for the photo-identification. Your task as project participant is to record data; the time, the number and breakdown of animals, their behavioural activity and their names as the researcher calls them out. In some cases you may be asked to be involved in acoustic sampling. This involves stopping the boat regularly to place the hydrophone in the water.

If the sea is not calm, the team remains at the base (LMEC) analysing data and preparing papers and reports, as well as doing everyday duties. A daily lecture is offered on aspects of cetacean biology or the marine environment.  In free time volunteers may visit the island, enjoy the beauty of discovering new paths and beaches for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clean sea.

Volunteers are also expected to assist in educational activities of the Lošinj marine educational centre (LMEC). Duties will include helping out the staff and students, taking visitors around the centre and explaining exhibits. Sunday is designated as a free day for both volunteers and researchers. On this day other activities such as diving can be organised.

The Boat
The small (6 m), low noise craft, allows the easy approach of the wild dolphins and follow them for a long time without the animals being disturbed by our presence. The craft is equipped with all safety and scientific gear.

Requirements:

• In good physical condition, to be steady on the legs and able to swim;
• Able to tolerate hot weather and long periods on the boat under the sun;
• Speak English;
• Over 18 years old; 
• Be committed to nature conservation and animal protection;
• Positive attitude towards working with people from different countries.

2012 Dates:
Project dates run for 12 days from May to September.  There are 5 places available in each project date.

Costs:
The total cost ranges from Ł735 to Ł856 GB pounds for 12 days (depending on course date).  This includes a Ł150 GB pounds deposit payable with the application with the balance payment to be paid in Euros (654 to 706 Euros depending on course date and duration).  Discounts are available for students, group bookings and Croatian nationals on the balance payment (584 to 636 Euros).  Please enquire to the Volunteer Coordinator: victoria.mcneil@workingabroad.com for further dates or questions.

Included in the price:

• In house food and beverages (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the duration of the project except for the last evening dinner (usually pizza or pasta) at the restaurant in town
• Accommodation
• House expenses
• Boat fuel
• Lectures by researchers
• Scientific supervision during the research
• Internet access at LMEC
• Certificate of attendance on the project
• Basic Insurance

Not included in the price:

• Extra food and beverages consumed in restaurants and bars
• Travel expenses
• Alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses (e.g. telephone)
• Tourist Tax (about €10) to be paid to the Tourist Agency in Veli Lošinj

Accommodation
You will be hosted in Veli Lošinj. The house provides bedrooms for researchers, one for interns and one for volunteers, two bathrooms, kitchen, lounge, and a terrace. Beds, sheets and blankets are provided. The daily household duties include shopping, cooking, dish washing and general housekeeping. Everybody at the project is expected to do his or her share in the household. 

Feedback from Previous Volunteers
‘As our time here comes to an end I find myself wishing that the time didn’t go by so quickly. I wish that I could stay longer and learn more about all of the work and research that occurs at the project... ...Seeing the dolphins was a great pleasure, yet a greater pleasure was helping with the research, I truly hope that we were of some assistance. The main goal for our time here was to enjoy learning something new, this objective was surely completed, thank you very much for this opportunity’
Sam and Sarah McDeid

Read more Feedback stories under here....

Getting there
There are many ways to reach the island of Mali Lošinj - by bus, boat, train and plane.  Cheap airlines fly to several places in Croatia (Rijeka, Zagreb, Pula and Split) - www.ryanair.com, www.croatiaairlines.hr,  www.go-fly.com, www.wizzair.com, www.airadriatic.hr or 
www.hiddencroatia.co.uk.  From Rijeka, there are daily boat crossings to Mali Lošinj and buses from other destinations.  Please enquire with us for more information.

To Apply for Bottlenose Dolphin Research
If you are interested in joining this project, you will need to fill out the online application form – to secure a placement on the project, please complete and submit the form with your deposit of Ł150. If for some reason, your application is declined, we will reimburse this deposit fully. However for those who are accepted, you will be required to pay 50% of the full amount within 10 days of acceptance, with the remaining 50% 1.5 months before arrival. This will have to be paid in Euros to our programme research partner in the field, Blue World. Once we have confirmed your place, you will receive a detailed information package on the programme background and scientific objectives, your role as a volunteer, the work you will do, suggested items to bring, how to travel there etc. Following this, you will receive documents on volunteer liability that will need to be completed after you are booked on the programme. Any questions with regards to your application, please email: victoria.mcneil@workingabroad.com