Week package

Whale Research & Ocean Monitoring​

​Background: All levels, English required +18y

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Join our Marine Research team onboard as a volunteer, internship or research assistant, collaborating on daily field and lab routines.

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Included

• 3-4 Whale and Dolphin Expeditions with data collection 

• 2 Talks on cetaceans, research and field methods

• 1 Land-Based Survey or Lab Work

 

Achieve

• Work with largest mammals on the planet 

• Learn main techniques to collect scientific data, images & sounds.

• Contribute for cetacean and seaturtle conservation

• Certificate provided

When

Weekly Program: Monday to Saturday ​​

Between 16 March - 15 October (Except 1Jul-7Sept) 

Minimum stays are one week (6 days of research activities arranged according to weather) 

Fee

Costs per Week slot

5% Discount on third week and following

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Cetaceans in the Azores

27 cetacean species occur in the area

Large cetaceans include: Regular Sperm whales and Sei whales, and seasonal Blue whale, Fin whale, Sei, Bryde and Humpback whales occur in the area (season dependent) + 5 dolphin species

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Program Activities:

• 4 Whale and Dolphin Expeditions: 

Participate in 3-4 boat-based surveys of 3h to observe and record cetacean behavior, environmental conditions, and other key data. These expeditions are subject to weather conditions to ensure optimal research opportunities.

 

• 2 Special Talks:

  1. Cetacean Topics range from evolution to diversity, with each topic addressed on each talk

  2. Cetacean and Ocean Monitoring Field Methods and techniques at sea and in the lab

  3. New Findings: Recent and groundbreaking 

These are 30-40min talks followed by discussion and questions

 

Receiving training in cetacean biology and behavior, and ocean monitoring techniques, including the use of research tools like GPS, hydrophones, and photo ID methods.

 

• 1 Land-Based Survey or Lab Work: 

  • Engage in an experience of land-based monitoring from coastal vantage points, or beach surveys for drifting pelagic life on the coast, contributing to a deeper understanding of cetacean research methodologies and marine ecology. 

 

• Data Analysis: Collaborate with academic staff to process and analyze collected data, collaborating in the conservation of biological samples.

The 7 activities for the week will be scheduled upon arrival, according to the ongoing research and weather forecast. These don’t occupy all days so there will be spare time to visit the Island.

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Species

Whales: Sperm whale, Blue whale, Fin whale, Sei whale, Humpback whale, Beaked whales & More

 

Dolphins: Common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Spotted dolphin, Risso dolphin, Stripped dolphin & more

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Seaturtles: Regularly sighted loggerhead seaturtle, rarely geen or leatherback seaturtles

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Seabirds: Cory’s shearwater, Yellow legged gull,

April June: Macaronesian shearwater, Common and Roseate Tern,

September: Great shearwater, Sooty shearwater & more

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Academic Environment

All activities are supervised by our resident PhD staff that are researchers at the University of Lisbon and the Azores University. Participants will cooperate with ongoing monitoring and research programs, studies and thesis.

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Working Experience Certificate

A Certificate will be provided that can be used in the CV validating working experience as Marine Biology work on cetacean data collection methodologies including at sea experience and ocean monitoring methodologies.​

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Accommodation and Meals

Meals and accommodation are not included in the program. With several good restaurants and soft meal opportunities at a walking distance in Horta. There are many different types of accommodation in the city, from Hotels, to apartments, guest houses and rooms. Check local options at www.agoralocal.pt  .