DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project
*Delfini del Ponente** is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly** training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, **from May to October 2026.* The project The dolphin research project *“Delfini del Ponente”*, launched in 2018, is the first initiative specifically dedicated to monitoring the occurrence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis to ensure year-round data collection. To date, the study has provided valuable insights into the local bottlenose dolphin community, including its social organisation, abundance, spatial distribution, and movement patterns, as well as connections with areas outside the region. In addition to dolphins, the dataset includes records of several other cetacean species and a wide range of marine fauna, such as seabirds—Mediterranean shearwaters (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*), Northern gannets (*Morus bassanus*), Sandwich terns (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), among others—as well as sea turtles (*Caretta caretta*) and sunfish (*Mola mola*). Fieldwork mainly consists of land-based observations and boat-based (zodiac) surveys aimed at monitoring wildlife presence, distribution, and behaviour, while also collecting environmental and maritime traffic data. These activities offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop practical skills in cetacean and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and boat surveys are weather-dependent, and their frequency may vary from month to month. Office-based activities (approximately 6 hours per day) include training sessions and lessons for interns, as well as supervision by experienced researchers during all stages of the work, such as photo-identification, data transcription and entry, skin lesion analysis, and GIS analyses using QGIS. During the summer months, the study area has recently been affected by nesting and hatching events of loggerhead sea turtles. As a result, interns will carry out early-morning beach surveys to detect nesting attempts that occurred overnight. In the final days of incubation and during hatching, interns may also participate in nocturnal monitoring and patrolling at the nest sites. Given the high number of visitors in these areas, interns may be involved in outreach and awareness activities with tourists and the general public. During these periods, office work may be temporarily suspended to prioritise nest monitoring efforts. Where: Imperia, Italy *When*: - *Weekly Program*: November 1–7 (and possibly the month of September) - *Monthly Program (minimum 30 days)*: May–October *Internship Activities* Interns will participate in a variety of activities, including: - *Boat-based surveys*: Monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins and other marine species. - *Boat maintenance*: Assisting with the upkeep of the research vessel. - *Data collection*: Recording data on cetaceans, fish, seabirds, and turtles. - *Photo-ID matching and skin lesion analysis*. - *Land-based surveys and opportunistic surveys* - *Turtle tracks monitoring and potential nest monitoring (in summer).* - *Lectures and training*: Gaining skills in cetacean ecology, research techniques, seabird and sea turtle ID. *Internship Details* - *Work Schedule*: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions). - *Accommodation*: Interns will be provided with accommodation in a shared apartment in Imperia. - *Other Activities*: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports. *Skills/Qualifications* - Minimum age of 18. - Be highly adaptable and flexible, as fieldwork is weather-dependent and our plans can change several times in one day. - Ability to stand several hours in the sun or cold weather on a small boat (up to 10-12). - Ability to use binoculars for several hours on a boat. - Fluent in English (spoken and written). - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred). - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research. - Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day. - Be sociable and willing, as they are expected to live and work in an international team. *Training Programme Fee* Participation in the training programme requires the payment of a tuition fee. The fee includes: - Accommodation in a shared apartment in Imperia. - Tuition and training activities. - Use of the research vessel and scientific equipment. - Field trips, insurance, and field costs. *Note*: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee. *How to Apply* At this link, you can read the info package and the application https://delfinidelponente.it/en/internship/ This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to *[email protected]*. For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application! -- *Delfini Del Ponente APS* *+39 3534687707* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: [email protected] https://delfinidelponente.it/
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