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Marine Mammal Research & Conservation

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Marine Mammal Research & Conservation

Background

The Aegean Sea is one of most important marine biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean, supporting key populations of cetaceans (dolphins and whales), Mediterranean monk seals and sea turtles. Archipelagos’ Marine Mammal Research Team uses the equipped sailing boats “Pinelopi” and “Naftilos”, as well as the research boat “Aegean Explorer” and the speed boat “Asterias” to monitor the regional status of marine mammal and sea turtle populations and their habitats in the Aegean, an area where data relating to these species is largely deficient. During day-long or multi-day research trips, the team gathers data on species populations and their respective threats, identifying critical habitats, and quantifies human and environmental impacts to fill these knowledge gaps.

Marine mammal team

The marine mammal team monitors the habitat use, abundance and distribution of cetaceans, as well as Mediterranean monk seals and sea turtles in various regions of the Greek seas. This is done by studying population structures, group dynamics, and behavior via visual and acoustic data collected on board one of our three research vessels with specialized equipment. The team also investigates the impact of major threats, such as fishing and tourism and plastic debris, on cetacean behavior. The target of our research is the implementation of efficient conservation measures and management policies. This internship will provide interns with valuable skill sets in data collection and equipment use, as well as data analysis and report writing. These skills set the foundation for a professional career in marine mammal research, marine conservation and environmental management.

Examples of recent internship projects

  • Conducting boat-based surveys to collect data on cetacean abundance, distribution and behaviour.
  • Assessing the populations of resident, transient and seasonal cetaceans through photo-ID, and creation of a catalogue of individual cetaceans in the Aegean.
  • Assessment of cetacean vocalizations through the use of a hydrophone array system and specialized software.
  • Analysis of cetacean behaviour to determine seasonal variation in activity, differences in behaviour between species, and group composition
  • Examining interactions with fisheries and maritime traffic, as well as the effects caused by overfishing and various forms of pollution: plastic, chemical and noise pollution.
  • Monitoring and protecting the remaining populations of the highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal, in close collaboration with local communities.
  • Monitoring of environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature, salinity, pH, and concentration of dissolved oxygen.

Your role

This internship program is available for students, graduates and researchers of marine, ecological and environmental sciences and/or veterinary medicine. Applicants must be able to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, multicultural, multidisciplinary team. During multi-day expeditions, the research team lives on the boat, so applicants must be able to live in tight quarters for several days at a time.

Technical skills

• Working towards or completion of a marine related scientific degree
• Accurate data entry
• Knowledge in the application of statistics, with some experience in a programming language such as R or Python.
• Good knowledge of the marine environment
• Experience with scientific surveying

Other skills

• Fluency in English
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Motivation to live in remote places with simple facilities
• Sincere desire to work towards Archipelagos’ conservation efforts

What we offer

We offer an internship at an inspiring institute with experts on coastal conservation. You have the opportunity to collect data for writing a thesis, scientific publications or increasing your skillset within the marine conservation sector. Internships range from 3 - 12 months, although shorter or longer internship periods may be arranged to cover the needs of groups or individuals. As Archipelagos is a non-profit research institute, the internships we offer are unpaid. The experience requires an internship weekly fee of 225 - 270 euros to cover living and research expenses (e.g. housing, 3 meals a day, public liability insurance and other research facilities). Students and recent graduates and researchers are advised to search for possible funding through their universities, by getting in touch with the International Office/ Placement/ Erasmus+ Offices at their Universities or other relevant grant providing organizations in their region.

Procedure

To apply for this internship, please send an email to our admissions team outlining your program of interest and requesting an application form - admissions@archipelago.gr. We will get back to you within 2 working days.

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Read more +02 November 2023 By Dimitris Fekkas in Marine Mammal Team, Work Journal

Hands-on Projects with the Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Team

Sperm whalesRead more +28 April 2022 By Aanastasia Miliou in Marine Mammal Team, News

Sperm whales in the northern and central Aegean, as we keep up the continuous research in the Greek seas

Read more +28 August 2021 By Ambrosine Clark in Intern Experience, Marine Mammal Team, Work Journal

Sea turtles of the Aegean Sea

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