Internships in Marine Mammal Research & Conservation
Archipelagos’ marine mammal research internships provide an opportunity to join year-round field work on three dedicated research vessels, offering experience collecting data on the bioacoustics, behaviour and photo-identification of seven marine mammal species.
Our main area of focus, the Aegean Sea, is one of the most important remaining marine biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean and Europe. Archipelagos’ research is dedicated to addressing data gaps in this area and aims to enable efficient conservation action. By joining our team, you will be contributing to research devoted to the protection of marine life in the Mediterranean Sea.
Key Projects
Temporal and Spatial monitoring of cetaceans, sea turtles, and Mediterranean monk seals in the Aegean and northeastern Mediterranean to determine changes in abundance and distribution over time. This is done by conducting boat-based surveys, during which we collect behavioral, photographic, acoustic, as well as environmental data.
Assessing interactions with anthropogenic stressors, such as fisheries and maritime traffic, as well as the effects caused by overfishing and various forms of pollution: plastic, chemical and noise pollution.
Monitoring of environmental parameters at various depths, eg. sea temperature, salinity, pH, and concentration of dissolved oxygen.
Monitoring of individual cetaceans through the use of photo-ID techniques. Analysis tracking changes in distribution and abundance for resident and migratory populations.
Detection of cetacean vocalizations through the use of a hydrophone array system and specialized software. Recordings are analyzed to assess the impact of anthropogenic noise on the behavior, communication and habitat selection of cetaceans. Noise pollution and sound scape analyses are also carried out.
Analysis of cetacean behavior to determine seasonal variation in activity, differences in behavior between species and group composition.
Monitoring the remaining populations of the highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal. Conservation actions are developed in close collaboration with local communities.
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.
Your Role
The marine mammal team monitors the habitat use, abundance and distribution of cetaceans, as well as Mediterranean monk seals in various regions of the Greek seas year round. 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, tourism and plastic debris on cetacean behavior. The target of our research is the implementation of efficient conservation measures and management policies.
This internship program is available for students, graduates and researchers of marine, ecological and environmental sciences and/or veterinary medicine. Depending on knowledge, experience and desired outcomes, Archipelagos provides flexible internship opportunities. You will be offered the ability to work in a general intern role collaborating on current research topics, or in a specialized intern role contributing to one pre-defined project.
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.
What we offer
We offer an internship at an inspiring institute with experts on applied conservation. You have the opportunity to collect data for writing a thesis, scientific publications or increasing your skill set. Internships normally range from 3 – 12 months, although shorter or longer internship periods may be arranged on a case by case basis . As Archipelagos is a non-profit organisation, the internships we offer are unpaid. Students, recent graduates and researchers are advised to search for possible funding through their universities, via their International Office/ Placement/ Erasmus+ Offices at their Universities or other relevant grant providing organizations in their region, to cover their travel and living costs.
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
To apply for this internship click ‘Apply Now!’ and follow subsequent steps! For any questions please contact our admissions team
at – admissions@archipelago.gr – and we will get back to you within 2 working days.
