On this virtual internship in marine conservation you will assist with researching dolphin populations and behavior, working alongside expert marine scientists researchers to support dolphin conservation in Greece.
This is a remote internship you can undertake from home. Click here to view the in-country version of this internship if you would prefer to intern abroad.
Scientific research into marine mammal populations plays a guiding role in conservation efforts in the Mediterranean Sea, and remote marine conservation internships have a key support role in producing data. Interns are placed with leading NGOs to support conservationists and scientists working to preserve populations of local whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Remote interns aid the NGO by helping to analyze and interpret marine mammal sightings data, which is used to influence local conservation and environmental management strategies. Example projects that remote interns may expect to focus on include:
Photo-identification is a common technique that allows researchers to identify individuals of the dolphin species Delphinus delphis. The NGO has a large library of photos collected over the past 20 years, but only a small part of this library has been processed.
By analyzing photos and using distinguishing features of dorsal fins, such as pigmentation patterns, scarring, and notches, interns can help to provide accurate data on the change in Delphinus delphis population numbers. This is important information that provides feedback on different conservation techniques over a period of time.
Assessing pod structures
The number of calves, juveniles and adults within a dolphin pod reveals valuable information about the success of breeding grounds and seasons over the space of many years. Remote interns assist the collating of data by analyzing the pod structure of dolphin sightings from boat surveys. Interns create informative maps using the information, so must have experience using GIS to create these maps.
Drone technology provides a modern way of observing whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) with minimal human disturbance. Interns can join drone research projects via livestream or use recorded video and images to identify mammal species and behavior. This information is used to compare cetacean behaviour collected from boat surveys to identify the effects of human presence.
This internship is conducted in English.
Marine Mammals Research and Conservation interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
- Photo identification
- Assessing dolphin pod size and structure
- GIS mapping
- Analyzing drone video footage
- Mammal behavior analysis
Professional development opportunities:
- Experience contributing to scientific monitoring
- Use and understand GIS mapping techniques
- Understand dolphin pod structures and behavior
- Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
- As a remote intern, you’ll have the flexibility to work to a schedule that suits both you and your supervisor. Your schedule will need to accommodate online meetings with your supervisor when it’s required, so there will be times where you’ll need to be available during office hours in Greece.
- Intern in a top NGO leading research and conservation in Greece
- Contribute to real scientific dolphin research
- Inform conservation methods and give feedback on past efforts
- Gain real-world conservation experience by interning remotely from home without having to travel
Types of host organizations:
Keen to get started?
Taking the first step is easy! It is free to apply and takes just 5 minutes.Submit an application
It’s free to apply for this internship. Once we have reviewed your suitability and accepted you onto this program, you’ll need to pay a deposit of US$449 to confirm your place. The remaining balance of your Program Fee (less your initial US$449 deposit payment) will be due within 7 days of being assigned a placement.
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