|
|
|
Peru Coastal Dolphin Research
More than 3000 dolphins and porpoises are killed illegally each year along the Peruvian coast for human consumption. Dolphin killing in Peru does not have traditional roots, but is a result of increasing poverty. In order to protect Peru’s dolphin populations, we must provide opportunities to local fishermen through which dolphins become more valuable to them as a protected species than as a hunted one.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Programme Information
The aim is to investigate dolphin populations - covering a coastal area stretching out about 250 kilometres southwards from Peru’s capital Lima to the Paracas National Reserve. The program’s goals are to identify the local groups and individual dolphins along the central Peruvian coast using photo-identification, and to set up a long-term monitoring program in order to identify trends of population development.
What the project involves
One of the ports used as an operational base during the initial phase of this dolphin research program is the fishermen’s port of Pucusana, which is located about 70 kilometres south of Lima in the centre of the investigation area. The second area to investigate is the Bay of Paracas in the northern limit of the Paracas National Reserve. As a Volunteer researcher you will work in both areas. During initial research, our researchers closely observed dolphins almost every day.
Dolphins often approach the research boats, and about 80 dolphins have already been successfully identified through photo-identification techniques.
You will form an integral part of our research team, daily leaving port at Pucusana on our research vessel to collect important information on the dolphin population’s distribution area, their behaviour and interactions. In Paracas we will work with an inflatable boat. You will not only be trained to photo-identify individual dolphins, but will also have the opportunity to observe other marine wildlife such as sea turtles, sea lions, marine otters, Humboldt penguins and many other species of marine birds.
As the research requires investigators to follow dolphin schools in small and agile boats, you will have the unique opportunity to view dolphins and other wildlife close-up with a very small group of investigators.
Project Skills Required
Participation as a volunteer does not require any specialized skills. The only skill we ask for is patience while learning a new language and new marine conservation techniques¬! You will be oriented and trained by our research team to participate fully in the project once you arrive at the study site. Although our field staff speak English, a little Spanish is of course to your advantage in communications with local fishermen.
We hope that volunteers are open to new adventures, and are able to live in a simple environment, in constant and close contact with nature.
Project Orientation
You will be given an orientation upon arrival. This will include detailed information about the project and the surrounding area.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the full support and guidance of the project staff. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions, or advice, you may need during your stay. In addition you will have access to our 24-hour emergency number in the UK, so you can contact one of our UK staff in an emergency should you need to.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
