Morigenos – marine mammal research & conservation society is announcing Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia (north Adriatic), where interested individuals can assist in the bottlenose dolphin and loggerhead turtle long-term research and conservation programme.
For the 10th year in a row, the courses will be taking place in July, August and September 2012.

Morigenos is a small research NGO that aims to combine scientific research, monitoring, education, public awareness, capacity building and management, to achieve effective conservation of the marine environment and biodiversity. More information about Morigenos work and its track record can be found at www.morigenos.org. The list of publications by Morigenos can be seen here: Publications.  

Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term research, monitoring and conservation programme, established in 2002 and focusing on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the northern Adriatic Sea. Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the area year-round and about 120 individuals have been photo-identified over the past 10 years. Research activities focus on dolphin distribution, abundance, behaviour, social structure, habitat use, feeding habits, fishery interactions and tourism impact, and aim to provide the scientific baseline for effective conservation of dolphins and their habitat. Apart from dolphins, the research team also undertakes research on loggerheard turtles (Caretta caretta), which visit this area between April and October.
 
Morigenos Dolphin Research Camps offer interested people to join the research team for 10 days and participate in research activities. This includes boat surveys, land-based watches, theodolite tracking, photo-identification and behavioural observations. All the necessary training is provided through lectures, practical work in the field, and short workshops. Food and accommodation are included. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality, academic background or previous experience.

This course enables you to participate in day-to-day research activities, as well as obtain background knowledge of marine mammal science, marine biology and conservation. It is equally suitable for students pursuing a career in marine mammal science and for those without an academic interest in this topic.
By the end of this course, you will:
- have a better understanding of current issues in marine mammal and turtle conservation;
- obtain an overview of different methods for studying marine mammals in the wild;
- acquire practical experience of pleasures and frustrations of marine mammal field research.

Detailed information, dates and costs can be found here: Morigenos Research Courses


Applications    

There is no selection. Applications are treated on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Please send an e-mail to morigenos@morigenos.org for registration or questions.