Info

Monitor wild Dolphin and Whale populations along the coast of Mauritius and make a vital contribution to the work of a local NGO.

You'll help raise awareness about the impact of tourism on these species, aiming to ensure a sustainable future for all. This fantastic research opportunity would suit anyone with a love of the outdoors and a passion for marine life.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

You'll work with a well established local NGO (MC) who are focused on safe-guarding the marine environment of Mauritius, paying particular attention to the protection of marine mammals and coral reefs. With the decreasing populations, it is imperative to take steps now to identify the cause of the decrease. The work being done by MC is contributing significantly to new legislation to protect the dolphin populations, so you'll be assisting in real, hands-on conservation that will hopefully have a positive outcome.

Man's growing demand for fun activities like dolphin-watching trips and 'swimming with dolphins' has highlighted the need to monitor the effect that this type of human presence is having on cetacean populations. MC are tackling this problem through data collection, but also primarily through education by highlighting to the local Dolphin watching industry the importance of adhering to codes of behaviour throughout Dolphin encounters.

In conjunction with this on-going educational work, a scientific study of the two main dolphin populations began in 2008 in order to track their migration patterns, social groups and habits. This study focuses on Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins, Sperm Whales and Humpback Whales, all of which are found in the diverse environment between the Tamarin Bay and Black River areas of Mauritius.

At Tamarin Bay in particular, Spinner dolphins can be seen almost every day, with group sizes averaging about 30 to 60 animals. Bottlenose dolphins, although not seen as often, also reside along the west coast. Other marine mammals seen irregularly in the area include pilot whales and sperm whales. In the ‘official’ whale season, between August and November there are often sightings of humpback whales and calves.

Duration

Minimum stay 2 weeks and up to 3 months, subject to visa requirements

Start Dates

All year round

Requirements

You must be a competent swimmer. You should also be flexible, adaptable and prepared to work at physical tasks and in the outdoors, as well as indoors doing data entry and research.