Research Expeditions in the Spanish Mediterranean

Spend a week with the Alnitak team and become part of a vital marine conservation effort. Weather permitting, your days will be spent at sea, exploring areas where the seabed plunges to depths of up to 100 metres – the preferred habitats of striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles.

The species studied by Alnitak are protected under EU legislation and various international environmental agreements. Yet, major knowledge gaps remain, and existing conservation measures must be continuously assessed and improved. Even officially designated marine protected areas remain ineffective without proper implementation and ongoing evaluation.

Alnitak’s data collection is key to evaluating the effectiveness of current protective measures, advising policy-makers, and developing practical solutions such as sustainable fishing programmes in collaboration with coastal fishing communities. The project is part of the sea turtle conservation initiatives led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the European Commission’s LIFE Nature programme.

Research findings are contributed to the MEDTOP (Mediterranean Top Pelagics) database, a vital resource that has been documenting whales, dolphins, turtles, and the human impacts on marine ecosystems since 1990. The current research focus is on sea turtle ecology, their distribution, and the impact of ghost nets on their survival.

When weather conditions prevent work at sea, you’ll stay at the rustic Can Canyelles research station, nestled in the coastal mountains. There, researchers will offer presentations, and you’ll support the team by helping with data entry and assisting in the maintenance of the station, which Alnitak is restoring as a base for scientific work.

Since its founding in 1989, more than 4,000 volunteers, scientists, and team members from 102 countries have taken part in this pioneering citizen science initiative. In 2025, you too can contribute to this important work – and experience unforgettable moments along the way.

Informations about the research expeditions

Alnitak and OceanCare look forward to welcoming you on a research expedition in 2025.

Your age doesn’t matter – what counts is that you feel fit enough to take part in fieldwork at sea. No prior experience on the water is necessary; just come with an open mind and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Expect long, active days that often begin early.

The working language on board is English, although Spanish is also spoken. Your participation fee includes mandatory Alnitak membership, accommodation at the Can Canyelles field station, full involvement in the research activities, three meals a day, and an introduction to marine science.

You can find all expedition dates and details – and reserve your spot – here.