Caterina LanfrediProject manager and scientific coordinator
Observe. Respect. Protect. Be part of the mission for the conservation of whales and dolphins in the Pelagos Sanctuary.
Join the research: protecting whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean
In the Pelagos Sanctuary – one of the world’s richest whale habitats – you can encounter whales and dolphins aboard a research vessel while making a direct contribution to their conservation.
During your six-day research expedition, you will join the team of the Tethys Research Institute in their daily work in the northwestern Mediterranean. The Pelagos Sanctuary – the world’s first High Seas protected area – is home to eight cetacean species, including sperm whales, fin whales and several dolphin species. Side by side with experienced biologists, you will help collect data on the animals’ behaviour, dive durations and group sizes. You will learn photo-identification – a technique used to recognise individual animals from their fins and pigmentation patterns – and listen to the vocalisations of diving sperm whales through a hydrophone. Only when we know where animals are, when, and how their populations are developing, can effective conservation measures be put in place.
The Cetacean Sanctuary Research (CSR) programme of the Tethys Research Institute has been doing this vital work since 1990. Over the past 35 years, more than 4,000 citizen scientists have taken part in its research expeditions – aboard the RV Pelagos, a comfortable 21-metre motor-sailer departing from Sanremo. Between sightings, there is also time for a swim, for excursions along the Ligurian coast – and for the occasional unforgettable sunset at sea.
Treat yourself to the experience of a week of whale research in the Mediterranean. No previous experience is required. The research team warmly welcomes you!
Research expedition information
- Dates & booking: directly with the Tethys Research Institute
- The working language on board is English