Conduct dolphin surveys in the Shimoni Archipelago
Program Overview
Join our team of international volunteers and assist with important dolphin research in Kenya’s stunning Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area in the Indian Ocean.
This field research project focuses on surveys which are conducted from a boat to collect data on dolphin populations, behavior and location. This area is home is a variety of dolphin species such as bottlenose, humpback and spinner. In addition you may also snorkel on colorful coral reefs to survey tropical reef fish and turtles.
GVI's full-time research staff provides all the relevant training you will need to participate and contribute meaninfully to this project.
Life on the Program
As a volunteer on this project, you will be living on Wasini Island, known for its coastal forest, mangroves, sandy bays, coral reefs and friendly locals. Conditions are basic and accommodation is shared with volunteer teams from several GVI programs that operate from the same base, giving you exposure to a number of important initiatives…and fun people!
In the first part of each day you will conduct survey work in and around the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area. Each you sight dolphins, you will make note of the general environmental conditions, carefully record their behavior and, if possible, photograph the dolphins to help identify specific individuals. Most afternoons, you will either be on the base, entering your data into the computer, or you will make trips to the mangroves to carry out bird surveys or mangrove clean-ups.
Program Details
The scientific community has extremely limited knowledge of East African dolphins, which has prompted local and international researchers to initiate this project. GVI’s role in the project is to focus on examining the population ecology of local dolphin species from the Shimoni and Kisite-Mpunguti area.
The project work includes:
- Collecting population and distribution data on marine mammals
- Determining residence rates and habitat relationships
- Assessing current human impact on dolphins and whales
- Assisting partners in developing a 'code of conduct'
Once we complete the initial phase of gathering basic data on population ecology, we will work with our local partners to assess the levels of human impact to identify potential issues and (if required) propose appropriate mitigation measures.
Volunteer Testimonials
The staff were EXCELLENT. I was totally impressed by their enthusiasm, commitment and levels of knowledge. Every staff member was friendly, approachable and I felt that everyone was really excited to be there. It was also impeccably organised, safety was taken very seriously and the training provided was thorough and rigourous. But at the same time we were made to feel like we were also there to have fun, and lots of extras things were organised to make us have as much fun as possible.
I had a truly wonderful time during my stay in Kenya. I was so impressed by how well run the program was and how accomplished, yet totally cool and friendly, the staff were. I enjoyed contributing to our small living community (water runs, chores, meals, etc.) and although I was only there for two weeks, I felt a part of the family. The volunteers and staff were a pleasure to spend time with. I am thoroughly impressed by how well run the program was. GVI offers such a wide range of opportunities, both in terms of location and length of program.
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Program Details
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What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Immersion in traditional coastal Swahili culture
- Living on an African island adjacent to Kenya’s finest marine protected area
- Snorkeling some of Kenya’s finest coral reefs in search of turtles
- Experiencing the amazing mega-fauna of the island that includes whales, whale sharks and manta rays (seasonal)
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Airport Transfers
