Marine biology project in Tenerife
Marine biology project in Tenerife
Marine biology project in Tenerife

Useful information

The marine conservation project in the Canary Islands is an opportunity to contribute to an ethical initiative while observing whales and dolphins in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Meet people from all walks of life, gain experience abroad and contribute to the preservation of marine environments.

Environmental science
Marine biology studies
Ocean and seabed studies
Protected site manager
Engineering studies
Sustainable development studies

Certifications

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IN SHORT

Tenerife

From
 2  
to
 12  
weeks

Intermediate English

CONTACT US

Program description

Dolphins and whales are threatened in the waters of the Canary Islands by water pollution, the omnipresence of commercial fishing boats, and intensive fishing. The direct consequence of these intensive human activities: the degradation of their environment and habitat.

 

Participants’ missions:

In this project, you will be able to contribute to the preservation of the region’s ecosystems.

Your missions are as follows:

  • Observe whales and dolphins by boat in their natural habitat.
  • Take photos of marine species to collect data.
  • Identify species, record their numbers and behaviors.
  • Help clean beaches.

 

The information you collect will be used by local organizations to make decisions regarding the development and implementation of environmental policies. It will also be used by local and international organizations to better understand the long-term effects of threats to the conservation of whales, dolphins, and other marine species.

Your work therefore actively contributes to the protection of these animals and the environment.

 

Please note that this is not a diving program, although you may dive recreationally during your free time.

 

Participant profile and skills

Throughout the program, you will develop many useful skills:

  • Learn data collection and entry
  • Be able to identify species
  • Gain concrete understanding of environmental issues
  • Develop interpersonal skills through multiple interactions during the project and teamwork
  • Build autonomy and adaptability

 

Sample schedule

07:30: Start the day with a team breakfast and get ready for the project. Enjoy the morning views and fresh sea air.

09:00: Head out to sea to collect data on cetaceans, observe their behavior, and identify species. Analyze human impact on the species and take part in a beach cleanup.

12:00: Group lunch, with participants taking turns cooking varied dishes using local products, including delicious regional specialties.

13:00: Enter the data into a local database, including information on dolphin and whale behavior, the number of species observed, and the presence of young.

18:00: Take part in base tasks, help prepare dinner with the group, or enjoy your free time.

19:00: After dinner, it is common to discuss the day’s work and its impact on the environment. You will also review the next day’s schedule.

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training on the environment and sustainable development

Like all of scientific expeditions, this marine research project in the Canaries allows you to benefit from in-depth learning while contributing to the preservation of the region's ecosystems.

Environment and sustainable development:

The participants are thus integrated into the teams on site, and actively help to protect these animals by collecting various data. The latter are thus used to establish better management of the region and its marine environment in the long term.

The strengths of this marine biology program:

  • Contribute to the preservation of dolphins and whales in the Canary Islands
  • Monitor traffic at sea and dolphins along the coast on board ships
  • Identify marine species to update the identification catalog
  • Sensitize the local population to the environmental challenge
  • Benefit from a complete theoretical and practical learning in the field of marine biology
  • Work with specialists in an international team

 

This project is part of the so-called career training:

This vocational training program is part of the so-called “career” projects. In addition to the mission that you carry out on site, it allows you to benefit from real support, and to access the position of project coordinator in 6 months. Here you combine theoretical training with practical learning, with online modules to be completed after the end of the mission. At the end of the program, you obtain an international certification recognized and issued by the University of Richmond, in the United States.

The accompaniment is therefore present upstream, on site but also downstream of the project. During the course of the mission, you will also have a remote project to carry out: you will have to solve a problem with other partner organizations in marine conservation, environment, animal protection... A coach will follow you and support you to help you better in solving these problems, and at the end of the project you will have access to a platform of job offers in NGOs, following the professional training you will have received.

The distance learning projects included in the vocational training will be completed AFTER completing the environmental and sustainability training.

If your training lasts 4-11 weeks, you will work on a remote project for a period of 4 weeks after completing the field assignment.
If your training lasts 12 weeks or more, you will work on 2 remote projects for a duration of 8 weeks after completing the field mission.

For more information on the employment guarantee conditions, click on the link:

Conditions on the job guarantee

Take a closer look at all the specificities of this training as a career program !

Participant Missions and Tasks:

Following the training on the environment and sustainable development of the first days, the volunteers can carry out three different missions:

  • Study the marine species along the coasts of the island using observation boats, to collect photographs and data concerning these cetaceans.
  • Promote among the local population the preservation of marine animals in the region. This awareness also goes beyond the Spanish borders thanks to the researchers who carry this message in their travels. The center also offers eco-responsible tourist activities, aimed at raising awareness among tourists who come to discover the Canary Islands.
  • Monitor maritime traffic using coastal surveys, and analyze the behavior of marine species to estimate the impact of human activity on them.

 

The frequency of these activities will depend on the season in which you carry out your training on the environment and sustainable development in the Canary Islands.

Host organization

Our partner organization collaborates with local ethical NGOs and provides environmental and sustainability training around the world.

Founded in 1997, our partner organization has received over 200,000 participants on humanitarian and sustainable projects around the world. With a seat on the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism, all their actions are carried out in collaboration with communities and local authorities.

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Founded in 1997, our partner organization has received over 200,000 participants on humanitarian and sustainable projects around the world. With a seat on the United Nations International Commission on Sustainable Tourism, all their actions are carried out in collaboration with communities and local authorities.

Certificates

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Strong points

Contribute to the protection of marine species
Monitor marine traffic
Promote environmental protection
Work with experienced researchers
Access to the humanitarian employment sector
Support from professionals

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