Aimed at those who always wanted to volunteer with dolphins, but want to be more responsible than swim with them! Our partner in Mauritius has very strong ties with our Dolphin Volunteer Experience project in South Africa.

This non governmental organisation has been working in marine conservation and advocacy for the last 25 years educating people about the protection of marine mammals and the magnificent coral reefs. On-going educational work coupled with scientific study of the dolphin populations and coral reef work is the backbone of this volunteer project. Their work extended from the need to sensitise the local dolphin watching operators to the two species of dolphin, which are the focus of their industry, and the importance of codes of behaviour when encountering them.

The Mauritian Dolphin Volunteer Experience project provides support to their research, conservation and awareness programmes and generates funds to support ongoing research thereby ensuring continuity.

You will reside in the idyllic setting of small town Black River on the south-west coast of the tropical isle of Mauritius, only 40km south of the capital, Port Louis. Adjacent to Black River is Tamarin Bay, here spinner dolphins can be seen almost every day (group sizes average about 30-60 animals). Bottlenose dolphins, although not seen as often, also reside along the west coast. Other marine mammals seen often, if irregularly, in the area include pilot whales and sperm whales.  In ‘official’ whale season, between August and November their boat often sees humpback whales and calves.

Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins, Sperm Whales and Humpback Whales

Field research is conducted by gathering data via various means, some of which entails photographs of dolphin and whales taken on the sea boats. Some of this research is seasonal and is dependant on the presence of various species along the coast. Your photos are used to “profile fins” for identification , population estimates and distribution studies. Your photos and data sheets compiled during research trips to sea are vital in the ongoing study of marine mammals and form part of a much larger ecological study.

Field research is combined with office-based analysis of fin profiles, notch characteristics and the efficient placing of animals within the catalogue. This provides valuable information on the animals’ migration patterns and social groups and habits.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whale work includes photographing hump/fin profiles and tail fluke patterns for identification purposes, in conjunction with taking skin biopsy samples. While this is an exciting, field-based study it is done opportunistically and is very dependent on the availability of researchers and whales, as humpback whales do migrate seasonally. Samples are taken as they pass along the coastline – primarily from August to November.

Sperm Whales

Photo identification of the local Sperm whale population is done on an irregular basis.  Occasionally we will decide to do a dedicated search for this species if there is time and/or when there is a visiting expert or organisation.

Education

One of the major priorities is educating the general public and local children by raising awareness of marine mammals and the habitat they live in.  It may be that you visit the local school(s) to give lessons on basic environmental issues.  In order to do this, you may be asked to help construct an Information Board and/or other visual aids, including literature and other types of information to be used for these days.

Surveys

One of the other projects that you may be involved in includes conducting surveys of tourists and local operators to gain a better understanding of the economic value of the marine and dolphin life. Volunteers are asked to conduct these surveys in various parts of the island…the perfect opportunity to meet locals and see some of the sights!