*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies.
The main species observed are short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. Our Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support the on-going projects, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. Team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira region, South of Portugal *WHEN:* The 2026 field season lasts from 17th May to end of November 2026. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos and commercial dolphin watching boats. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but always fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect scientific data on species, behavior, group structure and reaction to presence of vessel, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification methodology, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Use of UAV’s for marine mammals research. - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you, so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running fieldwork. For more information on internship fees for the 2026 season, please contact: [email protected] *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina during your stay; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork (5 days per week); - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from our Field Station in your arriving and departure days; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and work mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English (mandatory); - Participate for a minimum of 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience; - Working experience on research vessels; - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms; - Experience in photo-identification; - Availability to stay for longer periods of time. *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: [email protected], with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are short videos about AIMM <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbKlGL0XBEk>, the internship <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TmOp98hyX8> and also a testimonial <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kiMO8yRfd8> from a participant: *Get in touch*: [email protected] | www.aimmportugal.org | Instagram @aimmportugal_org <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> Thank you, The AIMM team
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