TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA - EARTHWATCH 2015
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EARTHWATCH 2015
TRACKING DOLPHINS
IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
Nicole Morrill Page 1 6/18/15Nicole Morrill Page 1 6/18/15
MESSAGES FROM EARTHWATCH
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Marine ecosystems are vital in maintaining Earth’s life processes. Even though Slovenia only has 46 km of coastline, its waters
are full of life. In addition to numerous fish, birds and other species, Slovenian waters are home to a local population of
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), the northernmost population in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. Our research
has shown that the area is used year-round by 50-100 dolphins, for a variety of activities including feeding, resting, socializing
and nursing. The same area is an important foraging habitat for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
Bottlenose dolphins, as well as other species in the area, are facing several threats, many of which are poorly understood or
unquantified, including disturbance from boat traffic, contamination from pollutants, habitat loss, ecosystem alteration, and
incidental mortality in fishing gear.
Our mission is to achieve effective conservation of the marine environment and biodiversity through rigorous scientific research,
long-term monitoring, education, public awareness, capacity building and management. The Slovenian Dolphin Project, run by
Morigenos since 2002, is a long-term research, monitoring and conservation program, focusing on bottlenose dolphins in
Slovenian and adjacent waters in the northern Adriatic Sea.
Obtaining reliable scientific data is one of the most fundamental parts of any effective conservation strategy, so one of the
main parts of our work is scientific research, in order to inform appropriate conservation measures.
This project was initially started by a group of very young people (high-school students at the time) and turned into a high-
profile research project with international visibility and credibility. Before the project’s inception, hardly anything was known
about dolphins in Slovenia and few people knew that they are a regular occurrence in our waters. By using photo-identification
and other techniques, we now know a great deal about dolphins off the Slovenian coast. Still, we have only just scratched the
surface, and many questions remain unanswered.
We are extremely happy to have you join our project!
With your help, whether it's an extra pair of eyes on the survey boat, help setting up equipment, recording dolphin dive
profiles, talking to the public, or helping with data entry, we will be able to implement high quality research activities that
will lead to better scientific knowledge and hopefully improved conservation. By taking part and being included in all aspects
of the data collection, you will acquire unique knowledge and research experience. You will get practical, hands-on insights
into how the work is carried out and experience both the joys and sometimes frustrations of being a cetacean researcher
and a conservation biologist. We hope (and are almost certain) that by the end of the expedition you not only feel enriched,
but also part of the family.
Sincerely Yours,
Tilen Genov
Principal Investigator at Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ................. 4
TRIP PLANNER ............................ 5
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST .............. 6
THE RESEARCH ........................... 7
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD ................ 9
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ......... 10
TRAVEL TIPS .............................. 11
PROJECT CONDITIONS ................... 12
SAFETY .................................... 14
PROJECT STAFF .......................... 15
RECOMMENDED READING ............... 16
EMERGENCY NUMBERS .................. 17
3
GENERAL INFORMATION
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS EXPEDITION DATES
Mr. Tilen Genov Principal Investigator at Morigenos— Team 1: Jun. 15–Jun. 24, 2015
Slovenian Marine Mammal Society
Team 2: Jun. 29–Jul. 08, 2015
Ana Hace Co-PI and Morigenos Researcher
Team 3: Jul. 13–Jul. 22, 2015
Tina Centrih Co-PI and Morigenos Researcher
Team 4: Jul. 27–Aug. 05, 2015
Polona Kotnjek Co-PI and Morigenos Researcher
Nina Uratarič Co-PI and Morigenos Research Assistant Team 5: Aug. 10–Aug. 19, 2015
Team 6: Aug. 24–Sep. 02, 2015
RESEARCH SITE
Gulf of Trieste, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia Team 7: Sep. 07–Sep. 16, 2015
Please refrain from booking flights until
you receive your complete rendezvous
information, which will be sent to you
upon request
.
4
TRIP PLANNER
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
TRIP PLANNER
IMMEDIATELY 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
□ Make sure you understand and agree to □ Make sure you have all the necessary
Earthwatch’s Terms and Conditions. vaccinations for your project site.
□ If you plan to purchase additional travel □ Review the Packing Checklist to make sure you
insurance, note that some policies require have all the clothing, personal supplies and
purchase when your expedition is booked. equipment needed.
90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION 30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
□ Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your □ Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number
volunteer forms. with a relative or friend.
□ Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition. □ Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline
tickets with a relative or friend.
□ Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning
section for details).
□ If traveling internationally, make sure your
passport is current and, if necessary, obtain a
visa for your destination country.
Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information
available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer
any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research
requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response
to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure,
and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the
unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations.
If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will
make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field.
5
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
GENERAL BEDDING AND BATHING
□ Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit □ NOTE: Clean bed sheets, pillows and covers blankets will
cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies be provided by the project. However, those wishing to
should be packed separately from the original documents bring their own are welcome to do so.
□ Passport and/or visa (if necessary) □ Bath towel and small beach towel
□ Certification of vaccination (if necessary)
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK □ Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos
□ NOTE: Bring comfortable clothing that is easy to are encouraged
hand-wash and doesn’t need to be ironed. □ Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands
□ Be sure to bring your Earthwatch t-shirt and remember while in the field)
to wear it as appropriate throughout your expedition □ Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti diarrhea pills,
□ Lightweight, quick drying, long-sleeved and pants/trousers antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever,
bandages, blister cover, etc.) and medications
□ Lightweight, quick drying, short-sleeved shirts and shorts
□ 1-2 warmer layers for boat work or land observations in □ Spending money 150 euro (about $180)
case weather becomes colder.
□ Lightweight waterproof jacket for boat work in mornings
OPTIONAL ITEMS
and evenings especially. Rain is possible June-September □ Binoculars (the research team has enough for all
volunteers, but you’re welcome to bring your own)□ A
□ Wide brimmed hat or cap for sun protection
couple of simple cooking recipes to help you cook
□ Comfortable shoes for boat work and land observations,
for a group if you are not used to this.
such as sandals, flip-flops, sports shoes, etc.
□ Comfortable shoes to change into after conducting field
work, for traveling back home on the boat or in the van
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE
□ Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery
□ One set of clothing to keep clean for end of expedition
□ Travel guide
□ Bathing suit and gym clothes if you wish to swim or
exercise, along with a few extra t-shirts. □ Basic modern Slovenian vocabulary guide/phrase book
□ Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of
the expedition
FIELD SUPPLIES
□ Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time
□
□ Earplugs for light sleepers
□ Small daypack to keep your personal items
NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and
together and dry
handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking
□ Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher
your luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of
□ Dry bag or plastic sealable bags (eg. Ziploc) field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on
(good for protecting equipment such as camera bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
from dust, humidity, and water)
□ Insect repellent spray
□ Sunglasses
□ Two one-liter water bottles
6
THE RESEARCH
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
THE STORY
This expedition is part of a long-term research, monitoring and These waters are also used as foraging habitat for
conservation program focusing on bottlenose dolphins in Slovenian loggerhead sea turtles from Greek and other nesting
and adjacent waters in the northern Adriatic Sea. It is the first populations. Dolphins and sea turtles can be powerful
systematic and long-term study of any cetaceans (whales, conservation drivers, and as top predators, they serve as
dolphins and porpoises) in Slovenia. Researchers have been indicator species for their top-down regulatory role in
studying and monitoring these animals since 2002 and have maintaining the health of their ecosystems.
documented the presence of a resident population of bottlenose
dolphins in the area. Before that, hardly anything was known RESEARCH AIMS
about dolphins in Slovenia and few people knew that they are a With the help of volunteers, researchers are seeking
regular occurrence in our waters. By using photo-identification to obtain scientific information to inform the effective
techniques, scientists have been able to compile the first conservation of bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea
photographic identification catalogue of dolphins off the Slovenian turtles, and their habitats. We are also looking to introduce
coast. The catalogue now contains more than 100 dolphins that long-term and cost-effective conservation measures
use Slovenian and neighboring waters as their habitat. in conjunction with working with local and national
These dolphins face several threats, many of which are authorities. Lastly we would like to increase awareness
poorly understood and unquantified, including disturbance on the importance of conserving local biodiversity within
from boat traffic, contamination, habitat loss, ecosystem the local and national communities.
alteration, and incidental mortality in fishing gear. There
is some concern that the population might be declining.
7
HOW YOU WILL HELP Specific volunteer tasks include:
Volunteers will be included in all aspects of the data SURVEY AND OBSERVE DOLPHINS. The team will scan the
collection. This includes surveying the animals, tracking sea for animals. When someone spots dolphins, you'll
animal movements, recording data onto data sheets, timing document the group's GPS location, size, and behavior
dive profiles, participating in estimation of group size, (e.g., feeding or traveling).
calling out surfacing bouts of animals, taking temperature
measurements, helping with equipment, and other tasks SURVEY SEA TURTLES. The Adriatic Sea is also an
as needed. important feeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. As you
follow your main research focus—the dolphins—you will also
Volunteers will also be involved in preliminary data note any sea turtles you see.
processing, photo-ID matching and data entry.
TRACK ENVIRONMENTAL DATA. At regular intervals
Some volunteers may be involved in stakeholder interviews throughout the day, you'll help record variables like water
or assisting with the educational program, depending on the temperature and clarity, sea state, and GPS location.
time of year and the ongoing activities. It’s also possible
volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in PHOTO-IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL DOLPHINS. Back on shore,
presentations and educational activities for local schools, you’ll help to examine pictures of dolphins, so that
community groups and tourists. scientists can identify individuals using the markings on
their dorsal fins.
8
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
PLANS FOR YOUR TEAM After lunch there is a short break, as between 2 p.m. and
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a safety briefing and a 4 p.m. it is just too hot outside. Later in the afternoons,
presentation on local history, conservation priorities for we once again go on fieldwork; the groups trade stations.
Piran, local examples of global issues, the history of the We return to the apartment at nightfall at the latest. In
dolphin project, and a framework for all the project’s key general, research days will include up to eight hours per
protocols. When we begin our fieldwork, project staff will day in the field.
introduce and demonstrate each new task; we’ll work with If the sea is not calm, we do not search for dolphins, as
you until you’re comfortable with any new activities. We waves make it very difficult to find them. Furthermore,
will also supervise to ensure data quality. the accuracy of the data collected in such conditions is
reduced. Last but not least, surveying in a rough sea can
DAILY ACTIVITIES be quite difficult. In such case we can focus on work, data
Daily activities depend on the weather as fieldwork is only analysis, explore the coastline, visit interesting places in
conducted in favorable weather (Beaufort sea state 2 or the vicinity or just have some free time for swimming,
less, no heavy fog or precipitation), both for safety and socializing, playing beach volleyball and resting.
reliability of collected data.
If, for example, the weather forecast for the afternoon is
If the sea is calm and there is no rain, we start our not favorable, we prolong our morning work. This means
fieldwork after breakfast. The team will split into two that we stay on the boat and on the land observation point
groups: one will head out on the boat, and the other will go 2-3 hours longer. In this case we prepare a packed lunch to
to an observational point on land. Both groups will observe take with us.
dolphins and then head back to the accommodations (the
Morigenos team members will also hold several lectures and
base) around 1p.m. to eat lunch. If we find dolphins, we are
usually not in a hurry to return to the base. video presentations on the biology and ecology of whales
and dolphins, research procedures, methods and conservation.
Our research base also holds plenty of popular and scientific
literature, where the participants can read more about
whales and dolphins, sea and other interesting stuff.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAYS 3–9: RESEARCH
□ Arrive at the rendezvous bus station in Piran □ Each morning, the team with split into two
at 3:00 p.m. groups: one will head out on the boat, and the
□ Walk to the accommodations, unpack, and settle in other will go to an observational point on land.
before having a group dinner in the apartment. Both groups will observe dolphins, and then head
back to the accommodations to eat lunch. In the
DAY 2: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND afternoon, the groups will trade stations.
□ Tour the area and review safety protocol on-shore □ One day, you will have recreational time to
explore Piran with the research team, swim
□ Review boating safety and best practices in the
and rest.
field
□ Introduction to the research and general field
DAY 10: PROGRAM CLOSE AND DEPARTURE
sampling techniques
□ Research will take place in the morning of the last
□ Practice research tasks, both at sea and on shore at
day, but volunteers are free to leave at any time
the bell tower
to depart for Trieste and catch departing flights.
We suggest leaving in the afternoon (no later
than 4:30 p.m.) to depart for the airport.
9
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD
ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD
SLEEPING
FOOD AND WATER
Expedition participants will stay in a comfortable apartment
Cooking and meal preparation is a task shared among all,
in Piran, Slovenia, a historic town on the tip of a peninsula
project leaders and volunteers, as are other chores such
that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The apartment has
as dish washing and field station cleaning and upkeep.
shared rooms (split gender) as well as a kitchen, dining
The project team will purchase groceries for most meals.
room, and living room where you can spend free hours with
Occasionally your team will go out for lunch or dinner at a
your teammates and the researchers. Rooms are bunk style.
local restaurant. On some days there will be packed lunches
Couples and single rooms cannot be accommodated. You’ll
for the field, but more frequently there will be time set
be within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, and
aside between field tasks to take a break for lunch. Tap
local shopping.
water is safe to drink.
BATHROOMS Volunteers can expect continental-European and
The apartment is equipped with a full bathroom with Mediterranean cuisine, with balanced diet consisting of
hot showers and conventional toilets. Please bring fresh and often locally sourced ingredients. Most dietary
clothes that you can easily wash by hand. preferences can be accommodated (vegetarian, vegan,
lactose intolerance, celiac disease), but please notify
ELECTRICITY Earthwatch in advance so the field staff are aware of
You are welcome to bring electrical equipment. The your needs.
apartment has 220-240 volt electrical outlets (type F).
TYPICAL MEALS
COMMUNICATIONS
BREAKFAST Cow milk, soya milk, yogurt, various cereals,
There is limited internet access at the accommodations
bread, toast, eggs, ham, cheese, butter, jam,
for urgent use only. Depending on your mobile phone
fruit and vegetables, coffee, hot chocolate,
carrier, cell service will also be available if you have tea juices, water.
set up your device in advance for international service.
LUNCH Various types of pasta (spaghetti, penne,
Please note that personal communication with outsiders macaroni, etc.) with vegetables or minced
is not always possible while participating in an expedition. meat, minestrone, lasagna, risotto, chili con
Earthwatch encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing carne, pizza, salad, mashed, fried or baked
potatoes, and oven-grilled food.
calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise,
family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages DINNER Dinner is typically lighter in Slovenia. Meals will
only. depend on the day and individual preference.
Occasionally dinner will be cooked together.
Common dinner choices include: bread with
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES spread, cheese or ham, salad, fruit salad, eggs,
The apartment will be the main site for all group cereals and any of the breakfast options.
activities including meals, presentations and relaxation SNACKS Fruit, chips, pretzels, granola bars, etc.
time. The apartment has a bathroom with hot showers
and conventional toilets, and a full kitchen. Feel free to BEVERAGES Water, juices
bring cards, board games, or DVDs. Piran is a beautiful
area to visit, and volunteers are encouraged to explore SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
during free time. Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements
(e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and
The research boat is within walking distance from the note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms.
accommodations. The bell-tower for land observations is
This project can cater for vegetarian diets easily, as well as
also within walking distance from the accommodations.
vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets.
10TRAVEL TIPS
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD
YOUR DESTINATION
LANGUAGE: The project will be conducted in English.
Other languages include Slovene, Croatian, Italian and
German, depending on the team.
TIME ZONE: Central European Time, which equals
GMT +1 hours in the winter months.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: Casual, modest dress
is acceptable nearly everywhere. Tipping restaurant
wait staff, taxi drivers, airport curbside baggage
handlers, and hotel bellhops is suggested.
ELECTRICITY: The standard voltage used for small
appliances in Slovenia is type C, which is 220-240 volts.
MONEY MATTERS
LOCAL CURRENCY: Euros
PERSONAL FUNDS: 150 euros (180 USD) should suffice if
you’d like to purchase additional food or supplies. ATMs and
money exchange counters are available at the airport when
you arrive. There are also banks and ATMS close-by to the
accommodations, and most locations accept credit cards.
International volunteers may use credit cards and ATM cards
at local banks to obtain currency in euros.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Passport and visa requirements are subject to change.
Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate
in your home country for requirements specific to your
circumstances. Generally, passports must be valid for
at least six months from the date of entry and a
return ticket is required.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Citizenship Passport Required? Visa Required?
You may be required to list the following contact
United States Yes No
information on your visa application and immigration
United Kingdom Yes No
form, or if your luggage does not make it to baggage
Europe Yes No claim at your destination:
Australia Yes No
Mr. Tilen Genov
Japan Yes No
Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society
Prežihova 7 6330 Piran
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST
visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or Or
even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency,
Kidričevo nabrežje 4
which can both expedite and simplify the process.
6330 Piran
11PROJECT CONDITIONS
THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT
GENERAL CONDITIONS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Summer conditions can be hot and humid, and rainfall All participants must be able to:
can be variable. Research will be conducted on board a
• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently
small boat around Piran’s peninsula. Although moderate
or with the assistance of a companion.
fitness and balance are desirable, we strive to make the
project as accessible as possible. You will get wet on this • Enjoy being outdoors most of the day in variable
expedition but that is part of the fun! For land based weather, in the potential presence of wild animals.
activities, volunteers will walk to a bell tower in town
• Tolerate 80°F heat and high humidity levels.
and climb stairs to the top for observational work.
• Sit and/or stand in a power boat for periods of up to
BOATING CONDITIONS 3-6 hours .
Our 21-foot (six meter) V-hull boat has a sun • Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water,
protective cover and no head (bathroom). and some small field equipment.
No restrooms will be available.
• As a safety precaution, we ask that volunteers
Occasionally, we will ride into a headwind, which will be able to swim.
make some rides bumpy.
• It is preferable not to be afraid of heights
(for spotting dolphins on land from the bell tower).
GENERAL CONDITIONS
• Be able to climb over 140 stairs to the top of the
HUMIDITY: 60% to 80% bell tower.
TEMPERATURE RANGE: • Be able to run short distances (possibly uphill)
DAY: 70°F to 80°F (25°C to 33°C) to the boat or bell tower.
NIGHT: 55°F to 65°F (18°C to 23°C)
RAINFALL: Winter average: 3 in (76 mm)
WATER CONDITIONS
TYPICAL WATER TEMPERATURE DURING PROJECT:
20°C to 25°C
TYPE OF WATER ENVIRONMENT:
Bays and open water
12POTENTIAL HAZARDS
TRACKING DOLPHINS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
HAZARD TYPE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS
Transportation Land vehicles will only be used when weather is poor. The accommodations are within walking distance to the boat
docks, and the research tower is also accessible by foot. If needed, vehicles will only be operated by project staff.
Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
We will use boats to travel across open water to study sites. The vessel is small, but it is fully equipped with safety
equipment (life jackets, flares, and first aid kit), navigation, and communication items. There is always potential
for the ride to become bumpy for some portion of the trip. Volunteers are not permitted to drive the boat.
Walking You will walk to and from the docks each day to board the research vessels. You will also walk to the bell tower in
town, and climb stairs to the top for observations. You may take your time with any sections of challenging terrain,
especially in the tower.
Getting Lost Please inform project staff if you need a moment away from the team. Volunteers will work in groups of at least
two at all times. The scientists take great care to know, at all times, where each volunteer is working, so that lost
volunteers can be located quickly and expediently. If you leave the accommodations to go off on your own, you must
always notify the project staff first and sign out from the project. You must also let staff know when you will return.
Animals We will cover appropriate responses to wildlife encounters in the introductory briefing. Do not approach or handle any
wildlife. Though spotting dangerous animals such as venomous jellyfish is uncommon, always pay attention to your
surroundings. Mosquitoes can cause irritation. To avoid insect bites, cover exposed skin and use insect repellant.
Students allergic to bees should carry an EpiPen.
Personal Security Piran is a generally safe region for travelers; however, do not leave valuables unattended
in public areas.
Swimming Recreational swimming opportunities may be available after field work. Volunteers must be pre-screened and known
to be capable swimmers (able to swim 50 meters and tread water for 5 minutes) prior to fielding. Swimming will occur
close to shore and never in open water areas. In most cases, staff members will be present to inform volunteers on
which areas are suitable for swimming. If volunteers wish to swim on their own, they should let the staff members
know where they are going and when they will return, and they should only go to areas that have been approved by
field staff. In such cases, volunteers should be with at least one other person and should never swim alone. Non-
swimmers will not be allowed to swim.
Slips and Trips Volunteers will be briefed on the safety measures at sea including instructions for boarding and disembarking the
boat. Appropriate footwear should be worn on the vessel, and volunteers should follow the captain’s instructions
for safety protocols when the boat is in motion.
High Heat Volunteers will be on the research vessels at sea for 5-6 hours per day. You will be instructed to bring protective hats
and clothing, along with sunglasses and sunblock. To avoid dehydration, volunteers will bring two water bottles each
day, and extra water will be available on board. There is a boat awning on board to help protect against sun burn.
Falling Overboard All volunteers will receive a safety briefing prior to research actvities on the boat and will be told where safety
equipment is located and how to use the equipment. Volunteers are screened for swimming ability. The boat is fully
equipped with safety gear (life jackets for all crew members, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, VHF radio, mobile phone
etc). Smoking is not allowed on the boat. The researchers have valid nautical licenses and extensive navigation
experience. The staff will go over safety protocols in the event someone falls out of the boat.
Earthquakes While rare in Slovenia, Earthquakes are possible, and volunteers will be briefed on warning notices, safest location
on site during tremors, evacuation procedures, and the group gathering point.
13SAFETY
HEALTH INFORMATION
PROJECT VACCINATIONS
REQUIRED: If traveling from countries or regions
where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a
certificate of vaccination. You may need to present
this certificate when you arrive in country.
RECOMMENDED FOR HEALTH REASONS: Typhoid,
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Although rabies can be found
in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Slovenia, it is not
a major risk to most travelers unless they are around
stray dogs and cats or wild mammals. Consult your
physician for more information.
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
Accommodations and vehicles all have first aid kits. In the
event of a medical emergency, the Earthwatch scientists
will administer first aid, and depending on the seriousness
of the injury or condition, either take the volunteer to the
hospital using a project vehicle or call emergency services
by cellphone. While in the field, the scientists will carry
cell phones for emergency communication. If a volunteer
has to leave the expedition early for emergency reasons,
the Earthwatch scientists will determine the most
appropriate form of transport to the airport (either a
project vehicle or an ambulance).
For emergency assistance in the field, please contact
Earthwatch’s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the
last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist
you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on
call to respond to messages that come into our live
answering service.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date
(for example diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles,
mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the
responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and
the following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix
Travel Oracle website through the “Travel Assistance and
Advice” page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int
for guidance on immunizations.
14PROJECT STAFF
YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD
EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST TILEN GENOV is a Ph.D. candidate in Marine biology at the University of St.
Andrews (U.K.). He received his M. Res. in Marine Mammal Science from the University of St. Andrews (U.K.).
He received his M.S. in Biology from the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Tilen Genov began researching the
dolphins of the Adriatic Sea more than a decade ago, while he was still a teenager. When he first started,
people thought the waters off Slovenia had only occasional dolphin visitors. He has since proven that up to 100
dolphins are year-round residents. Tilen is the Founder, President, and Head of Research for Morigenos. He is
a council member of the European Cetacean Society. He is also a member of ACCOBAMS and the International
Whaling Commission. Present on most teams.
EARTHWATCH CO-PI, POLONA KOTNJEK is the Vice-president of Morigenos and is the Head of Education and
Events. She is a Researcher of the Slovenian Dolphin Project and a member of the European Cetacean Society.
She is working towards her M.S. in Biology and Home Economics from the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia).
Will most likely be present on teams 1 and 2.
EARTHWATCH CO-PI, TINA CENTRIH is a Researcher of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. She is a member
of the European Cetacean Society. Tina received her Master of Research in Environmental Biology from the
University of St. Andrews (U.K.). She received her MSc in Biology from the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia).
Her past research location include Scotland, Egypt and Spain. Present on most teams.
EARTHWATCH CO-PI, ANA HACE is the Morigenos PR Coordinator. She is A Researcher for the Slovenian
Dolphin Project and receives her MSc in Geography from the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). She is also
a member of the European Cetacean Society. Present on all teams.
EARTHWATCH CO-PI, NINA URATARIČ is the Morigenos Activities Coordinator. She is A Research Assistant for
the Slovenian Dolphin Project and receives her MSc in Journalism from the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia).
She is also a coordinator of Morigenos Membership Program and Adopt a Dolphin Action. Present on most
teams.
15RECOMMENDED READING
YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME
ARTICLES MORIGENOS SOCIAL MEDIA
Morigenos researchers are main authors or co-authors FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Morigenos
of the several scientific papers or chapters, published
in scientific journals and books; please, find them here: EARTHWATCH SOCIAL MEDIA
http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Publications Get to know Earthwatch better at:
About Slovenia: http://www.slovenia.info/en/About- FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Earthwatch
Slovenia.htm?o_sloveniji=0&lng=2
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute
About Piran: http://www.portoroz.si/en/portoroz-and-piran/piran
TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITE
Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society:
www.morigenos.org
Slovenian Dolphin Project:
http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Slovenian_Dolphin_Project
16EMERGENCY NUMBERS
AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT
EARTHWATCH’S 24-HOUR EMERGENCY HOTLINE
Call Earthwatch’s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.:
+1 (978) 461.0081
+1 (800) 776.0188 (toll-free for calls placed from within the U.S.)
After business hours, leave a message with our living answering service. State that you have
an emergency and give the name of your expedition, your name, the location from which you
are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff
member will respond to your call within one hour.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER: HEALIX INTERNATIONAL
+44.20.3667.8991 (collect calls and reverse charges accepted)
U.S. TOLL FREE: +1.877.759.3917
U.K. FREE PHONE: 0.800.19.5180
E-MAIL: earthwatch@healix.com
You may contact Healix International at any time. They can assist in the event of a medical
or evacuation emergency or for routine medical and travel advice, such as advice on visas
and vaccine requirements.
FOR VOLUNTEERS BOOKED THROUGH THE EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OFFICE:
Earthwatch Australia 24-Hour Emergency Helpline
+61.0.3.8508.5537
17Earthwatch U.S. Earthwatch Europe Earthwatch Australia Earthwatch Japan
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info@earthwatch.org
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earthwatch.org earthwatch.org earthwatch.org
Phone: 1-978-461-0081
Toll-Free: 1-800-776-0188 Phone: 44-0-1865-318-838 Phone: 61-0-3-9016-7590 Phone: 81-0-3-6686-0300
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