GREAT EXPERIENCE

The new BDRI project in O'Grove, Galicia, Spain has nothing to do with the old institute in Sardinia, Italy. As i volunteered in Sardinia with BDRI, i decided to participate at the project once again when it moved to Spain. Although it's a new project in a new area, the quality of the research is very high. Ría de Arousa sustains one of the biggest population of bottlenose dolphins in the area, having an average of 15 individual reaching even the number of more than 50 individuals. Many times, we could spot dolphins even before leaving the harbour. You can study behaviour, photo-id, acoustics, diet of the animals and more. You also have the opportunity to work on your own project under Bruno's supervision, director of the institute. There is a well organised network for stranded animals. We had the chance to participate in necropsy of various animals including risso's dolphin and pilot whale. The facilities are brand new. The office is in front of the sea side having a great view of La Toja island. I really liked the apartment of the interns where i was living as well, it was located in a new building. Everything was new inside (furniture, kitchen, bathrooms, washing machine). As we were trying to be as sustainable as possible, we were using the washing machine only the night hours. I have to admit that we didn't have internet in the house and that was something i missed there, but we could use the internet in the office. The people in O'Grove are very friendly and kind and the food is amazing.The area is a unique place for sports. You can practice any sport and hobbies you can imagine, from climbing to surfing!! Many times Bruno was organising lessons with a surfing school in a very cheap price having a lot of fun with the waves. I would definitely recommend this program!!