Northern Aegean Dolphin Project in Greece

Participating to the NADP was an almost religious experience just by thinking that i may belong to the last generation that will be able to see dolphins free in their natural hapitat. This was not the first time that i was working with MOm and i knew in advance the quality of their work.
In September 2013, i embarked on the "Odysseia" boat and the adventure around the National Marine Park of Alonnisos-Northern Sporades began.
For a whole week, we would record various and rare species of animals that shelter around the Marine Park, its islands and islets. During this time i was fortunate to come across with almost every species of dolphins that exist in the Mediterranean sea. Lovely vegetarian food and a captain telling us stories on how a seaman's life was in the past complemented our breaks.
After getting a special permission we had the chance to visit natural reserve areas and dive into crystal clear waters observing the sea-life at the see bed in places where no human intervention existed.
In the evening we would attend seminars with a Marine Biologist and our dedicated supervisor Androniki Pardalou at the Information Center of MOm.
After a long day of observation and seminars, the Greek night life followed which would include greek restaurants with live music, concerts, traditional fiestas and bars. We would go out with the whole team to taste traditional dishes and drinks and then for dancing at the beach bars.
Joining the project was a fantastic experience that i would definitely love to do again.

My participation in the NADP program was a really challenging task from the beginning as I did my internship there - and I believe I made the best choice. Through this program I felt that I have contributed to the dolphins' better future. I have learnt a lot about those sweet animals, the beautiful area of the marine park and the island of Alonissos.
The highlight for me was every first time we spotted an animal, either it was a dolphin or anything else. The enthusiasm was so great from all the people of the group! I was lucky enough to see the world's rarest pinniped, the mediterranean monk seal, in its natural habitat. And not only that, but we spotted a plenty of other sea animals during our researching trips, such as sea turtles, rare sea birds, tuna fish...it was magical! A few people have such a chance. One of the strongest feelings left in the end is that you have been able to come in touch with the nature and feel part of it...But there was not only the scientific work that I enjoyed but also the communication and the connection with other people of the group, for example while eating all together on the boat.
I could go on for hours telling about the beautiful experiences that I have gained, but I believe anyone should just go and live them himself!

Amazing!It was a week full of surprises!On board every day with great people and great feelings searching and studing about dolphins!To feel part of the team even for a week and helping was the best thing!

My fiancee and I had an amazing time this past September participating in this program.

This was truly a trip of a lifetime and I was unprepared for the richness the program offered us in the week we were there. Our leader was thorough, organized and an excellent communicator and every day was truly a new adventure.

The island we stayed on was beautiful and our daily excursions were full of adventure and learning.

I highly recommend this if you are looking for a way to learn about wildlife conservation, stay in an awesome place and spend your days as part of a team making a difference in the world.

I dint want to leave!! I had a wondeful time and I was able to witness the first live sighting of a Cuvier's Beacked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris), of two different animals, in the same day! Every time I think of that moment I still get a chill and a small adrenaline rush....

The whole experience was incredible from the first moment we met the smiley faces of the researchers and the other volunteers who made us feel at home until the fare well at the end of this amazing journey!

The whole program was very well organized and the research team was very helpful and patient with us newbies. They explained everything in detail so we were able to understand the purpose of this project, what they are looking for, the methods they use and what we were supposed to do! In the mornings we would go out looking for dolphins and in the afternoon we were given presentations and talks. There was also enough time for us to rest, swim, eat, go out at night and discover Allonissos without compromising the project!

Thank you Mom and all the people from the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project for this opportunity!

By participating in the dolphin census project in the northern Aegean Sea, I could reconnect with an aspiration I have had since I was a child : marine biology. In a gorgeous setting I had the opportunity to accompany biologists in the field, follow their work methods and feel their passion for their research topic: the beautiful marine fauna of the region. The great professionalism and personal commitment I met at all levels of MOm's work impressed me: at the scientific level (project conception, data collection and processing), in the communication work and the awareness-raising, the inventiveness at fundraising and the conviction of the volunteers from a variety of backgrounds.

The fieldwork consisted in systematically sailing around and scanning the horizon to locate dolphins. When we met some of them, their exact positions and the constitution of the group were identified and each individual was photographed, if possible from both flanks. After a few hours at sea, work continued in MOm's office: I helped sort the pictures we made at sea and match the left and right flanks of each individual to begin with the database that would allow getting a precise picture of the mediterranean dolphin populations situation and developing conservation strategies. The combination of fieldwork and data processing gave me a good understanding of MOm's work. Furthermore, I received explanations and got to see movies about the broader ecological conditions and about the socio-economic reasons underlying this situation. Thus a very comprehensive approach.

Last but not least: I had a great time discovering not only the beautiful island of Alonissos, with its old village, its beautiful beaches, its breathtaking views and its surroundings, but also a very welcoming, warm-hearted and open people. MOms collaborators, very friendly, showed me around the place and introduced me to the local nightlife and delicious food ;). I even had the chance to discover a little bit of Athens with them.

MOm's work and the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project are awesome and I can only encourage you to support them with your participation or a financial support !