A very fulfilling internship

I interned at the Sardinia location for three months during the fall of 2013. I had just completed my BS in biology and was looking for internships in marine mammal research. Although I had previously worked on a few projects monitoring gray whales through my university, I was interested in finding a program where I could be more immersed in research and conservation efforts.

My three months was split between the busy late-summer season and the barren late-fall season in terms of boat and street traffic from tourists and residents. The weather was surprising similar to my hometown of San Diego and we were able to go out on the water up to 4-5 times a week during my first two months. Bruno and his assistant were very professional and it was immediately apparent that they were both very dedicated to their research and conservation of the bottlenose dolphins. The most interesting aspect of the internship and location was the direct impacts of commercial fish farm right off the harbor. Being able to witness first-hand some of the direct impacts of commercial farming on dolphins was an incredible opportunity, especially as commercial fish farming becomes more and more prevalent worldwide.

Because I had previously done work surveying for marine mammals, I already had an idea of the amount of work necessary and the long hours required to collect and transcribe data on a regular basis. Some of the interns I worked with were displeased with volume of work asked of us as they were more interested in watching dolphins rather than collecting data. However we all had a shared passion for ocean conservation and I made strong friendships that continue today with girls from four different countries.

Overall I was very pleased with my internship. The housing was small but comfortable and enough space for 5-6 young women. The town, Golfo Aranci, is gorgeous and I felt very safe walking around on my own. The beach is down the street, the market is a few blocks away, and the locals were all very nice even despite my limited Italian. Bruno is remarkably smart and knowledgable on marine conservation and bottlenose dolphins and I learned a great deal during my time. Prior to my internship I was only slightly comfortable recording marine mammal behavior, however now I can say with confidence that I am competent in marine mammal field work.