PODPRITE NAS

RESEARCH COURSES

Since 2003, Morigenos has been organising summer research courses where everyone can become part of the research team and help explore dolphins in their natural environment.

Until further notice, research courses will not be organized.

If you like to spend your time in nature and by the sea, if you want to be a part of positive changes, if you are enthusiastic about nature and wild animals and want to actively participate in their study and protection, then this camp is the right choice for you!
Every day, you and the Morigenos research team will head out to sea and try to find these charismatic marine mammals. You will record their movements, behaviour, and environmental data, and you will learn about research methods such as photo-identification, observation from land, expeditions with a boat and observation of behaviour. You will also collect data on sea turtles in the field – this area is an important nutritional habitat for this species.
Your cooperation directly supports the long-term research and protection of dolphins and marine ecosystems in the northern Adriatic.
MORE ABOUT THE RESEARCH

WHO CAN APPLY?

AGE:

16+

CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:
  • swimming knowledge
  • moderate fitness
  • ability to withstand summer heat
  • positive attitude towards the environment
  • communication in Slovenian or English
NATIONALITY:

Any

WHAT A RESEARCH DAY LOOKS LIKE?

Every day can be a little different because a lot depends on the weather. If the sea is calm and there’s no rain, we head out to the field in the morning. There are two ways to search for dolphins: from an observation point on land and from a vessel at sea. Fieldwork is mostly done in two teams, alternating: one team searches from land, the other from sea. In this way, you will experience different ways of studying dolphins in nature.
If the sea is wavy, we do not search for dolphins, as they are very difficult to find in a turbulent sea, and the collected data is not that reliable. It is also difficult to navigate a very turbulent sea. In this case, we focus on the analysis of data, or we go to the shore where we can enjoy swimming, playing volleyball, socialising and exploring the coastline.
During the camp we will prepare several professional lectures and video projections on the biology and ecology of whales and dolphins, research procedures, methods, and environmental protection. There is also a lot of popular and professional literature in the research base, where you will be able to read more about whales and dolphins, the sea and other interesting things, and the members of the team will be happy to answer any questions.
Together we will visit some museums, natural parks or towns along the Slovenian coast, and in the evening, we will rest, have fun or experience the nightlife in Portorož and Piran!

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

OBSERVATION FROM A VESSEL
We observe the dolphins from a 5.8 m long vessel. When searching for dolphins, the research team visually examines the horizon. Navigation and environmental data are recorded during the search. Qualified members and associates of Morigenos, who have the necessary permit and many years of experience navigate the vessel.
OBSERVATION FROM LAND
Observations from land take place at different observation points using ordinary and stronger binoculars. During the observation, we record environmental data, shipping data and dolphin data when they are spotted (group size, position, and behaviour).
OBSERVATIONS
If dolphins are spotted at sea, the vessel slowly approaches the animals and begins tracking. The vessel shall remain with the dolphins for one hour or more, depending on the number of dolphins in the group, their behaviour, weather conditions and other circumstances. We record time, GPS position and other data at regular intervals.

The Morigenos researchers navigate the vessel, carry out photo-identification and manage the work in general. The participants of the camp participate in observing and counting dolphins, observing their behaviour, and recording data (time, position, number of animals, possible identified dolphins, etc.). After the main tasks have been completed, participants can also take photos with their cameras.

If dolphins are spotted from a land observation point, we observe them with binoculars and direct the research vessel to them, while collecting important data.
OBSERVATION OF BEHAVIOUR
If the conditions permit, behaviour of dolphins shall be systematically recorded, both from the vessel and land. Data on the size and composition of the group, the presence of calves, the duration of dives and possible interactions with fisheries shall be collected.
PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION
Photo-identification is the central method of our research. Individual dolphins can be identified by natural markings such as cuts, scratches, and scars on the dorsal fins. When we find a group of dolphins, the basic goal is to get a photo of the fins of each dolphin in the group. This method is non-invasive and provides important information from the point of view of dolphin biology and ecology.

When we return to the base, the collected data is edited and stored. During the research camp, we will present a protocol for the processing of photo-identification data. If time allows, we will also process some data together.

RESEARCH TEAM

Tilen Genov
President of Morigenos and research coordinator
Jure Železnik
Coordinator of research courses

ABOUT THE RESEARCH AREA

Our research base is in Piran, a seaside town located on the southwestern coast of Slovenia. It boasts a variety of cultural attractions, museums, picturesque coastline, and well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. On clear days you can even admire the Alps in the distance.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!