For 38 years, the Tethys Research Institute has enabled interested citizens to actively participate in scientific research in the Mediterranean. Expeditions allow people of all ages to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat and contribute to data collection alongside experienced researchers. No prior scientific knowledge or sailing experience is required to participate in the six-day trips in the southwestern Mediterranean region of Italy.
The Pelagos motor sailboat departs every Monday from Portosole Sanremo and accommodates a maximum of eleven participants, along with the skipper and the research team. The onboard language is English. Short information sessions are held daily, explaining scientific methods and aspects of marine conservation. According to Nicolas Entrup, Director of International Relations at OceanCare, the data collected, including that from citizen scientists, is of great value for conservation measures for whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean, for example, to prevent ship collisions.
To make this experience available to as many people as possible, the Tethys Research Institute is offering a 15 percent discount on all expeditions between the end of May and October 2025 for bookings received by mid-May. This initiative underscores the institute's approach to making science accessible to a broad audience while simultaneously obtaining important data for marine conservation. The opportunity to experience fin whales, sperm whales, and various dolphin species in the wild while contributing to research is a unique experience.
The Tethys Research Institute has pursued a participatory research approach since its inception and has gained valuable insights into marine fauna in the Mediterranean through the involvement of citizen scientists. This discount campaign is intended to encourage even more people to actively participate in research and learn about the fascinating world of whales and dolphins.
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