Ecovolunteer courses in the Red Sea
COURSE PROGRAMME IN THE RED SEA. Founded in 1993, TURSIOPS studies dolphin behaviour, particularly that of ambassador dolphins that seek contact and sometimes communication with people. The DOLPHIN ETHOLOGY project follows several groups of dolphins around Hurghada. Observations contribute to the study and protection programmes run by the Dolphin Watch Alliance since 2004, in cooperation with scientific organisations and the Egyptian Ministry of the Environment. TURSIOPS records photographs and videos to document human–dolphin encounters. These eco-volunteering courses focus mainly on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops aduncus, under the supervision of Eric Demay, a dolphin specialist since 1992. Participants learn to recognise individuals and observe their needs and behaviour: sleep, hunting, reproduction, grooming, movement, intimidation, play, social interactions and nursing of calves. Price: €1,800 per person, excluding flights and tips, with accommodation, meals on board, government and national park fees, and talks by Eric Demay included.
“We spend a complete week at sea on a boat suited to snorkelling with fins, a mask and a snorkel. We sleep in lagoons sheltered from the waves. To respect the animals, groups are limited to SIX PARTICIPANTS; we sometimes depart with only three. The quality of encounters comes first. Respecting sleep is essential: my work with GECEM and Dolphy between 1992 and 1995 helped me understand the rest patterns of wild dolphins, which differ greatly from our own. To date, we have encountered dolphins on all our week-long trips, but weather and wild animal behaviour remain unpredictable. Young and adult Tursiops aduncus sometimes approach us and initiate play. We adapt to their way of life and respect sleep, hunting and social interactions. Knowing individuals helps us understand their needs and moods. A dolphin may be tired, ill, occupied with its companions or grieving; we must take this into account and accept when it does not wish to interact.” Eric Demay
“We meet animals at their level and treat them first and foremost as wild creatures. Depending on the situation, a dolphin may become an interlocutor and sometimes a friend, but we remain privileged guests. Respect, experience and careful observation create the conditions for genuine interaction. I have followed this approach since my first encounters in Australia. Life jackets are available for participants who feel less comfortable in the sea. Photos and videos are shared with local scientists, and participants may contribute using their own equipment. We identify dolphins through photographs of their dorsal fins. The catalogue listed 348 individuals as of 1 October 2020; new births and changes to fin markings require regular updates. We first locate and count the dolphins from the boat, recording the location, time, weather, number of animals and GPS position. We then enter the water when appropriate to observe behaviour more closely without disturbing it, including mothers nursing their calves. We always adapt to whether the dolphins are resting, moving, hunting or interacting with one another.” Eric Demay
The dolphins encountered
“I did not choose these dolphins by chance. My encounters around the world taught me to look for conditions that make meaningful contact possible: approachable dolphins, warm water and good underwater visibility. I was fortunate to experience Bunbury and Monkey Mia in Western Australia between 1991 and 1995. The local conditions and rules have since changed, affecting the opportunities for human–dolphin encounters that I knew there. Around Hurghada, we study Tursiops aduncus. The individuals I know often approach us and interact through play or in other remarkable ways. Other groups may decline contact because they need to sleep, hunt, teach their young or protect newborn calves. Even familiar dolphins remain free to choose whether to interact. On my first day there, Laura, a female dolphin, brought me a branch of coral from the seabed. During my second visit, the male Lino did the same. Dolphins have occasionally brought shells or coral to participants. In the Indian Ocean, a female Tursiops aduncus introduced me to her newborn calf; another female brought me a fish. These dolphins are extraordinary. I find their large eyes and the ventral spots that develop with age particularly beautiful. They are curious, playful and often surprising.” Eric Demay, course director.