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The Research

A massive expanse of unusually warm water, dubbed "the Blob," disrupted marine ecosystems along the West Coast in 2014. From toxic algal blooms to mass mortality events to food chain disruptions, this marine heatwave had far-reaching consequences still felt years later. Extreme climatic events like this are becoming more common and intense, threatening a wide range of critical marine species. 

These events can be difficult to study, as the effects can be diverse and spread throughout the ecosystem. However, one way to gain insights into how marine heat waves affect marine ecosystems is to look carefully at the food chain. Large marine animals, known as marine megafauna, are excellent indicators of the ecosystem’s overall health, as they rely on the lower trophic levels for food, are long-lived, and reproduce slowly. Marine megafauna are the canaries in the marine coal mine; when these large animals are suffering, you know the whole ecosystem is in trouble. 

This project will focus on studying bottlenose dolphins and whale sharks in an urbanized seascape, La Paz Bay, and humpback whales in the Sea of Cortez and the secluded North Pacific coastal area of Punta Lobos—all to determine how extreme climatic events and other human influences are affecting the health of the Baja Peninsula’s marine ecosystems.  

This project will help researchers understand how different pressures affect marine megafauna's behavior and reproduction. Changes in the marine megafauna’s composition and reproductive rate at the two study locations will give researchers insights into how climatic events and human pressures affect the populations of large animals and the ecosystem as a whole. 

This project will also investigate how increasing ecotourism impacts marine species. By assessing compliance with current regulations and examining how tourism activities affect whale shark behavior, researchers can help ensure the sustainability of ecotourism for whale sharks and the people who rely on it. 

The data you collect will provide a baseline from which scientists can monitor changes in the ecosystem and corresponding changes in marine megafauna behavior. This dataset will enable managers to create protective regulations while ensuring the ecotourism industry is sustainable. The main goal of this project is to ensure that marine ecosystems are kept healthy and viable for both wildlife and the humans whose livelihoods depend on them.

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How You Will Help

Volunteers will be assigned to assist researchers with boat-based and land-based surveys, rotating tasks to ensure all may participate in each activity. Depending on team size, participants may be split between survey sites.

Surveys will aim to observe marine megafauna, take ID photos, and record behavior. When you first arrive, you’ll receive orientation and training on the research methods. In the following days, you’ll work on the following research tasks:

• Observing Dolphin & Whale Behavior. We will travel by motorboat to observe bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales in La Paz Bay and the Sea of Cortez. You’ll record the position of the groups with a GPS, collect environmental data, and observe the individuals while at a distance that allows for photo identification but minimizes behavioral disturbances. After photos are taken, a drone technician will collect videos of the focal groups. Volunteers will also record the respiratory patterns of the whales and dolphins, including how long they stay on the surface, how many times they blow air out of their blowhole and inhale (known as blows) while surfaced, and the time between blows. Volunteers may also record dolphin and whale vocalizations using a hydrophone. 
• Collecting Photo Identification of Dolphins and Whales. Volunteers will take images of the individuals in the groups. In the case of dolphins, you’ll take photos of the fin on their back, the dorsal fin, to identify and differentiate individuals within the group. For whale identification, the goal will be to capture a clear photo of the fluke (tail fin).
• Collecting Video Footage. While observing marine megafauna behavior, some volunteers will be assigned to take videos in two-minute intervals to capture recordings that will complement the in-situ behavioral observations. The behaviors in the videos can be used to confirm observations and respiratory rates for dolphins and whales.
• Recording Observations from Land-Based Stations. Volunteers will be posted at land-based observation points to locate dolphins, whales, and whale sharks using binoculars. Group size and behavior will be recorded alongside environmental data at set intervals. The land-based teams will record data and assist drone technicians as they capture video footage of focal groups. They will also provide information on animal location and movements to the boat-based team as they follow the animals on the water. 
• Whale Shark Tour Simulation. �������� volunteers will board the boats of local tour operators, assessing their compliance with whale shark tourism regulations throughout the experience. Volunteers will record data on how the boats approach a whale shark, observe whale shark behavior as the boat and the swimmers approach, and collect environmental data.
• Collecting Photo Identification of Whale Sharks. Volunteers will spend part of one day in the water with whale sharks. They will use underwater cameras provided by the researchers to take photos of whale sharks that can be used to identify the individuals. The spotting and striping pattern between the last gill slit and the base of the dorsal fin is used for identification, so volunteers will try to photograph that area on both the right and left sides for each individual. (Dependent on weather and presence of whale sharks).
• Analyzing Data. Volunteers will spend time helping sort through the videos and photographs collected while in the field and map where groups of marine megafauna were spotted.

Note: All teams will work with dolphins; however, the presence of whale sharks and humpback whales at these locations is seasonal. Whale sharks aggregate between late October and February, with the observation season highly regulated by the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and contingent upon the presence of sharks in the area. Humpback whales migrate to the area between January and April. These are general patterns and vary from season to season. Sightings of any animal are not guaranteed.

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Essential Eligibility Requirements

All participants must be able to:

• Enjoy being outdoors most of the day in variable weather and the potential presence of wild animals and insects.
• Spend long hours sitting on a boat (some may experience seasickness) for an average of 5 hours per day with only access to a bucket on the boat to relieve yourself for 3–4 days per team. Good balance is required to maneuver aboard small vessels with bench seating. Sea conditions can make boat rides bumpy—which may be uncomfortable for individuals with back problems.
• Comfortable entering/exiting a small boat from the beach in ankle-deep water. This includes the ability to step up and into the boat about 1m off the ground without the assistance of a ladder.
• Comfortable entering/exiting a small boat while at sea using a ladder (for whale shark snorkeling).
• Swim/snorkel for up to 30 minutes at a time in areas where it is impossible to stand on the bottom; total swimming distance of approx.—500 m per session.
• Utilize all snorkeling equipment recommended or required by industry standards, including mask, fins, snorkel, and a wetsuit.
• Hike 2 hours or 2.5 km (each way; uphill, then downhill) over rocky, uneven terrain in desert conditions to reach land-based observation points for up to 2–3 days during the team.
• Tolerate 30°C (85°F) heat, strong sun, and dry desert conditions.
• Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water, and some small field equipment.
• Climb into and down out of a minibus and ride, seated with the seatbelt fastened, for up to 3 hours on 2–3 days during the team.
• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
• Take an active role in your safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in �������� materials and safety briefings). Always comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures.
• Be able to effectively communicate to the staff if you are experiencing distress or need assistance.
• Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages, often in close proximity, for the duration of your team.
• Be comfortable surrounded by a language and/or culture different from yours.

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Travel Planning

MEETING SPOT

La Fuente Ice Cream Parlor, El Malecón, La Paz, Mexico

Specific travel planning details will be provided in your �������� Expedition Logistics Document. This document can be found in your once you enroll. Please do not book travel arrangements—such as flights—until the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

�������� strongly recommends that travelers investigate their destination before departure. Familiarity with the destination’s entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can ensure smooth travel. and are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the contains many useful tips and links.

COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by your destination's entry/exit requirements. 

Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Please apply early for your visa (we recommend starting six months before the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers who cancel due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website:

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.

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Health and Safety

IEMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD

Each boat used for fieldwork will have a VHF radio. Project staff members will always carry mobile phones in the field, and a spare mobile phone will be stationed at the casita for emergency communications.  

�������� has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.

IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Please be sure your routine immunizations are up to date (for example, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) and that you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. Visit the or the for guidance on immunizations. 

If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination. 

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable, is strongly encouraged. For more details, please visit. For more details, please visit .

PROJECT RISKS AND CONDITIONS

Road Transportation

Poor road conditions and landslides may be encountered. Only qualified drivers will transport volunteers in well-maintained project vehicles. Seatbelts must always be worn. Volunteers are not permitted to drive; there will be no driving at night, in heavy rain, or in adverse conditions. A mobile phone and emergency equipment (water, first aid kit, spare tire/jack, etc.) will be carried in case of a breakdown. 

Hiking

Hiking over hilly, uneven terrain and in desert conditions is required for land-based surveys, and there is a risk of sprains, strains, or breaks due to falling or tripping. Participants must wear well-worn hiking boots with good ankle support and should stick to the dirt trail as much as possible.

Heat

High temperatures and long days in the sun can cause sun exposure, dehydration, and sunburn. Participants should wear breathable clothes that cover their skin, reapply sunscreen throughout the day, and consistently drink water. A shade canopy will be provided at land-based observation stations. Participants must communicate with field staff if they feel unwell due to the sun and temperature. 

Animals

Venomous snakes, including rattlesnakes, are found throughout Baja California Sur. Venomous insects are also present, including bark scorpions and brown recluse spiders. Participants must exercise caution while hiking, wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and avoid sitting on the ground or near rock crevices at land-based observation stations.

Stray and semi-stray domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are common in La Paz and the town of Todos Santos and may carry rabies. Participants should never approach dogs or cats. If a bite or scratch occurs, the wound must be immediately thoroughly washed with soap and clean water, and a topical povidone-iodine solution or ethanol will be applied. They will then be immediately transported to medical care. 

Mosquitos and other biting insects are present and carry a range of diseases, including Zika, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Chaga's disease (American trypanosomiasis), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and malaria. Participants should wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants, particularly during the evening.

Hazardous marine organisms are present in the areas in which fieldwork is conducted. Protective gear, including a long-sleeved rash vest/legging or a wetsuit, will be used during snorkeling activities to reduce the impact of stinging organisms, such as jellyfish and other small cnidarians. Participants should indicate if they have an anaphylactic reaction to insect stings and consult with their physician before participating to determine if a similar reaction might occur because of being stung by jellyfish or other marine organisms.  

Stingrays are prevalent in La Paz Bay, and stingray injuries and envenomation can cause severe injury, infection, or more serious outcomes. Participants will be advised to wear appropriate footwear (i.e., water shoes or booties) and to shuffle their feet whenever wading in shallow water where stingrays may be present. Attacks by sharks and other large fish are extremely rare but possible. Volunteers are to exit the water calmly if an animal acts aggressively. 

See additional risks and precautions for working with marine mammals in the sections below.

Swimming/Snorkeling/Wading

Swimming and snorkeling alongside large marine animals (whale sharks) are key to the research objectives and carry inherent risks. While whale sharks are docile, filter-feeding creatures, a head-on collision—or strike by the large tail fin—could cause significant injury. Before entering the water, participants will be briefed on the risks and appropriate safety precautions. A minimum distance of 2 meters (6 feet) will always be maintained between the shark and the swimmer. Swimmers will be instructed to approach sharks from a parallel direction only (never head-on) and to maintain a parallel swimming position beside the whale shark, being always alert and aware of the location of the tail fin to avoid being inadvertently struck. Those who are not confident swimmers must wear life jackets. Participants should be reminded to listen vigilantly and comply with all instructions provided by the boat captain, whale shark snorkeling guide, and �������� field staff before and during the encounter. Participants must always remain near the guide and never swim off on their own.

Snorkeling is physically demanding and carries inherent risks. Safety procedures are established to minimize the risk associated with swimming and snorkeling, and these are outlined during the safety briefing at the start of the expedition. Swimming/snorkeling is only done in calm seas in areas deemed appropriate by project staff. Participants must swim with a buddy. Note: The beach adjacent to the project accommodations may not be used for swimming due to hazardous conditions. There may be opportunities to swim at a local beach or snorkel with sea lions during the recreational day (a lifeguard is not present).

Teams may explore the mangrove ecosystems of La Paz Bay by wading in the knee-to-hip-deep water. Water shoes, booties, or other appropriate footwear must be worn for this activity. Per the section above, stingrays are prevalent in La Paz Bay, and caution must be taken to shuffle through the sand (rather than lifting the feet) to avoid contact with stingrays.  

Whale Surveys

Inherent to surveying humpback whale populations on this expedition is the following of whales from a small, approximately 7-meter (24-foot) boat. Though highly unlikely, there is a risk that a breaching or surfacing whale could collide with the boat—causing significant injury or even death. An experienced boat captain and a project staff member with a strong knowledge of whale behavior will lead all whale surveys. The qualified project staff will communicate closely with the boat captain during all whale surveys to ensure the direction and speed of the approach are appropriate and a safe following distance is always maintained between the whale and the vessel. Lifesaving equipment (including a throw ring) will be kept onboard, and life jackets must be worn at all times while on the boat. 

Working on a Boat

All water-based activities, including dolphin, humpback whale, and whale shark surveys—will be conducted from small, approximately 7-meter (24-foot) boats. Surveys will generally be conducted near the coastline, though humpback surveys may take the group up to 5 miles from shore. There is a risk of injury—including sprains, strains, or breaks during launch and landing and/or during adverse sea conditions. 

A variety of methods will be used to enter/exit research boats. These include:

• Shallow water beach entries/landings necessitating wading in ankle-deep water
• Using a ladder to enter/exit the boat while in open water (for snorkeling activities)

Hazards may result from falling overboard while the boat is in motion. Individuals with mobility or spinal conditions, back, knee, or hip problems, and those who are pregnant may face difficulties or discomfort when boarding the boat or during navigation under choppy sea conditions. These volunteers should carefully consider participation on this project. 

Life jackets will be available to each participant and must always be worn when on board the boat. Appropriate footwear must always be worn while on deck and the vessel is underway. Some volunteers may get seasick; please bring seasickness medication as a precaution. 

Personal Security

Crime in Mexico occurs at a high rate and can be violent, from random street crime to cartel-related attacks. Over the past year, U.S. citizens in Mexico have been victims of armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, pick-pocketing, and sexual assault. Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Though the risk is lower than in other states, criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state of Baja California Sur, and travelers are advised to exercise increased caution. No night driving should occur unless for emergencies. Participants should leave valuables at home and not display signs of wealth in public areas. It is recommended to avoid walking alone in towns at night while traveling in Mexico. If withdrawing money from an ATM, do so only during daylight hours in locations inside shops or malls. Avoid crowded areas and city outskirts while in La Paz.

Environmental Hazards

Tropical storms occur between May and November in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts of Mexico. They can produce heavy winds and rain, resulting in flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage, and travel disruption. �������� teams will not be scheduled during the tropical storm season. In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm during an �������� team, participants are to remain indoors in a safe location and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Mexico is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis may occur following significant earthquakes. Project staff will monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities in the event of an earthquake. If at the accommodations, participants will be instructed to proceed to the designated muster point indicated in the Emergency Response Plan. 

Distance from Medical Care

It may take an hour or more to arrange transport and reach the hospital when performing fieldwork in La Paz Bay. While working in Punta Lobos, it may take up to three hours to reach the nearest medical center—and longer to reach the closest major hospital to treat significant injuries. If you have a chronic condition that could require immediate medical care (e.g., heart conditions, kidney problems, severe asthma, etc.), or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician.

Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness

�������� strongly encourages you to take precautions to help protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV: stay up to date with your vaccinations; wash your hands frequently; take steps to improve air quality, for example, by increasing ventilation indoors or gathering outdoors; and use preventative measures to limit the spread if you are sick. 

Persons with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating.

Other Diseases

Diseases present in Mexico include rabies, hepatitis, measles, typhoid, leptospirosis, avian/bird flu, hantavirus, tuberculosis, Zika, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Chaga's disease (American trypanosomiasis), Rocky Mountain spotted fever and malaria. Please see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention () or the World Health Organization () websites for more information on these conditions and how to avoid them. You can decrease your risk of most diseases above by avoiding mosquito bites, practicing good hygiene, and drinking only bottled or filtered water when appropriate. If you feel ill once you return from your trip, inform your doctor that you have recently returned from a tropical region. A note on vaccinations and treatment: Malaria is not present in the project area.

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