Whale monitoring and analysis and environmental education projects on the Pacific coast of Ecuador’s.

: Pacific Whale Foundation is a an international organization working in the area of marine research, education and conservation and in general working to address the issues that shape the future of our oceans and our planet. In Ecuador the Foundation is based on the central Pacific coast in Puerto Lopez, where for three months of the year migrating whales pass close to the shore. Their main activities of the Foundation include:

• Marine research – including studies of humpback whales in Hawaii, Australia, Tonga, Alaska, Japan and Ecuador, along with pioneering studies of the wild dolphins and coral reefs of Maui County
• Education – the Foundation’s award-winning marine education programs grew out of a desire to share research discoveries with the public. These programs combine field trips and classroom/lab work, aiming to inspire greater interest in science and marine conservation. The foundation also offers talks, slideshows, displays and educational guides for the public
• Conservation – tackling issues ranging from small to large, from preventing litter on beaches to stopping commercial or so-called "scientific whaling" around the world

The tasks that volunteers can undertake with Pacific Whale Foundation in Ecuador depend on their Spanish ability, areas of interests and the time of year that they are available to volunteer. The volunteer projects include:

• October to March – Data analysis from photos of whales, involving identification of whales, monitoring of their activities and comparison of photos with those from previous years. The findings of this work contribute to academic papers and the culmination is a presentation of the findings in May. Specific experience studying or working in these areas is appreciated but not necessary; however a keen interest in the subject matter is important.
• June to September - Field work on boats photographing and tracking whales. Specific experience studying or working in these areas is appreciated but not necessary; however a keen interest in the subject matter is important.
• May to December – Environmental education program is schools regarding waste management, the sea and the environment in general. The foundation has an agreement with the municipality to provide these education programs. Volunteers, with the assistance of the Foundation, plan and deliver classes to school students in the surrounding communities.

Two months for data analysis and education projects. Three months for field work.

Basic Spanish for data analysis and field work. Intermediate for the environmental education project.

Puerto Lopez is a seaside town of around 8,000 inhabitants. Near by is the Isla de La Plata, renown for its biodiversity and wildlife, and the greater Machililla national park, along with a variety of other natural attractions.