Update from our marine conservation volunteering holiday in the Azores archipelago, working on whales, dolphins and turtles
Planning has been underway for several months and next week the Azores Expedition begins.
This marks the 20th expedition in the Azores. So, it’s time for the initial introductions. I am Craig Turner and I’ll be your expedition leader.
Heading ‘home’
The Azores is fast becoming my second ‘home’, since I first visited in 2014. At the end of this week, I’ll be heading south from the Highlands of Scotland where we enjoy our own wilderness, wildlife and the occasional mythical beast – I live close to Loch Ness! But the Azores is another league. Who doesn’t want to live on a volcano, in the middle of an ocean, searching for some of the biggest creatures to ever roam our planet! It is always a privilege to return.
Pre-departure preparation
I am currently wrapping up things at home, managing our croft and animals, organising my kit and writing multiple lists! I need them to check that I have everything required for the next five weeks– so don’t forget to check the project dossier.
The Azores is pretty well supplied but you can’t get everything – so double check the kit list!
Re-connecting and acclimatising
I always look forward to meeting up with old friends and colleagues from previous years, not least, our scientist Lisa Steiner. Lisa has been a leading light on cetacean research in the Azores for many, many years. Hopefully you have seen the latest project report and Lisa’s recent publications, so you will have idea of what we may find. Several species have already been sighted!
I arrive on Sunday morning (if the weather behaves), a couple of days before we meet the first group of volunteers, in order to set up the expedition base.
If you’re joining us this year, hopefully you’ve read your expedition materials and know to bring many layers of clothing. The weather is often Vivaldi inspired – think four seasons – sometimes on the same day. Sunglasses and full waterproofs are a must – particularly if the weather is choppy (so also bring your motion sickness pills/patches – if you need them)!
Communications
I’ll write another update once I arrive in Horta.
This reminds me to mention communications on the island. There’s cell/mobile reception on Faial, in addition to internet via public hotspots and free WIFI in most cafes and the project base. Hopefully, you can disconnect, and just soak up the experience of mid-Atlantic isolation.
So, with the local team in place, whale sightings already recorded by Lisa, all we are missing is good weather and you. It will be great to meet you all and keep your eyes open for another update before the project starts.
Safe travels…
Author: Craig Turner
Craig Turner was born in Oxford, England. He studied biology, ecology and environmental management at Southampton, Aberdeen and London universities. After graduating from his first degree, he left the UK for expedition life in Tanzania. Since then, he has continued to combine his interest in volunteer travel and passion for conservation, working with a wide range of organisations on projects and expedition sites in the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. He has managed expedition programmes for the Zoological Society of London, and is a frequent contributor to the ‘Explore’ conference held by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS). He is a Fellow of the RGS and the Linnean Society. Having visited and/or worked in more countries than years have passed, he now runs a small environmental consultancy with his partner, based in Scotland, where he splits his wildlife interests and work between the UK and overseas. He also crews for the RNLI and is casualty care trained. He is ever keen to share his exploits, writing for several magazines, and is a published photographer.