Iberian Orca Conservation Programme
Save the Iberian Orca is a collaborative project led by WeWhale, Iberian Orca Guardians, and Sea Shepherd France, based in Barbate, Cádiz, in the south of Spain.
Our primary goal is to protect the Iberian orca population through daily surveys and continuous habitat monitoring, fostering understanding and coexistence between the sailing community and these magnificent animals.
We inform sailors about the presence of orcas in the area and provide official guidelines to help prevent unwanted encounters.
Additionally, we monitor the area to ensure that no activities harmful to individual orcas take place.
Moreover, we actively record and remove abandoned fishing gear and marine litter from the sea, hazards that pose serious risks, including entanglement, to orcas and other marine life.
To learn more about our campaign and see our latest results, follow us on our social networks WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians, and the dedicated website Save the Iberian Orca.
Would you like to volunteer with our Iberian orca conservation programme?
Daily tasks:
- Join daily sea trips on our boat Toñi from the port of Barbate (weather permitting).
- Collect field data (sea conditions, marine litter, sightings of marine megafauna).
- Help with daily cleaning and basic maintenance of the vessel.
Essential requirements:
- Fluent in English or Spanish.
- Strong communication skills and able to work well in a team.
- Fit and comfortable spending up to 8 hours a day at sea, often in sun and choppy conditions.
- Positive, proactive and able to work independently when needed.
- Patient and flexible — fieldwork plans can change at short notice.
- Background in biology, marine science, or photo/video work.
Strongly desirable:
- Your own camera/video kit and experience with digital photography and/or filming, and social media.
- Previous experience onboard.
Important information:
This is an unpaid volunteer role, and volunteers are responsible for covering their own costs, including travel to Barbate, accommodation, day-to-day living expenses and travel insurance. The minimum stay is two weeks, although preference will be given to those who can commit for longer. Please note that all sea trips are weather-dependent; strong winds are common in this area, so it may not always be possible to go out on the water.
As the campaign runs during the peak tourist season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation well in advance. If you won’t have your own vehicle, it’s best to stay in Barbate and consider hiring a car, as public transport in the area is limited.
How to apply:
Please email your CV and a short motivation letter to Cristina at cristina@wewhale with the subject “Volunteer Application 2026” by 1 April 2026, and include your availability.
