The Delphis Association works to protect marine mammals in Israel through research, citizen science, raising public awareness, and promoting national and international policies to create protected spaces for marine mammals. Delphis volunteers are an integral part of the success of these activities, with volunteering options being diverse and tailored to the level of involvement requested/desired - from participating in various events and activities, and helping with their organization, to developing personal initiatives to promote the conservation of marine mammals in Israel.

We hold events such as an annual photography competition open to the general public, the Ashdod Dolphin Swim (led by Schwang and the Ashdod Municipality), tours and activities at the Dolphin and Sea Center in Ashdod (the association's educational center), volunteer meetings (at least once a quarter) with enrichment lectures, and activities dedicated to preserving the marine environment for companies, organizations, and educational frameworks. Our volunteers assist, among other things, in staffing information stands at various events, in marketing our educational center's tour activities, in assisting with the maintenance of the center itself and with routine tasks (such as packing), and also provide a great deal of help that is directly related to their field of work and professional experience.

Volunteering options at the association

• Citizen Science : A relatively new field based on collecting scientific information from citizens, and in our case – from seafarers (yachtmen, kayakers, divers, etc.). The data is processed and analyzed and added to the researchers' database from dedicated marine surveys. We are pleased to launch a new program for volunteers, which will allow them to take an active part in the research cruises that the association conducts in collaboration with the University of Haifa. From now on, volunteers will be able to undergo training to conduct marine surveys - as surveyors or photographers. The activity is being carried out thanks to the cooperation with the Sail la via Ashkelon Yacht Club and thanks to the generous contribution of a volunteer in the association.

• Education and outreach: Volunteering in the association's educational activities and outreach activities in the field.

• Personal initiatives: The association's volunteers are invited to submit suggestions or ideas for projects they are interested in leading/developing, and which contribute to one or more of the association's goals.

• Volunteering for a specific project - one-time or ongoing: An update regarding the various options will be presented by Delphis once a quarter, at the association's volunteer meeting, or if necessary (for example, as in the case of Yulia's visit to Israel).

Each month, the organization selects a volunteer who has particularly stood out in their work on behalf of marine mammals and highlights them on the website and social media platforms. Volunteers of the month who have been trained as marine surveyors receive priority registration for our research cruises.

Those who join the association will receive a gift of their choice - a Delfis T-shirt or Julia hat - upon arrival at the first physical meeting.