The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.biz) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on killer whale energetic budget in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will take place from 5 April to 31 May 2010.
Killer whale project:
The killer whale population of the Strait of Gibraltar has a diet mainly based on Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This population is believed to be in danger due to the rapid decrease of their prey under human fishing. They usually feed on tuna using an "endurance-exhaustion" technique. This behaviour can be easily observed from 2
land based stations on top of the cliffs off La Breña national park, Andalucia, South of Spain. We wish to collect behavioural and positional data (using binos and theodolite) from these land stations as well as blow rates to assess the energetic budget of this foraging technique.
Volunteers should be available at least for one week study (see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=103 and http://circe-volunteers-2009.blogspot.com for last year project blog) but long period availability is possible. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. Food will be at your own expenses.
Successful applicants will:
- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research
- be autonomous and quickly operational
- be able to live and work constructively with others in a team
- speak fluently English and/or Spanish
Preference will be given to those who:
- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including whale tracking
- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience
Killer whale project:
The killer whale population of the Strait of Gibraltar has a diet mainly based on Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This population is believed to be in danger due to the rapid decrease of their prey under human fishing. They usually feed on tuna using an "endurance-exhaustion" technique. This behaviour can be easily observed from 2
land based stations on top of the cliffs off La Breña national park, Andalucia, South of Spain. We wish to collect behavioural and positional data (using binos and theodolite) from these land stations as well as blow rates to assess the energetic budget of this foraging technique.
Volunteers should be available at least for one week study (see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=103 and http://circe-volunteers-2009.blogspot.com for last year project blog) but long period availability is possible. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. Food will be at your own expenses.
Successful applicants will:
- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research
- be autonomous and quickly operational
- be able to live and work constructively with others in a team
- speak fluently English and/or Spanish
Preference will be given to those who:
- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including whale tracking
- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience
Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to ruth/circe-asso.org. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV.
Applications will be accepted until 15 March although early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception.
For more information, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=103
(also available in Spanish and French) or contact ruth/circe-asso.org.
All the best,
Pauline
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