Voluntariado: Isla Mauricio!

The Mauritian Marine Conservation Society has embarked on a study of the dolphin watching industry in Mauritius and the dolphins exploited in this industry.

To give a little background: The dolphin watching industry has grown unregulated and uncontrolled over the last 5 or 6 years (a whale watching industry is nascent and may take off at any moment). On a typical day, groups of spinner dolphins, sometimes up to 100 animals, but typically 50 dolphins, will be visited by an average of 30-40 boats over a 4 hour period, early to mid- morning. With a non-ending stream of snorkellers jumping in the water to be near them. On occasion, perhaps 20% of the time, small groups (2 to 5) of bottlenose dolphins are subjected to the same fate. At the moment the population of bottlenose is the major conservation issue. We expect to find, based purely on intuition and not science, a very small population of Tursiops, probably around 100 to 150 animals. In contrast, the spinners that visit the coast daily are probably part of a larger population, probably around 3000 to 5000 strong - perhaps 1 or 2 thousand less. But, that is all conjecture, we need to establish the sustainability of the industry and the conservation status of the dolphins scientifically.

We have two students working on this:

1. Behavioural and ecological aspects, what the dolphins are doing in the area, what they do before the boats arrive, during and after.

2. Determining numbers and identity of both species. In addition the examination of the socio-economic aspects, what the industry is worth, how many people, from where etc etc will be continued.

The trouble is we have a limited budget and we, like most science, need to augment this in some way. Hence, we are looking for paying volunteers to come to Mauritius and help us with this work. Other than the research (undertaken by two PhD students) outlined above, the programme also encompasses:

- Working with schools to promote environmental awareness.

- Lobbying Government, the dolphin watching industry and private business, in an effort to gain support for sustainable marine eco-tourism. So, not only is there opportunity to help the PhD students with their research, but there will be ample opportunity to work with the MMCS in their educational and awareness campaign.

We would like to host a maximum of two volunteers at any one time to help. Help would mostly be collecting data at sea, on our boat, or somehow helping the collection of research data.

Volunteers will be accommodated with one of the students in a small furnished house in Black River (GPS 20o 21.77'S, 57o 21.48'E). Volunteers will have their own room and food will be provided, the same food eaten by the students. Anything outside of this will be for the volunteer's own account. Volunteers will be expected to contribute to housework, cleaning etc. The house is well appointed, two toilets, one bathroom with shower. It is about 750 m from a shopping centre that has a well stocked supermarket. The beach is about 100 m away.

Openings for volunteers are available immediately. Charges will be around GBP200 per week, with GBP50 airport pick up and return, with a minimum of 4 weeks (and a maximum of 8 weeks, because of Government stipulation).

For more info on volunteering, contact: Imogen Webster Principle Research Officer (PhD candidate) iwebster@mmcs-ngo.org or Skype imogen.webster or www.mmcs-ngo.org

Voluntariado: Kenya!

I am writing on behalf of Global Vision International who are seeking expedition members for our conservation projects in Kenya.

Expedition members are required to join the GVI research team throughout the year to participate in terrestrial and marine wildlife research, and community development projects on the Kenyan coast of the western Indian Ocean, East Africa. There is also a free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service for all expedition members once they have participated in an expedition.

Research projects are dynamic and community development projects vary according to the changing priorities of the communities we support. The main projects include research on and conservation of; cetacean populations, including bottlenose and humpback dolphins and seasonal research on spinner dolphins and humpback whales, turtle snorkel surveys, primates including the Angolan black and white colobus and coastal forest biodiversity.

Community development projects include teaching English in primary schools, environmental education, adult education classes, human-wildlife conflict and alternative livelihood projects.

We also have internships, which offer participants the chance to work alongside wildlife conservationprofessionals and play a part in the long-term conservation of two of Kenya’s most important protected areas: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area and Tsavo West National Park.

Expedition focus:
Volunteers will rotate on a weekly basis around our marine research, coastal forest research, coastal teaching & community development and Tsavo West community development programmes. Volunteers receive thorough training at the beginning of each programme including research survey techniques, data collection, species identification including cetaceans, marine turtles, primates and birds as well GVI’s introduction to TEFL course. An optional BTEC qualification in Supervision of Biological Surveys is also available and volunteers will build upon their training, gaining knowledge and developing practical field skills throughout their time on the programmes. First Aid & CPR training is provided along with all health and safety protocols relevant to the expedition and university/college credits may also be available. We also provide basic Kiswahili lessons and ample opportunity to practice as well as opportunities to arrange side trips to other habitats and locations.

Highlights of the programme:
- Gain experience in both marine and terrestrial research including marine mammal surveys and primate behaviour.
- Receive comprehensive training at our Mkwiro base on Wasini Island adjacent to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area, Kenya’s most famous dolphin-watching location and premier coral reef dive site.
- Learn marine mammal and turtle survey techniques including photo-identification.
- Spend time at our mainland base in Shimoni, a national historical conservation area and home to Kenya’s second largest population of Angolan black and white colobus in coastal forests that are recognised as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
- Receive training in primate research, including behavioural studies, and learn a diverse range of biodiversity surveys.
- Take the opportunity to gain a BTEC qualification in Supervising Biological Surveys supported by a unique broad range of field experience.
- Undertake GVI’s Introduction to TEFL course and teach English in local schools as well as environmental education.
- Work with former wildlife poachers on the edge of Tsavo West national park, camping in the shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro, to develop alternative livelihoods that will promote both community development and conservation.
- Learn about human-wildlife conflict in modern rural Africa and practical ways that communities can co-exist with wildlife.
- Immerse yourself in traditional Swahili culture and experience the cultural, geographic and biological diversity of Kenya in some of its most beautiful and off-the-beaten track locations.

Further details including a detailed briefing are outlined on the relevant webpage at
http://www.gvi.co.uk/expeditions/Africa/Kenya/conservation-community-development-expedition/home

Global Vision International Critical conservation and humanitarian projects in over 40 countries rely on GVI for volunteers, promotion and direct funding. GVI works locally with its partners to promote sustainable development through environment research, conservation and education.

GVI volunteers benefit from exceptional support, training, internship and traineeship schemes.

For more information about GVI visit www.gvi.co.uk.

Career Opportunities in the field:
GVI offers a large range of jobs, internships and other exciting field work placements in the fields of education, research, environmental management and wildlife research alongside its partner organizations in countries across the world. Candidates undertaking internships or placements will be in a stronger position to apply for paid field positions. Many current GVI staff have obtained their positions in this way. More details can be seen on
http://www.careersabroad.co.uk.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Richard Walton

Global Vision International
3 High Street
St Albans
HERTS
AL3 4ED
01727 250 250
www.gvi.co.uk

Voluntariado: Mauricio!

The together with the Mauritian Marine Conservation Society, Centre for Dolphin Studies has embarked on a study of the dolphin watching industry in Mauritius and the dolphins exploited in this industry.

To give a little background:
The dolphin watching industry has grown unregulated and uncontrolled over the last 5 or 6 years (a whale watching industry is nascent and may take off at any moment). On a typical day, groups of spinner dolphins, sometimes up to 100 animals, but typically 50 dolphins, will be visited by an average of 50 boats (sometimes up to 100) over a 4 hour period, early to mid- morning. With a non-ending stream of snorkellers jumping in the water to be near them. On occasion, perhaps 20% of the time, small groups (2 to 5) of bottlenose dolphins are subjected to the same fate.

Contrary to what might be expected, I think the bottlenose are the major conservation issue. What I expect to find, based purely on intuition and not science, is a very small population of Tursiops, probably around 100 to 150 animals. I say this because the Island coastline is only 170km long and the barrier reef on average 750 m wide. So this gives an area of habitat of about 120square km and from experience coastal bottlenose occur at a maximum of about 1 per square km. In contrast, I expect that the spinners visiting the coast daily are part of a larger population, probably around 3000 to 5000 strong - perhaps 1 or 2 thousand less. But, that is all conjecture, we need to establish the sustainability of the industry and the conservation status of the dolphins scientifically.

We have three students working on this:
1. Examining the socio-economic aspects, what the industry is worth, how many people, from where etc etc.
2. Behavioural aspects, what the dolphins are doing in the area, what they do before the boats arrive, during and after.
3. Determining numbers and identity of both species.

The trouble is we have a limited budget and we, like most science, need to augment this in some way. Hence, we are looking for paying volunteers to come to Mauritius and help us with this work. Other than the research (undertaken by three PhD students) outlined above, the programme also encompasses:

Working with schools to promote environmental awareness.
Lobbying Government, the dolphin watching industry and private business, in an effort to gain support for sustainable marine eco-tourism.

So, not only is there opportunity to help the three PhD students with their research, but there will be ample opportunity to work with the MMCS in their educational and awareness campaign.

We would like to host a maximum of two volunteers at any one time to help. Help would mostly be collecting data at sea, on our new boat, or somehow helping the collection of research data.

Volunteers will be accommodated with two of the students in a small furnished house in Black River (GPS 20o 21.77'S, 57o 21.48'E).

Volunteers will share a room and food will be provided, the same food eaten by the students.

Anything outside of this will be for the volunteer's own account. Volunteers will be expected to contribute to housework, cleaning etc. The house is well appointed, two toilets, one bathroom with shower. It is about 750 m from a shopping centre that has a well stocked supermarket. The beach is about 100 m away.

Openings for volunteers are available immediately. Charges will be around 350 Euros per week, including airport pick up and return, with a minimum of 4 weeks (and a maximum of 8 weeks, because of Government stipulation).

For more info on volunteering, contact:

Jacqueline Sauzier (MMCS Chair)
zakinsau@intnet.mu
Imogen Webster (PhD candidate)
iwebster@mmcs-ngo.org or
www.mmcs-ngo.org or,
of course, me!
Vic Cockroft
info@dolphinstudies.co.za
http://www.dolphinstudies.org/

Voluntariado: yubartas en Tanzania!

HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY

The marine mammal research group at Stockholm University, Sweden, will conduct boat based humpback whale research between July and September 2008 in the coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The overall aim of the study is to initiate a long term monitoring program of humpback whales in Tanzania and provide a good basis for management and conservation.

There is an opportunity for one person to participate in this research as a research assistant during July and August 2008. The research assistant will assist in collecting photo-ID data, biopsy sampling; behavioural and environmental data and acoustic recordings. The research assistant will also assist in other tasks, both at sea and on land.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in cetacean research and conservation. Prior fieldwork and/or boating experience are desired. The candidate must be able to work for long hours (up to 10 hours a day) in rough weather conditions in a hot and humid tropical climate and be robust against sea-sickness. The candidate must also be able to cope with basic living conditions (no air condition and cold showers) in a developing country. Previous experience of similar sort will therefore be given preference. The candidate must be available between around the 10th of July and the 15th of August, but is welcome to stay on for longer after this date.

Unfortunately, this is not a paid position and the successful candidate must be able to afford his/her own flight ticket, tourist VISA (50 USD), vaccinations, insurance and food. Accommodation will be provided.

This is a good opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of cetacean research, suitable for anyone that is planning to pursue a career in cetacean research or similar fields.

Zanzibar and its surrounding waters host a beautiful nature and a rich marine life. Living in a local village at the south coast of Zanzibar also provides a unique opportunity to get in close contact with the local community and residents in this region of Africa.

Anyone interested should email Fredrik Christiansen (see below) immediately, with a cover letter, CV and the names of two referees and contact details. Any questions regarding the research can be sent to the same address. Please, make sure to be specific about your previous experiences in cetacean research, living/visiting developing countries, previous boat experience (sea-sickness etc).

I am looking forward to receiving your application.
Best regards,

Fredrik Christiansen
Department of Zoology
Stockholm University
Sweden
Email: f.christiansen@live.se

Voluntariado: Mauritania!

RESEARCH ASSISTANT NEEDED FOR FIELD WORK IN NORTHWEST AFRICA

Hello,I am recruiting one research assistant for a period of approximately three weeks (May and beginning of June) to conduct cetacean research in Mauritania, which is located in Northwest Africa bordering the Sahara desert.

The works consists of patrolling the whole Mauritanian coast, from the Parc National du Banc d´Arguin to the border with Senegal, in a 4-wheel drive and collect as much data and biological material as possible.

DUTIES of the research assistant:
- be prepared to work long hours under the sun and for consecutive days;
- assist with dissections if stranded animals are found;
- assist in the collection of all kinds of biological material;
- assist with Morphometric analysis of delphinid skulls;
- collect plankton and fish samples;
- participate in the laboratory activities.

REQUIREMENTS:
- Background in biology, marine and environmental sciences or a related field;
- Speak French is a plus (not essential) and a second language, such as Portuguese, Spanish or English;
- Preferably have previous field experience (not mandatory)
- Be prepared to live and work in a very simple manner, as Mauritania is a country with few resources and considered to be quite poor.

There is NO COMPENSATION for this work as it is entirely a VOLUNTEER position. The successful research assistant will be responsible for its own transportation to Nouakchott and living expenses (approx. 10-15 ?/day) during the time of the volunteering.

This research position is ideal for people who want to gain some hands-on experience in the field of cetacean research and that might even want to pursue a future career in this field of expertise. This person should also like to travel and get to know other cultures.

TO APPLY:
send an e-mail to one of the following addresses:
anapinela@ub.edu or ana.pinela@gmail.com and attach a copy of your CV and a motivation letter briefly explaining why you´re interested in this volunteer position.

Details related to the field work will be passed on to the successful candidate on plane fairs, accommodation, live style and costs, etc., as well as information on cetaceans that inhabit Mauritanian waters (bibliographic material).

To those of you, who read until the end THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!
Cheers,

Ana Pinela
PhD Candidate
Universitat de Barcelona
Facultat de Biologia
Dept. Biologia Animal (Vertebrados)
Av. Diagonal 645,
1st floor
08028
Barcelona
Spain
Tel: +34 93 402 1453
Fax: +34 93 403 5740