Volunteering: Alaska!

Petersburg Marine Mammal Center Internship Opportunity - 2010

Located in Petersburg, Alaska´s Little Norway, this project takes place on Mitkof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Petersburg is also known as the Whale Research Capital of Alaska because of the many world-renown marine mammal researchers who use Petersburg as a base of operation.

PMMC is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 to assist research efforts and be a depository for information on research and sightings of marine mammals in Southeast Alaska. We have a small center located in the Viking Travel Building which is on Main Street in downtown Petersburg. The center is manned by interns during the summer months and the Board of Directors carries out the functions of PMMC year-round.

This intern program allows students the opportunity to earn college credit while learning about marine mammals and serving the public. Individuals not in a college program, but with a strong interest and good background in marine mammals are also invited to participate by showing strong professional or life goals with marine mammal interpretation. Indoor exhibits, including an interactive computer kiosk, focus on marine mammal life history and distribution. Two interns will be working at the Center staggered shifts for six days out a week where the work includes, but is not limited to:

- Staff the Center during open hours. Manage operations, sales and petty cash.

- Interpret Alaska marine mammal information for Center visitors and public.
- Assist and help coordinate where possible with researchers using center.
- Prepare/deliver Alaska marine mammal presentations to visitors and small groups.
- Facilitate community outreach and public education of Alaska marine mammals.

Project Duration

Two 8-10 week Intern positions are available beginning mid-June through August 31st.

Accommodation

The volunteer will be accommodated in Forest Service housing near the center of town, making it easy to access to the community and to the Center. The room is shared so both interns must be of the same gender.

Internship Requirements

- must be in an internship program through an accredited university or demonstrate a strong interest and background in marine mammals
- physically fit

- desire to gain skills in the environmental education field
- interested in working with visitors
- possess an interest in working on small projects for the Center
- possess a positive attitude!

Compensation

This is currently an uncompensated internship (other than the housing provided).

Application Process and Deadline

To apply please download a PDF application from our website http://psgmmc.org

Applications deadline is February 28th, 2010 and successful applicant(s) will be notified by March 15th, 2010.

Jeff Reynolds
jeff@psgmmc.org

Volunteering: more volunteers for Sea Watch Foundation!

Sea Watch Foundation Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010

Volunteers are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys.

The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks:

- Land-based surveys
- Boat-based surveys
- Photo-identification studies
- Database entry
- Awareness raising
- Education initiatives
- Acoustic monitoring
- Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks.

Volunteers are required from April until October 2010, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around ?55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required.

Volunteering periods for summer 2010:
Period 1 26/04 - 6/06,
Period 2 7/06 - 18/07,
Period 3 19/07 - 29/08
Period 4 30/08 - 10/10

Important skills/qualifications

Essential:
- an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner
- strong commitment to volunteering work
- willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather
- good IT skills (Office package)
- an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation

Desirable:
- a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
- a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans
- prior experience in boat-based survey work
- good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking
- experience in interacting with the public

All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.

To apply:

Please send your cv, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold@seawatchfoundation.org.uk)

Deadlines: 31st of January 2010.

Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title.

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2010.

Volunteering: Sea Watch Foundation!

The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following:

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2010

This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the "Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project" and coordinating the project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and involves the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. This long-term project was established in 2001 and is overseen by Dr Peter Evans, Director of Sea Watch.

Start Date: April 12th 2010
End Date: October 18th 2010

Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

- Coordination between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers ? in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota.

- Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry and more.

- Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in all phases of the research.

- Optional: Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer (research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant` s interests).

Requirements:

- The successful applicant is expected to have at least a BSc degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, or related field, and be able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research.

- A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and some boating experience are beneficial.

- The applicant should be proficient with Access, databases and word processing software.

- Experience in GIS would be advantageous.

- The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also should be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers.

- They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly.

This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication. This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered.

To apply:

Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting relevant experience to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold@seawatchfoundation.org.uk).
Deadline: 31st January 2010.

Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR in your subject title.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 22nd February 2010.

The Sea Watch Foundation

The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. In recent years, our work has been funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council.

Research

The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations that inhabit Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including:

- Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys

- Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories.

- Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones.

- Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area.

We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.

Employment: : Marine Mammal Project Leader!

Marine mammal monitoring programme project leader

Applications are invited for a one year position leading a marine mammal monitoring programme in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The marine mammal monitoring programme is grant aided by Shell E&P Ireland through RSK Environment Ltd.

The candidate will ideally be a postdoctoral researcher, employed through the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork and will need to be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo.

Background:

Under a development plan for the CORRIB gas field off western Ireland, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd. commissioned the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork to conduct an independent cetacean monitoring programme in northwest Ireland in 2001 - 02. Due to the findings of preliminary field surveys in 2001 the study?s remit was expanded to also include other marine mammal species recorded in the study area. Research was undertaken in Broadhaven Bay (candidate Special Area of Conservation - cSAC), County Mayo and its adjoining coastal waters. The programme of marine mammal monitoring was continued in 2005, 2008 and 2009 during the CORRIB development?s marine phases, to safeguard protected species from potential impacts. Research efforts are currently being continued in 2010 and into 2011.

Position:

We are recruiting a project leader to coordinate the marine mammal monitoring programme. The position will be for February 2010 to January 2011 with potential for extension into 2011 pending funding confirmation.

Candidate: The researcher will require the following skills profile:

* A PhD in any area of marine mammal ecology (preferable, but suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience may also be considered)

* Relevant marine mammal research/monitoring experience

* Knowledge of marine mammal survey methodologies

* Experience of cetacean photo identification techniques

* Experience of acoustic monitoring of cetaceans (TPODs and CPODs currently used in the project)

* Experience of GIS (e.g. ArcGIS), databases (e.g. Access) and metadata standards

* Experience with statistical analysis and preferably statistical modelling

* Good publication track record

* Proven ability of team leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills

* Demonstration of project management and networking skills

* Proven ability to work in a small research group ideally in a remote location

Duration and salary: Duration is for a one year period subject to an initial review after three months and satisfactory progress. The salary for this position (gross) is fixed at ?43,000 p.a.

Application:

The closing date for applications is January 29th 2010. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references and a cover letter via email to Grainne Lynch: grainne.lynch@ucc.ie.

Michelle A. Cronin MSc PhD
Scientific Researcher
Marine Ecology Group
Coastal & Marine Resources Centre
Naval Base
Haulbowline
Cobh
Co. Cork
Phone no: 021 4703114
Fax no: 021 4703132

Activities: SEABASS course!

WHAT IS SeaBASS? SEABASS provides the opportunity for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university.

WHEN: June 20-25, 2010.

Arrive on June 19.

Depart on June 25.

WHERE: Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA

COSTS:

The basic costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all is required. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process.

APPLICATION:

On-line application is available at www.arl.psu.edu/edu_seabass.php.

Applications are due on February 15, 2010.
Direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds via email at: seabass@only.arl.psu.edu

COURSE TOPICS:

Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Sound Production, Fisheries Acoustics/Fish Behavior, Hearing and Masking, Marine Animal Acoustic Communication, Echolocation, Hot Topic: Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Hot Topic: Effects of Noise.

Sponsored by Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, Acoustical Society of America, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Volunteering: Florida!

*Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute Internships*

The Chicago Zoological Society´s Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute (DRCI), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world´s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. The program`s goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the
structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The DRCI uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the DRCI and the individual projects listed below, please visit:

www.sarasotadolphin.org.

The DRCI is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer 2010 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 17 May - 30 September). The successful candidates will participate in at least two research projects:

1) *Dolphin population monitoring project* (approx. 80% time)

This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-id of dolphins, computer data entry, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance, and other
duties;

2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project* (approx. 20% time)

This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, recording of fish sounds via hydrophone, and collection of other environmental data.

There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only).

Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:

- Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies;

- A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field;

- Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access);

- Some field research experience preferred but not required;

- Must be able to swim;

- Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods;

- A willingness to spend a minimum of 2-3 months working full time with our program.

To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:

1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory´s website (www.mote.org/interns). Be sure to select "Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute" as your first choice;

2) Complete and provide to Mote`s intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae;

3) Send a brief email to the DRCI´s Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, kmchugh@mote.org) stating your name, contact information, exact dates available and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above.


All applications will be reviewed; those received by March 15th will be given first priority. We are seeking 4-6 interns for the summer of 2010, depending on scheduling. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 375, kmchugh@mote.org) in the DRCI with any questions.

Activities: PAMGUARD course in St. Andrews!

The use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is becoming an increasingly important tool in both marine mammal research and applied in industry.

It is important that individuals using any passive acoustic monitoring software are properly trained to use the software to maximise its full potential. Feedback from users is also important in the ongoing development of such software.

PAMGUARD is currently funded by the OGP E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program, and has been established to address the fundamental limitations of existing cetacean passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) software capabilities. PAMGUARD seeks to provide open-source PAM software based on a platform-independent (e.g. Windows or Linux), flexible, modular architecture. The open-source aspect of software development is facilitated through the project's presence on SourceForge, where a community of altruistic developers provides extra
resources. This community currently includes developers with proven PAM experience from both the UK and the USA. Open development means that the software is free and access to the code is easy and assured. It also allows the code's copyright to be protected in perpetuity so that it cannot readily be closed and commercialised to the detriment of its users. It ultimately means that more people have access for development. This generally speeds up innovations and improves the performance and maintainability of the code.

SMRU Ltd are running a PAMGUARD Training course on the 18th and 19th February, in St Andrews. There are still some places available on this course.

The course will be lead by Dr Doug Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the Pamguard software.

If you are interested in attending the course please see the Pamguard website for further details:

http://www.pamguard.org/training.shtml

Dr Beth Mackey
SMRU Limited
Scottish Oceans Institute
New Technology Centre
North Haugh
ST ANDREWS
Fife KY16 9SR
bml@smru-com.uk
www.smru.co.uk

Volunteering: Hong Kong!

Internships Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Full-time unpaid internships are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. The ARL conducts studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics.
Interns receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with projects administrative and maintenance requirements.

Interns should have at least two years of university experience. Individuals from all types of academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Selection is competitive and is based on the applicant?s statement of interest, prior experience, academic record, and letters of reference.
Internship periods last for 5-6 months and interns are continuously accepted. Visa arrangements will need to be made once interns are accepted.

There is no charge for the internship. Interns are responsible for their own room and board.

To apply please submit the following:
1) Statement of Interest
2) Academic records
3) Three letters of reference
4) Curriculum Vitae

Please send applications to rebecca.wellard@oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line.

--------------------------------
Rebecca Wellard
Research Department
Ocean Park Cooperation
Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Email: rebecca.wellard@oceanpark.com.hk

International Events: SEAMAMMS!

The 2010 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place March 26-28, 2010 in Virginia Beach, VA and will be hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available.

Important dates are below with final information expected to be posted by January 15th to http://uncw.edu/seamamms.

Abstract submissions to SEAMAMMS will take place January 15th to February 10th (by 12:00 pm). You will be notified if your abstract is accepted by February 20th. Early registration forms must be postmarked by March 10th.

Volunteering: Florida!

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Summer term.

DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies.

Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment,and assisting with experimental research sessions.

Specific job duties include:
* Collecting observational behavioral data
* Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions
* Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental research sessions
* Operating video equipment
* Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis
* General support of the facility through participation in thevolunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting withpublic programs, guest interactions, etc.)

Publications:

Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005).Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120.

Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates.

Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required.

The deadline to apply is *** February 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC.

Emily Guarino
Administrative Director of Research
emily@dolphins.org
Dolphin Research Center
58901
Overseas Hwy.
Grassy Key,
FL 33050
www.dolphins.org