This year, the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is accepting five interns for its Field Research and Environmental Education Internship as part of its ‘Net Effect’ Programme to reduce the impact of ghost fishing gear and entanglement on cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) through an internship project with our whale watching tour operator partners.
*WCA’s Net Effect Internship Programme* During a 3-6 month period each intern will gain experience both at WCA Headquarters in the UK, and with a chosen WCA Responsible Whale Watch Tour Operator Partner in another country (Europe, North America, Latin America, or Africa). Initially working on a project to provide educational materials on ghost fishing gear and entanglement to marine educators worldwide, each intern will be trained as a naturalist guide, take part in activities to raise awareness of the issue of ghost fishing gear, and work on-board a whale watching boat delivering talks and interactive activities that focus on ghost fishing gear and entanglement, giving the public actions that they can take to help solve the problem. *The problem* There is a ghost gear crisis in our oceans. Ghost gear is fishing nets, pots, and lines that have been accidentally or even deliberately left or lost at sea. This gear can entangle fish, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life. The nets restrict movement, cause starvation, and suffocate animals that need to return to the surface to breathe. They kill over 100,000 marine mammals and countless other wildlife every year. *WCA’s Net Effect Programme* - WCA Partners spend a combined 4000 days at sea searching for ghost gear and releasing wildlife as part of their other activities. - WCA aims to discover and measure the scale of the problem in all 5 oceans. - Through our Partners we will talk about the Net Effect with 500,000 people on the water. - We will build a network of advocates able to collect data on ghost fishing gear and contribute to the identification of hotspots worldwide. - Our work feeds into the work of a wider partnership called the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). *Requirements* 1. Interns must pay their own expenses, including food, accommodation, and travel 2. Interns are requested to complete a fundraising activity for the WCA either before or during their internship. More information will be provided to successful applicants 3. The time spent and activities undertaken with a WCA Responsible Whale Watch Tour Operator Partner vary depending on the partner chosen. Some partners offer accommodation as part of the internship, others have options for cheap accommodation nearby. The WCA will endeavour to place interns with the most appropriate partner. 4. The internship will begin around 1st July with interns based for the first month at WCA Headquarters in Brighton, UK, before travelling to continue their internship with their chosen whale watch tour operator. *Example Whale Watch Tour Operator Partner: Cape Ann Whale Watch* Based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA, Cape Ann Whale Watch takes between 150 and 250 passengers a day on whale watches in and around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Specializing in education, we strive to educate passengers about whales and the marine environment. It is our hope to inspire a sense of respect and personal responsibility for the wellbeing of the planet. Up to four interns and one naturalist on every trip help accomplish our goal of educating people about whales and fostering a stronger appreciation and respect for whales and the ocean environment. With this newfound respect and appreciation, the team of educators also hopes to positively influence how the passengers regard the environment and to increase their role in helping to preserve it. In order to accomplish this goal, our interns circulate the boat with hands-on teaching tools to educate the public about whales and their environment. To give an idea of what we use: There are samples of whale baleen and teeth for passengers to touch. A 3-D model of Stellwagen Bank allows people to better understand why whales migrate to the coast of Massachusetts. Our whale tail identification board allows passengers to become scientists and test their skills at matching whale tails. Once the actual whale watching begins, the naturalist provides educational interpretive commentary while the interns collect data on whale behaviour and identification for our research project. The interns are also on-board to answer questions on a wide variety of topics, on everything from whale behaviour to whale conservation. Finally, the interns are expected to help with the general functioning of the whale watching vessel. Interns work four to five days on the boat. It might seem like a lot, but in reality, you are spending your summer aboard a boat, on the Atlantic Ocean, watching whales. What can be better than that? You don’t need to be a biologist to apply. We are looking for students who will make the most of the amazing opportunities this internship provides. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about whales and the ocean environment. Applicants for this position should feel comfortable with public speaking, teaching in small groups, and working with school age children. *Applications* *Early application is strongly encouraged.* Applications will be accepted until 20 May. Once a completed application is received, a shortlist will be drawn up. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview via skype. Applicants will then be notified soon after. This is an unpaid internship, and housing is not provided, but we will work with all the interns to find something suitable. To apply: Send a C.V. and covering letter stating why you are interested in this internship via email entitled ‘Net Effect Internship’ to Dylan Walker at: dy...@worldcetaceanalliance.org
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