*Whales and dolphins research in southern Tanzania – Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park, January 2024*
The project focuses on monitoring cetaceans in Tanzanian waters, using a variety of methods, including systematic small boat surveys with data collection on presence/absence, species identification, distribution, behaviour, group cohesion, photo identification and acoustics, in strategically selected areas. The pristine seascape of Mnazi Bay and its surrounding waters, located in Southern Tanzania, holds unparalleled marine wildlife biodiversity, with 10 cetacean species recorded to date (the list will likely expand). At the same time 50,000 people live near the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Park, and being a coastal community, they depend on the ocean for their livelihood. Our project embraces scientific data collection and community based environmental education, which once combined, become a backbone of effective conservation. By participating in the research, you’ll help to bridge crucial data gaps for better understanding of the species richness in the area, conservation issues identification and contributing towards conservation strategy development in the region. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer a limited number of volunteering placements for expedition in January 2024, that will take place in southern Tanzania with the research base in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) – the most biodiverse seascape of the region and a cetacean hotspot. Selected volunteers will participate in the small boat surveys off MBREMP and will assist in collecting visual and acoustic data on cetacean species of this region, gaining practical experience and theoretical knowledge from reputable cetacean experts. Placements are open for the fixed period of 2 weeks starting on 10th January 2024. REQUIREMENTS -Genuine interest in marine conservation, integrity, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Physical fitness and mental endurance enabling sustaining long hours out at sea in sometimes challenging conditions; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment in a remote location; -Respect for the project's rules and work ethics, willingness to adhere to the standards and protocols; -Fluency in English (both spoken and written) and good communications skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications and filed techniques; -Ability to handle equipment responsibly and with due care; -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage; FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Participating in small boat-based surveys daily (total number of surveys is contingent on weather, but +- 10 surveys should be expected). -Collecting cetaceans sighting, behavioural, acoustic and photo identification data, alongside environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating various equipment including cameras, drone, hydrophone (commensurate with skills and experience) and managing respective software programs (Discovery, PAMGuard, QGIS etc.); -Data entry and basic analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; TRAINING The Nyangumi Tanzania team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The project contribution for the 2-week placement is $1,800. The contribution covers the cost of participation in the project and includes: -Accommodation in a tented camp in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park; -Basic meals; -Training and lectures with a copy of the lecture on PDF; -Fieldwork (daily boat surveys, up to 10 surveys); -Use of the equipment (subject to respective skills). Applicants are responsible for their international flights to/from Tanzania and internal flights to Mtwara, extra meals not included in the field work period, insurance (all participants must have health and/or travel insurance), visa and personal expenses. In the beautiful and remote location of the Mnazi Bay, you’ll have opportunity to: · Encounter cetaceans including Risso’s, Spinner, Bottlenose dolphins. There are chances to encounter rarely seen in this region pelagic melon headed whales, false killer whales and pilot whales. · Visit sand dunes and mangroves, local fishermen villages and the Ruvuma estuary – hope to hippos. · Snorkel pristine coral reefs. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to nyangumi...@gmail.com, copying i...@dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us.
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