Cetaceans research internships announcement - Winter Season 2015
Hi everyone,
On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to
announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for Winter
term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation, with a start date around
January 15th, but start date will be flexible) for our research project along
the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain).
Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology
and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and
communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent
strandings of various marine mammals species, the participants will be a part
of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded
animals.
The BDRI offers the interns the chance to work during many steps of the
research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the
studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of
scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the
research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the
transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use
various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more.
Hence interns will also assist with marine mammals rescue (cetaceans and
seals), carcass salvage, analysis of stomach contents, and field necropsies as
needed in Galician waters.
As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of
what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic
background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation,
willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most
qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the
participant the responsibilities and experience which give an insight and
reflect the ones of a true future job in the field of marine mammal science.
The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute
presentation at the end of their internship. Undergraduate and postgraduate
students could, as a part of one of BDRIs projects, present a personal research
project as their thesis work. In order to do so, this is requested within your
internship application.
The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation
for the internship positions. This means that in order for you to come and take
a part of the project you will have to pay for a part of the expenses that are
derived from your participation (the internship/tuition fee). The fee includes
the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and a small part of other expenses
derived of your participation (use of equipment, field trips by car, use of
research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own
transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia,
Spain).
There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a
first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled
(maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not
required.
Please download the internships general information and application form at:
www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf
www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc
Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by
email to the email: i...@thebdri.com.
See you on site!
Bruno Diaz Lopez
Chief Biologist and Director
Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)
Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980
Pontevedra-Spain
tel. 00 34 605 521441
www.thebdri.com
Selected scientific articles by the BDRI:
1. Diaz Lopez B., 2012. Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and
site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Marine Biology,
159:2161-2172. DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2002-x
2. Diaz Lopez B. Marino, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device
efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and
Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp (4):197-208.
3. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in
Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jorgensen (Ed.), CRC Press,
Taylor Francis, FL.pp 241-256.
4. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose
dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour.
Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189.
5. Diaz Lopez, B. Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose
dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior,
and Threats, (A.G. Pierce L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York.
Pp 129 -148.
6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops
