Dear all, The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from 5 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar from 19 November to 20 December 2012(5 weeks)
Fin whale project: The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 3 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with merchant ships or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. This project has been running for 4 years both in summertime and wintertime from the Spanish coast of the Strait. During this next winter survey we are planning to (1) deploy satellite tags on the migrating whales to identify their wintering grounds and (2) start a pilot project from a station in Morocco on the other side of the Strait. Conditions: Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low (usually no more than 20€/week). Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (9-18h) under the sun, the wind and sometimes cold weather and to help with data entry when bad weather. For more information, a video and the blog of the project, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=203&Itemid=103&lang=en) Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently Spanish and/or English - be available for the entire 5-week period Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including whale tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants should send an email introducing themselves. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experiences relevant to this project. Please also attach a brief CV, detailing your previous experiences, and download the registration form from http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=203&Itemid=103&lang=en (also available in Spanish and French). For those who are interested, there is an opportunity for arriving earlier and help with pilot whale photo-ID (from 29th October on), please mention it in your email. Applications will be accepted until 22 October 2012 and then your participation will be confirmed during the week (please check your email at that time). For more information, do not hesitate to contact me. All the best Pauline PS: we will have a stand at Whale Fest (www.whale-fest.com) in Brighton on 27-28 Oct if you want to meet us. ---------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE (España/Spain) http://www.circe.info ----------------------------
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