February 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking volunteer research assistants for a project on endangered Australian sea lions
by Sylvia Osterrieder 09 Feb '14

09 Feb '14

*Seeking volunteer research assistants for a project on endangered Australian sea lions* *Project title:* *Conservation ecology and human disturbance of Australian sea lions in WA* *Project description:* In this study, baseline information on the ecology and behaviour of Australian sea lions in Western Australia are being collected. This project aims to provide basic knowledge on the sea lions' colony sizes, movement patterns, temporal and spatial habitat use as well as critical haul-out behaviour that will inform the management of Australian sea lions inhabiting key breeding and non-breeding locations in Western Australia. Scan samples and individual focal follows (behavioural observations) are being conducted to measure the level of disturbance caused by humans using the beaches simultaneously with these endangered otariid. Also, a new photo-identification method is being tested and developed to recognize individual Australian sea lions in the field. This method would aid in estimating the population size of Australian sea lions and investigating their residency patterns and habitat use on key breeding islands and haul-out locations in Western Australia. . *Main field sites:* Seal Island in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and Carnac Island Nature Reserve, Western Australia. A few other haul-out islands within the Perth Metropolitan area are also being visited during monthly boat surveys. *Field trip dates: *March - April/May 2014 Bad weather days will be spent entering and processing data. Priority will be given to assistants who can commit for longer periods due to the training required. Research assistants who can commit for 2-3 months are strongly preferred. *Assistant duties: *Collecting and recording observational data, both on land and from the boat. Assistants will be helping with data entry and processing, including sorting and processing photos and information recorded on dictaphones. *Prerequisites:* 1. Background knowledge in marine biology, ecology or conservation and experience in field research is a plus. 2. Research assistants should be confident working for long hours on islands with limited facilities and on small boats. Boat license and handling skills would be beneficial. 3. Assistants need to be dedicated to help in this project. During data collection the ability to focus for long periods, collecting and recording high quality and accurate data is required. Assistants are expected to maintain a positive attitude during long hours in the field and towards other team members, also in varying weather conditions. 4. Field trips are very weather dependant and will therefore be organised at short notice (often only 1-2 days prior) and will vary between week and weekend days and may take place on public holidays. Field trips start early in the morning. *Expenses: *This is an unpaid opportunity to gain training and experience in ecological sciences and particularly in marine mammal research. Transportation to the study sites can be provided from Fremantle, WA but unfortunately other travel expenses cannot be covered. Research assistants are expected to bring their own lunch and water. If you are interested in helping out in this project, please send a CV, a brief cover letter highlighting previous experience and relevant qualifications along with contact details of two relevant referees to: sylvia.osterrieder(a)gmail.com. Sylvia Osterrieder PhD Candidate Ecology & Sustainability Group, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria and Research Associate Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia

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New publication: The tag, the eel and the whale
by Magnus Wahlberg 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Hallo, here is a new paper about a tag inside an eel inside a whale: Wahlberg, M., H. Westerberg, K. Aarestrup, E. Feunteun, P. Gargan, D. Righton (2014). Evidence of marine mammal predation of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) on its marine migration. Deep-Sea Research Part I 86:32-38. Abstract Temperature and depth logging tags were implanted into adult eels released on Atlantic west coasts of France and Ireland to study their oceanic migration behavior. For three of the tags, 25 to 256 days after release there was a dramatic rise in temperature from 10°C to 36°C and the dive profile changed from depths of 300-1000 m to repeated ascents to the surface. This indicated that the eels carrying the tags had been eaten by a mammalian predator. Two of the tags had sufficient sampling rate to resolve the dives in detail. They recorded a total of 91 dives to maximum depths of 250-860 m lasting 11-12 min and with surface intervals of 5-7 min. More than two thirds of the dives included a rapid descent from approximately 500 m to 600-700 m. From this we infer that the predator was most likely a deep-diving toothed whale. The dives logged while the tags were inside the predator revealed that the temperature usually decreased during dives, and increased again during surface periods. The temperature drops during dives were probably caused by the ingestion of prey or water. These observations provide insights into the behavior of toothed whales foraging in the mesopelagic zone. The paper is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063714000077 Magnus Wahlberg Marine Biological Research Centre University of Southern Denmark Hindsholmsvej 11 5300 Kerteminde Denmark http://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/institutter_centre/i_biologi/forskning/marinbio…

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Panel discussion on captive killer whales in Dunedin, New Zealand
by Naomi Rose 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Hello everyone: I understand there have been numerous inquiries as to when the transcript of the panel discussion on captive killer whales, held at the SMM biennial conference in Dunedin, New Zealand, would be posted on the SMM website. The website, on the page with the questions submitted by conference registrants, noted that a transcript would be posted and Doug Wartzok, the facilitator of the discussion, announced from the podium the night of the event that the discussion would be recorded and posted to the website. In correspondence I have since had with Doug and Helene Marsh, I was told that the board had made a decision after the conference not to post the transcript. Having not seen any announcement of this decision on the website (which in several places still promises the transcript), it seemed a general announcement to MARMAM would be useful, to forestall future inquiries. Please direct any questions to Doug Wartzok or Helene Marsh. Naomi Rose ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ F: +1 202 446 2131 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> The Animal Welfare Institute is proud to be the only animal charity currently rated A+ by the American Institute of Philanthropy. Please join us in our work to protect animals – visit our website to find out more and to sign up for AWI eAlerts: www.awionline.org<http://capwiz.com/compassionindex/mlm/signup/?ignore_cookie=1>. P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing.

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Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
by Rankmore, Krista 08 Feb '14

08 Feb '14

Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/>). PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that occur in the Gulf year round and use the region extensively for foraging and nursing. Common dolphins in this region consistently utilise inhabit coastal waters, making them vulnerable to the effect of tourism, pollution, and inshore recreational bycatch. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from the March to June 2014. A minimum commitment of two months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Surveys will be conducted from both a 20m whale watch vessel. As such, applicants should be comfortable from working from a large platform in isolated areas. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a local dolphin watching vessel, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time). . Subsequent analysis of photo-identification data in the lab, including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats including tour platforms and on small open vessels QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and Access) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on small research vessels . Experience with Endnote . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz, using “photo-id position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Krista Krista Rankmore PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 41520 (office) Cell: +64 (0)220 256 290 Email: k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.rankmore@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/ Courier: Massey University, Bld 5, Gate 4, Old Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland ____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Large whale euthanasia
by Michael Moore 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

On behalf of Craig Harms and co-authors the following paper is available Open Access by clicking on this link http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/full/10.7589/2013-03-074 or the pdf is at http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/pdf/10.7589/2013-03-074 LOW-RESIDUE EUTHANASIA OF STRANDED MYSTICETES *Craig A.Harms^1, <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff1>^9 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#cor1>,William A.McLellan^2 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff2>,Michael J.Moore^3 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff3>,Susan G.Barco^4 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff4>,Elsburgh O. Clarke,III^5, <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff5>^8 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff8>,Victoria G.Thayer^6 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff6>, andTeresa K.Rowles^7 <http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/abs/10.7589/2013-03-074#aff7>* ^1 Department of Clinical Sciences and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA ^2 Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, USA ^3 Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA ^4 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451, USA ^5 Department of Clinical Sciences and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA ^6 North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, USA ^7 Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, 13th Floor, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA ^8 Current address: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA Abstract Euthanasia of stranded large whales poses logistic, safety, pharmaceutical, delivery, public relations, and disposal challenges. Reasonable arguments may be made for allowing a stranded whale to expire naturally. However, slow cardiovascular collapse from gravitational effects outside of neutral buoyancy, often combined with severely debilitating conditions, motivate humane efforts to end the animal's suffering. The size of the animal and prevailing environmental conditions often pose safety concerns for stranding personnel, which take priority over other considerations. When considering chemical euthanasia, the size of the animal also necessitates large quantities of euthanasia agents. Drug residues are a concern for relay toxicity to scavengers, particularly for pentobarbital-containing euthanasia solutions. Pentobarbital is also an environmental concern because of its stability and long persistence in aquatic environments. We describe a euthanasia technique for stranded mysticetes using readily available, relatively inexpensive, preanesthetic and anesthetic drugs (midazolam, acepromazine, xylazine) followed by saturated KCl delivered via custom-made needles and a low-cost, basic, pressurized canister. This method provides effective euthanasia while moderating personnel exposure to hazardous situations and minimizing drug residues of concern for relay toxicity.

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Two PhD positions related to modeling and demography of whale food
by Lesage, Veronique 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Hello, please find attached advertisement for two PhD positions that might be of interest for MARMAM subscribers with a larger interest into whales, and particularly the processes leading to whale habitat quality. Thank you Veronique Lesage, Ph.D. Chercheur, Cetaces/Cetacean research scientist Biologie et conservation des mammiferes marins/Marine mammal biology and conservation Peches et Oceans Canada/Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institut Maurice-Lamontagne/Maurice Lamontagne Institute C.P. 1000/P.O. Box 1000 850 Route de la Mer Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4 http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sdb-bds/profile-profil.do?id=452&lang =fra TEL (418) 775-0739 FAX (418) 775-0740 Email: Veronique.Lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Senior Marine Mammal Observer(s) vacancy
by Nick Robinson 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL's Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following role; SENIOR MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to lead and undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and cover letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:recruitment@gardline.com> or via the careers section of our website www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> Closing date: 29th June 2012 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Project Manager opportunity (Norfolk, VA)
by Yager, Keegan 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

HDR EOC is currently in need of an experienced Technical Project Manager for Marine Species Monitoring projects. The ideal candidates will have Project Manager consulting expertise along with an extensive knowledge of Marine Science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals as well as experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, and/or behavioral responses to stimuli. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including the Pacific Ocean region from California to Guam and northward to the Gulf of Alaska. Travel up to 25% may be required. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. The ability to manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, and completion is key to succeeding in this role. Knowledge of naval training and O&G development activities a plus. Master's Degree in Marine Biology or a related field strongly preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills are all musts. Successful candidates must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers and regulatory experience in a combination of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. Candidates must also be highly proficient in writing procedures, guides and/or studies. Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level. More information on the position can be found by going to https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=23343&lang=en&sns_… Keegan Yager HDR, Inc Regional Recruiter keegan.yager(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:keegan.yager@hdrinc.com>| hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/> Follow Us - Architizer<http://www.architizer.com/en_us/firms/view/hdr-architecture/8916/?sr=1> | Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/HDR-Inc/142672125757519> | Linkedin<http://www.linkedin.com/company/hdr?goback=%2Efcs_GLHD_hdr_false_*2_*2_*2_*…> | Twitter<http://twitter.com/#!/HDR_Inc> | YouTube<http://www.youtube.com/user/HDRinc?blend=7&ob=5#p/a> | Flickr<http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdrarchitecture/> PUSH // yourself Begin Exploring Opportunities At HDR!<http://www.hdrinc.com/careers>

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IAGC Issues New Towed Passive Acoustic Monitoring Guidance for Geophysical Operations to Further Protect Marine Animals
by Gail Adams 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

The International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) has released new Guidance on the Use of Towed Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) during geophysical operations. IAGC has taken steps to inform the geophysical industry and has developed recommended guidance for PAM use and reporting. As part of the efforts to minimize the very low potential impact on the marine environment, the geophysical industry takes a variety of measures for purposes of monitoring and mitigation. When used in the most optimized way, PAM can be an effective measure to detect marine mammals near seismic vessels. PAM employs the use of a hydrophone array pulled behind a seismic vessel to detect the presence of vocalizing marine mammals, and software technology that allows the data to be analyzed as it is collected. In addition to visual observers, PAM can be a useful monitoring tool, particularly during low or impaired surface visibility conditions. The IAGC Guidance on the Use of Towed Passive Acoustic Monitoring<http://www.iagc.org/files/4503/> during Geophysical Operations was developed to maximize the operational performance of PAM systems during geophysical surveys. It was prepared by IAGC member company volunteers, using their experience and expertise to provide the industry with useful information for implementing PAM systems. Chip Gill, IAGC President said, "The new Guidance is another demonstration of the industry's efforts to further enhance the capabilities of PAM systems. We also support the use of the PAMGuard software for consistency within the industry. The geophysical industry is committed to conducting our operations in an environmentally responsible manner." IAGC has been an early supporter of complementary monitoring techniques to visual observations, such as PAM. IAGC recommends that PAM operators be trained and that minimum requirements for PAM equipment (including capabilities of software and hardware) should be considered. As a member of the International Association Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program (JIP), IAGC has supported research projects to improve the capabilities of PAM systems, including the development of PAMGuard. PAMGuard is a software package developed by the JIP for use on PAM systems. PAMGuard software is free and open to use. More information on PAMGuard and the free software can be found HERE<http://www.pamguard.org>. Other JIP projects supported by IAGC can be found HERE<http://www.iagc.org/files/4502/>. Gail Adams Communications Director International Association of Geophysical Contractors Office: +1 713-957-8080 Mobile: +1 281-702-4201 Email: gail.adams(a)iagc.org<mailto:gail.adams@iagc.org> Website: www.iagc.org Be sure to register for our 43rd Annual Meeting (February 18, 2014), featuring John Hofmeister and T.Boone Pickens! Early registration ends January 27, 2014. Click here to register early. <http://www.iagc.org/events/286/> Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail [IAGC email signature] NOTICE: The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential and intended only for the use by the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is STRICTLY PROHIBITED; IAGC accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of this message; If you have received this message in error please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents. Thank you.

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Volunteer field assistant opportunity during the southern right whale season in South Africa 2014
by Katja Vinding Petersen 05 Feb '14

05 Feb '14

*Volunteer field assistant opportunity * *during the southern right whale season in South Africa 2014* *BACK GROUND:* This PhD project aims to obtain baseline information on fine-scale movement, individual behaviour and habitat use of cetaceans in the Greater Dyer Island area, Western Cape, South Africa. The main techniques used are theodolite tracking, passive acoustic monitoring and photo-id of the cetaceans. The focus species are; Southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*), Indo Pacific humpback dolphin (*Sousa chinensis*), Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), Bryde's whales ( *Balaenoptera brydei*) and Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( *Tursiops aduncus*). The PhD project is run under the auspices of the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) of University of Pretoria. *WHERE: *Kleinbaai, Western Cape, South Africa *WHEN:* During the main season of the southern right whale from the 1st of June until end of December 2014 *FIELDWORK & DATA ANALYSIS:* You will primarily be part of the theodolite tracking team. Surveys are conducted using a Total station and binoculars. Surveys are conducted from observation towers along the coastline. You will assist with the data recording, scanning the area using binoculars and entering data in the evenings or during bad weather days. As a volunteer you will also participate in sound analysis, from passive acoustic listening stations. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. You need to be available full-time, including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. On theodolite tracking days the team will leave before sunrise and return after sunset - spending the whole day tracking. Fieldwork is intense and demanding, but very rewarding. You will obtain hands-on field experience and knowledge in environmental and behavioural data collection of cetaceans, as well as photo-identification techniques. Max. 3 volunteers will be accepted at the time. *EXPECTATIONS, volunteers are expected to:* · Be reliable, adaptable, hard working and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office-based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. · NOT be afraid of heights. Some of the tracking will be done from the top of a water tower and getting there involves secured climbing on high open ladders. · Physically in good shape. · Have excellent eyesight. · Be prepared to work long days with start before sunrise and after sunset. · Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. · Participate for minimum 1 month. *QUALIFICATIONS:* · Upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related field - is preferred. · Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access). · Previous experience in survey techniques, sound analysis - especially in marine mammal research is preferred but not required. · Participants must be able to live and work well within a team for extended periods of time. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 1 month. *LIVING & COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. Help will be provided to find accommodation in Kleinbaai. Expected accommodation cost is between ZAR 3500 - 5000 per month (final costs to be confirmed but will be kept within this price range). Food expenses, Internet etc can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. Pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town can be arranged. *DEADLINE AND APPLICANTIONS:* Interested volunteers should email the following before the 16th of February 2014. · Letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation · CV · Duration of stay (expected start and end date) PhD student, Katja Vinding Petersen; katja(a)whalesdolphins.co.za Relevant links: www.facebook.com/WhalesDolphins www.whalesdolphins.co.za -- Katja Vinding Petersen, M.Sc. PhD. Student University of Pretoria, South Africa Mobile Denmark: 0045 20 62 00 64 Mobile S.A.: +27 (0)7 22 80 11 46 www.facebook.com/WhalesDolphins

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