August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteers needed for bottlenose dolphin project, New Zealand
by Outhwaite, Blair 19 Aug '15

19 Aug '15

Bottlenose Dolphin Behavioural Volunteer Position at Great Barrier Island, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a MSc study investigating the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Great Barrier Island (GBI) and part of the Auckland coastline, New Zealand. This MSc project is part of the ongoing research of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…>). The primary aim of this study is to assess the behaviour and acoustic repertoire of nationally endangered bottlenose dolphins in an area of zero tourism pressure. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from September - December 2015. A minimum commitment of three 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 bottlenose dolphin behavioural videos and photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of 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-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Fieldwork can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants therefore need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. During GBI trips, we will be based on the island for an average of 4 days, once a month. Coastal surveys will be conducted over 4 non-consecutive days of each month. Both GBI trips and coastal surveys are weather dependent. All surveys will be conducted from a 4.8m Stabicraft vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting environmental/video based behavioural data (25% of the time). DISCLAIMER: while the best efforts will be made to ensure that the participant gains field work experience, due to the nature of the project, time in the field cannot be guaranteed. . Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. 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. Accommodation and travel expenses to/from GBI will be covered. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent . 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 small boats . Participants must be comfortable living out of a small backpack (with the exception of food) for several days (during GBI trips) 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) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Prior experience working on small vessels . Field research including photo-id experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz>, using "volunteer 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, Blair ---------------------------------- Blair Outhwaite MSc 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: 43791(office) Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794 Email: B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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New book on polar bear management and threat
by morten joergensen 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

Dear MARMAMers, We are drawing your attention to a newly published book on Polar Bears. The book is in English and published by Spitsbergen-Svalbard.com. The book is titled: Polar Bears on the Edge – Heading for Extinction while Management Fails. It spans 218 pages and includes a number of fine colour photographs as well as maps, bars and tables. The book contains six chapters that analyze past and current global populations estimates, the string of factors that threaten polar bear survival, the national and international protection status’ of the species, management of the species in the light of commercial interests, the relationships between various stakeholders and their influence on management decisions, and the future plight of the species under various management scenarios. Interested people may find the book for sale at the following sites: http://www.nhbs.com http://www.amazon.com https://www.naturbutikken.dk Best regards, Morten Joergensen Broagergade 1, 3.th. 1672 Copenhagen V. Dk – Denmark Tel. +45 – 22902811 Email: mortenmojo(a)hotmail.com

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"Rare sighting of an anomalously white sperm whale in the north western mediterranean sea
by Julie Jourdan 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

Dear Marmamers, A white sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) was spotted from an helicopter off Toulon, France, on the 6th of August 2015. The animal, completely white, was probably a leucistic individual. Pictures of the sighting are available on the following link: *http://www.gecem.org/actualite/cachalot-blanc-vu-mediterranee <http://www.gecem.org/actualite/cachalot-blanc-vu-mediterranee>* Interestingly, two others sightings of white sperm whales have been made this year in the italian waters, near Sardinia. GECEM - Groupe d’Étude des Cétacés de Méditerranée contact(a)gecem.org" -- Julie Jourdan Chargée de mission / Project leader Groupe d'Etude des Cétacés de Méditerranée (www.gecem.org) Le Kalliste Bât B4, 1 avenue Clément Monnier, 13960 Sausset-les-Pins, France Contact : Mob : *07.81.98.71.71* Bureau: *09.53.92.92.63* Courriel : *julie.jourdan(a)gecem.org <julie.jourdan(a)gecem.org>*

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Call for Autumn Marine Mammal Internship Opportunities
by Niki Karagouni 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

Dear all, We would like to inform you about internship, study abroad and research opportunities we are offering in Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation <http://archipelago.gr/en/> in the Aegean Sea islands. Please see the information below and feel free to ask us for any further information you may need. Thank you for your time, Best regards, Niki Karagouni ---------------------------------- *Niki Karagouni* MSc Environmental Scientist, Research Assistant and Marine Mammal Team Coordinator *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* Marine Research Base: P.O. Box 42, Pythagorio, Samos 83103 *niki(a)archipelago.gr <niki(a)archipelago.gr>; ** www.archipelago.gr <http://s.wisestamp.com/links?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archipelago.gr&sn=YW5hc3R…>* Marine Mammal Internships & Research Opportunities in the Aegean Sea We are excited to announce internship opportunities in marine mammal research. S [image: header 03 04] Marine Mammal Internships & Research Opportunities in the Aegean Sea [image: dolphin3 logo] *We are excited to announce internship opportunities in marine mammal research. Students, recent graduates and scientists can join Archipelagos' research and conservation efforts in Eastern Aegean.* Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-4eb8f81f67f81734a8f003081bda232…> is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to researching and defending the rich biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands, as well as of the NE Mediterranean region overall. This region of rare biodiversity is in desperate need of protection as is being increasing threatened by harmful anthropogenic activities! [image: physeter copy] The Eastern Aegean region is home many rare and endangered species, including some of the *most important remaining populations* in the Mediterranean of several marine mammals.Research surveys can focus on: - Dolphin populations, including: D. delphis (common dolphin), T. truncatus (bottlenose dolphin), S.coeruleoalba (striped dolphin) and G. griseus (Risso’s dolphin); - Whale populations, including: P. macrocephalus (sperm whale), Ziphius cavirostris (Cuvier’s beaked whale) and occasional visitors B. physalus (fin whale); - The Mediterranean monk seal (M. monachus), an important and critically endangered marine mammal specie found in the region. [image: dolphin2 logo] *Aims* • Efficient conservation of the marine mammal populations from anthropogenic threats • Monitoring of habitat use, abundance and distribution • Study of population structure and dynamics • Study of behavioural ecology & communication • Study of factors of impact (with a focus on interactions with fisheries). [image: IMG 2900] *Responsibilities:* • Boat-based surveys (weather dependent) • Photo-identification and matching techniques • Collecting environmental and anthropogenic data • Gathering acoustic data • Data entry and analysis • Raising awareness • Utilizing ArcGIS to map populations • Questionaire-based surveys • First aid of stranded animals (e.g., cetaceans, seals and sea turtles) For more information please click here <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-237ce009053ee4442cb14a1b57c505d…> [image: surveys] Other *internship/ research topics*: *Marine/ Fisheries Research & Management <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-65bf5897ab770cef983cedc499f7906…> *Research & Conservation of Island Flora and Fauna <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-bfb21eebf3df19968a1b5cb6ebfec14…> *GIS Mapping of Biodiversity <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-dedd08d08ae21c7628193eaeb3592a4…> *Laboratory Assessment of Environmental Impacts <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-af9368ae44db4609f4c7881ca1a4bc5…> *Illustration, Graphic & Animation Design <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-b6acfab5665377305d8147e8fb0cd72…> *Environmental Photography & Film Production <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-3a2059dd736dcb642f9727a9ec749f4…> Environmental Education <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-67eb574ace595cf57346e78a63d0bf8…>, and many more Click here for more information <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-b8583529dd461df76cd547842685060…> . *Placement details*: *Duration*: 3-12 months (shorter duration is consider on a case-by-case basis) *Location:* Archipelagos’ research bases and stations in the eastern Aegean Sea (Samos, Lipsi, Ikaria, Arki, Marathi islands). Placements may also include working on board one of the two small research boats. *Costs:* Placement fee of 650euros/month *Covers:* accommodation, full board and all placement costs. *(frequently placement fee and travel etc expenses are covered by grants such as Erasmus+, or other equivalent)* [image: unnamed] *Extras*: Participants have the option to obtain (at no further cost): a) Sailing certificate b) PADI Open Water scuba diving certification – seasonally available, excluding PADI fees c) Greek language lessons [image: dolphin1 logo] *Please pass this along to faculty members and students who may be interested in this opportunity.* For further information you can contact admissions(a)archipelago.gr We hope to see you in the Aegean islands! [image: 1px] ©2015 Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation | Pythagorio Samos, 83103 Web Version <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-d01bd813433f905ce02c48df78cd14f…> Forward <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-aa90b6c3717df13bc88a09db492d26f…> Unsubscribe <https://go.madmimi.com/opt_out?fe=1&pact=32176377845&amx=7646958328> Powered by *Mad Mimi*®A GoDaddy® company <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1438872286-011e604aadaaaf85a11d6b3495d2a22…> -- *Niki Karagouni* MSc Environmental Scientist, Research Assistant and Marine Mammal Team Coordinator *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* Marine Research Base: P.O. Box 42, Pythagorio, Samos 83103 *niki(a)archipelago.gr <niki(a)archipelago.gr>; ** www.archipelago.gr <http://s.wisestamp.com/links?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archipelago.gr&sn=YW5hc3R…>*

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INTERN COORDINATOR AT THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE IN SPAIN
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 18 Aug '15

18 Aug '15

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, is a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. On behalf of the BDRI, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the following: INTERN COORDINATOR along the North-western coast of Spain. This position is responsible for assisting the BDRI biologists in the running of the "Marine Mammals Research Project in Galician waters" <http://www.thebdri.com/research/projects.html/> " and coordinating the project interns. The project is based in O Grove, North-western coast of Spain, and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. The main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, with a focus on ethology, social structure, habitat use and communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, the BDRI is part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. Start Date: January 2016 End Date: October 31st 2016 (start and end dates could be flexible) Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in all phases of the research and organization.* Coordinate between the Chief Biologist/Director and the project interns - in charge of the intern shared house.* Assisting the BDRI's biologists in intern basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry, Bioacoustical analysis, GIS and more.* Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Chief Biologist / Director - research topic will be chosen according to BDRI requirements and applicants' interests. Requirements: 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. The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating up to 8 interns. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. There will be one day off per week. This post brings the opportunity to be trained by the BDRI' Chief Biologist and to submit work for scientific publication at the end of the year. This position is unpaid but accommodation in the intern shared house will be covered. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre in O Grove, Galicia, Spain. To apply: Send a cover letter, resume and recommendation letters by email to: info(a)thebdri.comPlease specify BDRI INTERN COORDINATOR into your subject title. For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com and our Facebook page. Deadline: 18th November 2015. Interviews (via Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates after this deadline. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 1st December 2015. Regards, Bruno Diaz LopezChief Biologist and DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980Pontevedra-Spaintel. 00 34 605 521441<www.thebdri.com> This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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Abstracts Due 31st August for Australian/New Zealand Student Chapter Meeting 5-7th November 2015
by Anita Murray 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

Hello Australian and New Zealand Students! Just a friendly reminder that abstracts (300 words max) are due on the 31st August 2015 for the 2nd Biennial Meeting of the ANZ Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammology. The chapter meeting will be held from the 5th-7th November 2015 at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. This conference will provide ANZ students with the opportunity to present and discuss their research in a relaxed environment while meeting and networking with other marine mammalogy students and researchers. As well, if you are planning to present at the SMM conference in San Francisco the chapter meeting would be a great opportunity to practice and get feedback before the conference in December. The two day conference will consist of student oral and poster presentations along with several guest speakers. We are also looking for four PhD students to take over the ANZ student chapter after the November meeting. If you are interested in attending the chapter meeting and/or running the student chapter please send an email to anzscsmm(a)gmail.com<mailto:anzscsmm@gmail.com>. In your email please indicate: 1. If you would like to give an oral presentation or present a poster (If you are unsure which one you would like to do because you are waiting to hear back from the SMM conference then just indicate this in your email and you can decide later) 2. For non-Sydney students please indicate if you will require accommodation (we have limited funding for out-of-state students to stay on campus at Macquarie) 3. For Sydney students please indicate whether or not you would like to volunteer. 4. Please also indicate if you are interested in running the ANZ student chapter after the November meeting. Additionally, if you are not yet a member of the student chapter please fill out a membership registration from (https://www.marinemammalscience.org/for-students/chapters/australianew-zeal…) and return the form with your abstract submission. For any questions regarding the chapter meeting and/or tasks involved in running the student chapter please contact Anita Murray at anita.murray1(a)uqconnect.edu.au<mailto:anita.murray1@uqconnect.edu.au>, and for questions about volunteering for the chapter meeting please contact Monique Ladds at anzscsmm(a)gmail.com<mailto:anzscsmm@gmail.com>. Regards, Anita Murray, Monique Ladds,? David Hocking, and Krista Rankmore Australia/New Zealand Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy (ANZSCSMM) anzscsmm(a)gmail.com<mailto:anzscsmm@gmail.com> ANZSCSMM Facebook Page<https://www.facebook.com/groups/216733571703949/> ANZSCSMM Website<http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…>

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SMM 2015 Workshop: Passive Acoustic Data Analysis & Acoustic-Based Density Estimation
by Elizabeth Ferguson 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce that Bio-Waves, Inc. and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling at the University of St. Andrews will be conducting the “Analysis of Passive Acoustic Data & Acoustic-Based Density Estimation” workshop at the 2015 Society for Marine Mammology’s 21st Biennial Conference in San Francisco, CA! This event will be a two day workshop on Saturday December 12th and Sunday December 13th the weekend prior to the SMM conference. Due to limited space at the main conference venue, it will be held nearby at the downtown SFSU campus (at the Westfield San Francisco Center), which is within easy walking distance of the Hilton. This workshop set is intended to provide experience in analysis of passive acoustic monitoring data and demonstrate methods for estimating population density and abundance of marine mammals using these data. The two workshop days are complementary and are designed to supplement one another. As such, participants are encouraged to register for both days; however if an individual is experienced in one of subject areas, they are allowed to register for only one of the two days offered. Registering prior to September 15th, 2015 allows participants to be eligible for the early registration fee of US $160 for both days or US$80/day; beginning September 16th, 2015 registration fees will increase to US$180 for both days or US$90/day. Participants are required to bring their own Windows laptop for this workshop, specifically as PAMGuard does not support the Mac operating system. For Mac users wishing to participate in the distance sampling workshop only, information relating to running the software is available at http://distancesampling.org/distanceextras.html. If you do not have a Windows laptop available, please email workshop organizers who may be able to provide a computer. Space is limited so be sure to sign up early! To register for this workshop, visit the conference registration site at: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-registration. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ *Description* The University of St. Andrews and Bio-Waves, Inc. are partnering to conduct two, one-day workshops at the 2015 Biennial Marine Mammal Conference. These workshops are intended to demonstrate methods for estimating population density and abundance using passive acoustic data. The workshops will provide training in methods for both passive acoustic data analysis (day 1) and density and abundance estimation using passive acoustic data (day 2). The workshops are designed to be complementary, but are offered as two separate workshops so that participants can opt to attend one day only (should they already be familiar with the concepts from the other day). Participants will register for each course separately, but are encouraged to attend both. The workshops will include a practical case study that will be used to provide hands-on experience with passive acoustic data analysis and density estimation. The first day of the workshop will be focused on passive acoustic data collection and analysis and will include both lectures and hands-on analysis exercises. In the practical sessions, participants will use PAMGuard (www.pamguard.org) to post-process acoustic data collected during a line transect survey, learning how to obtain localizations to individual sperm whales. Participants will also learn how to obtain measurements from echolocation clicks selected during post-processing analysis. The result of this exercise will consist of a dataset of perpendicular distances to individual sperm whales that can then be used to estimate density and abundance using Distance software. Participants will be taught how to format these data and import it into Distance. The second day of the workshop will include an overview of methods for estimating density and abundance using passive acoustic data collected from both fixed and towed hydrophone arrays. Participants will analyze the sperm whale dataset from day one using Distance and R software, and will generate density and abundance estimates. Any participants already familiar with Distance will be able to conduct the same analyses in R, a statistical software program. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of how to process passive acoustic data for density and abundance estimation and how density and abundance can be estimated from acoustic data. Cheers, *Liz Ferguson* *Chief Operating Officer* *Marine Ecologist* www.bio-waves.com (619) 459-2242

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RIEMMCA WORKSHOP EXTENSION OF ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
by Laura J. May-Collado 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

Hi everyone we are extending the abstract submission deadline to *September 2, 2015*. We encourage all scientists from Central America and the Caribbean to participate. This is a great opportunity to learn what is happening in our countries and also a great opportunity to establish regional collaboration. *Symposium Agenda: *RIEMMCCA Network of Aquatic Mammal Specialists of Central America and the Caribbean *Date: DECEMBER 12,* * 2015 at the San Francisco Biennial (all day)* *Cost*: $45 *Overview*: The intent of this symposium is to review the state-of-knowledge of the aquatic mammals of *Central America* and the *Caribbean* and to enhance collaboration and communication between scientists in the region. The symposium will consist of presentations (oral and poster) and a discussion session to identify gaps in knowledge and conservation issues, importance of communicating our science (public and in peer reviewed journals) and future research directions for the region. We invite national and international scientists working in the region to present their work by submitting a 300 word abstract (English and Spanish abstracts are welcome) to the following email address riemmcca.smm2015(a)gmail.com. Abstract submission will close on *SEPTEMBER 2, 2015*. We are currently seeking for funding to lower the cost of the symposia, thus final costs will be provided in the next couple of weeks.

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Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation- Eco-volunteering and internship program
by tihana vučur 17 Aug '15

17 Aug '15

Adriatic Dolphin Project Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Island of Lošinj, northeastern Adriatic Sea, Croatia The Adriatic Dolphin project is the main scientific project of the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, a non - profit organization dedicated to research and conservation of the Adriatic bottlenose dolphins. On Lošinj island, the Adriatic Dolphin project has a long tradition with eco – volunteering and internship program that offers a unique opportunity to experience encounters with dolphins in their natural surroundings actively participating in the research. This includes boat - based surveying, gaining knowledge in data collection at sea, data entry and participation in preliminary analysis of collected data. Eco-volunteering stage is available for the period 7.9.2015-18.9.2015 with discount of 10% on total price and applications for Internship program are open. For more information check Blue World Institute web site: http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/ or send an e-mail on tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org Tihana Vučur Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Kastel 24 Veli Lošinj Croatia *tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org <tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org>* www.blue-world.org

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Fall Internship with NECWA
by Carol Carson 16 Aug '15

16 Aug '15

Marine Wildlife Internship Program - 2015 Fall Season Sponsored by the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) at www.necwa.org The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), based in southeastern Massachusetts, is now accepting applicants for our fall Marine Wildlife Internship Program. NECWA accepts upper level high school, college, and graduate students who have an interest in the field of marine biology. NECWA interns work alongside staff members to conduct a variety of educational programs, research projects, and conservation activities. Fall internships begin in August/September and continue into the fall to early winter. Most internships require a 3-month commitment, but flexibility can be built into the program if requested. Interns must commit to a minimum of 20 hours a week. Internship positions are non-paid and can be coordinated privately or through a school or university program. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from work areas and housing is not provided. The NECWA office is based in Middleboro, MA and the majority of field activities associated with the nonprofit are conducted in Plymouth as well as Cape Cod. To learn more about our internship program, go to our Marine Wildlife Internship webpage at http://necwa.org/internships.html. Internship activities can include: · Working as a research assistant aboard commercial whale watching boats operating out of Plymouth Harbor. (April through the end of October) · Inputting sighting data into Excel and FileMaker Pro · Learning photo-identification techniques that utilize Adobe PhotoShop to process photographic images of individual whales, sharks and ocean sunfish. · Assisting with strandings and necropsies of ocean sunfish and basking sharks on Cape Cod beaches. · Assisting with sea turtles strandings and rescues. · Assisting with sea turtle and torpedo ray necropsies in early winter. The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is a non-profit organization based in southeastern MA. We are dedicated to the protection and conservation of the unique coastal marine wildlife off New England. We conduct field research on a number of species of marine animals in an effort to advance our understandings of their biology and ecology as well as support conservation efforts on their behalf. Information collected through our research activities is also used to form the basis of our educational outreach activities within the New England community. To learn more about NECWA, visit us at: · our website at www.necwa.org · our blog at www.necwanews.blogspot.com · and at NEBShark at www.nebshark.org For more information on NECWA's Internship Program, contact our Internship Coordinator, Mary Nash, at mcnash(a)capecod.net.

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