INTERNSHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT THE ADRIATIC DOLPHIN PROJECT Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Croatia, is offering 2 internship positions: one in the region of northern Dalmatia, and one in the Vis archipelago. The selected intern will participate in a boat-based photo-ID study on bottlenose dolphins during the summer of 2015. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice field-work methods, including photo-identification, navigation and behaviour data collection, storage and analysis. The available periods are: * For the project in northern Dalmatia: 27th May 2015 - 30th September 2015 * For the project in Vis archipelago: 01st May 2015 - 10th September 2015 PROJECT BACKGROUND Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation (BWI) runs Adriatic Dolphin Project (ADP) since 1999. This research project focuses on biology and ecology of the bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans inhabiting the Adriatic Sea. The overall goal of the project is to contribute to protection of cetaceans by providing scientifically established information and promotion of marine environment conservation through public awareness activities. The research on bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea started in late 1980s, in the area around the island of Lošinj. In 2007 research activities were expanded to Vis archipelago (ADP Vis), an area with no previous information on cetaceans. In 2013 a new project was started in the area of northern Dalmatia (ADP North Dalmatia) with the specific aim to fill the gap between the two existing study areas, provide new data and complement existing data sets. ADP VIS The research around the island of Vis encompasses a large area of marine environment situated in the Central Adriatic. Since the beginning of our activities, we have had a considerable number of sightings of bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans, constituting a database with more than 700 photographed individuals. This has already allowed us to gain an insight into the local bottlenose dolphin community and to determine their abundance, habitat use and distribution, home range and other aspects of their ecology as well as different anthropogenic influences having an effect on their survival. We strive to continue our efforts to ensure their well-being through further research and monitoring activities. We conduct boat based surveys using an inflatable boat starting from the port of Rukavac, on the southeast side of the island of Vis, depending on weather conditions. ADP NORTH DALMATIA In 2013 a new research project was initiated to include the region of North Dalmatia (ADP ND). This region is situated between the other two study areas of the ADP (Lošinj to the north and Vis to the south). The aim of this study is to gain insight into the status of local bottlenose dolphin population by investigating their abundance, home range, association patterns, habitat use, survival rate and interactions with fisheries and aquaculture. To increase mobility, researchers, volunteers and interns are based on a 13 m wooden boat during 10-day trips. Daily area surveys in search for dolphins are conducted using a 5.2 m RIB. There is a 4-day period spent in homeport (island of Murter) between each 10-days boat trip. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT The selected intern will receive a detailed training in research procedures at the beginning of the internship. Daily procedures are strongly dependent on current weather conditions. During favourable weather (calm sea) the team is surveying the area in search for dolphins. During these surveys, the intern will assist researchers in searching and collection of photo-identification, navigation and behaviour data. Daily area surveys usually last between 3 and 5 hours, but can sometimes last up to 10 or even 12 hours. Upon returning to the base (boat or land), the intern helps out in storing and sorting the collected data and general housekeeping as well as boat and equipment maintenance tasks. During bad weather the intern will work together with researchers on data sorting and analysis. After the daily tasks are completed, the whole team has time off. This time off can be spent visiting the nearby towns and small traditional fishermen villages, or simply enjoying the sun, swimming and relaxing. Participation also provides an opportunity to use part of the collected data set for writing a BSc or MSc thesis, under supervision of your respective mentor and in co-mentorship of Blue World Institute's researchers. REQUIREMENTS * Background in biology, ecology or related fields (currently studying or recently graduated) * Strong interest in cetacean research * Team spirit * Ability to work long hours in summer heat * No sea-sickness * Be able to swim * English speaking * Good computer literacy * Be adaptable and ready to share accommodation NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRED * Previous experience in cetacean research, particularly boat-based field work * Knowledge of photo-identification theory and practice * Skilled in GIS software and MS Excel * Small boat license or experience of driving it AVAILABLE DATES Selected intern will receive a detailed training at the beginning of internship. Therefore, only candidates who can commit minimum of 30 days will be considered. Availability for longer period is preferred. For ADP Vis: Start date: 01st of May End date: 10th of September For ADP North Dalmatia Start date: 25th of May 2015 End date: 30th of September 2015 COSTS In case you are chosen for a position, you will be provided with food and accommodation on Vis Island for the duration of your stay. All other expenses, including costs of the trip to the island, insurance (health and other), daily allowance, etc. are not provided. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide financial support for your participation in ADP North Dalmatia. Therefore, the selected intern will have to cover trip costs to and from the field base as well as living expenses and food. In Murter, which is the home port of the research boat, accommodation can be found from cca. 20 EUR a day. During the 10-day boat trips, the intern will have to compensate food, insurance and harbour fee costs at a fixed rate of 5 EUR per day. TO APPLY There is no deadline. Candidates will be selected based on their CVs and first come - first served basis. Please, send an e-mail with your CV and a short text expressing your interest to: For ADP Vis - <mailto:info@plavisvijet-vis.hr> info@plavisvijet-vis.hr or <mailto:jure.miocicstosic@blue-world.org> jure.miocicstosic@blue-world.org For ADP North Dalmatia - <mailto:grgur.pleslic@blue-world.org> grgur.pleslic@blue-world.org You can find more details about the project here: For ADP Vis - <http://www.blue-world.org/en/science/vis/> http://www.blue-world.org/en/science/vis/ For ADP North Dalmatia - <http://www.blue-world.org/en/science/north_dalmatia/> http://www.blue-world.org/en/science/north_dalmatia/ Grgur Pleslić Senior Researcher Blue World Institute http://www.blue-world.org <http://www.blue-world.org/>