SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON INSHORE DOLPHINS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA Daniele Cagnazzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Ecology Research Centre, SCU) is currently accepting applications for two volunteer positions, for the Capricorn Cetaceans Project for the Australian winter season from the 7th of August to the end of November 2013. The Capricorn Cetacean Project started in 2006 as part of Dr Cagnazzi Daniele PhD study. The primary aim of this project was to study inshore dolphin species primarily the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia. More information about past and on-going projects can be found at http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com/ and at the Marine Ecology Research centre website http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ The primary aims of this year survey season will be conducting a pilot study to determine the best methodology to monitor abundance and distribution of humpback and snubfin dolphins from the Bowen to Gladstone in Central Queensland, a region undergoing to major industrial port expansions. Field work include daily coastal surveys and longer expeditions. Coastal daily surveys will be conducted on a 6m centre console vessel, due to the extension of the study area launching points vary depending on the weather and surveys needs. Longer expeditions will be organized to survey the most remote areas. These expeditions will last up to two weeks, and will be done with the support of a larger vessel. During field work we will applied techniques normally used for inshore dolphins studies. Additionally we will also collect skin samples using PAXARM biopsy system for an on-going genetic and toxicology population study and various environmental and physical variables potentially useful to explain dolphin distribution. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon a quite costal town in Central Queensland, however we will be travelling frequently to different locations such as Bowen, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, and Mackay. All accommodation and food costs are covered. This position is mainly for people with limited field work experience but a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies or similar are required. Application from volunteers for less than 2 months will not be considered. Interested applicants should forward a letter and their CV directly to me daniele.cagnazzi@scu.edu.au<mailto:daniele.cagnazzi@scu.edu.au> Daniele Cagnazzi Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University 2480 Lismore NSW Australia PH: +61 0266203815 FAX: +61 0266212669 Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Pubblocation List: Daniele Cagnazzi Publications<http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=DQg3UwkAAAAJ >