Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico:
The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the second season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. Join our research team studying humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico. Space is limited to 2 students per 7 day session for boat and land based research platforms during the field season from January 2012-May 2012. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules.
This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including:
Research experience in vessel and land based data collection and recording of humpback whale behaviors
Photographic techniques in the filed
Photo identification of individual humpbacks and dolphins
Theodolite tracking and computer interface
Passive acoustic sampling and analysis
Assessing environmental factors
Permit requirements for marine mammal research involving endangered species
An overview of ecology on this island bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Fees support this research project and associated lectures. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for humpback whale occupancy, habitat use, and movement off Puerto Rico as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft) under the direction of Mithriel MacKay, PhD Candidate, Texas A&M University at Galveston. $800.00 per student includes travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, including field methods, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico and compulsory insurance. Students landing in Ponce, Puerto Rico will be picked up at the airport and brought to the base station in Guayanilla.
There is a limited number of scholarships available for partial cost of this program. Students from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean will be given first priority, followed by under served areas with minimal opportunity for participation in marine mammal field programs. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in college credit. Please send us an e-mail in advance of your application if you are considering this option.
To apply for this field intensive, please visit the website below and download the forms indicated. Please be sure to read the description of the project and the base station.
Website: www.Marine-Eco.org
Click on the “courses” tab
Information and applications can be found on page 15 of the course catalog
Please be sure to indicate first, second, and third choice for dates from the following 2012 schedule:
Session 1 Jan 15-21
Session 2 Jan 22-Jan 28
Session 3 Jan 29- Feb 04
Session 4 Feb 19-25
Session 5 Feb 26-March3
Session 6 March 4- 10
Session 7 March 11-March 17
Session 8 March 18-24
There is no deadline for applications; however, spaces typically fill very quickly. Spots are secured with full, non-refundable payment received with the completed application. Please email for details and mailing information.
See you in sunny Puerto Rico!
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Mithriel MacKay
Director of Research and Education
Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center
HC02 Box 6382
Guanilla, Puerto Rico 00656
and
PO Box 63435
Pipe Creek, Texas 78063
Marine-Eco.org
830-688-9878
PhD Candidate
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Marine Mammal Research Program
200 Seawolf Parkway
OCSB 243
Galveston, Texas 77554