The premier research charity Marinelife, which has been operating its successful Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) since 1995, is recruiting volunteer cetacean and seabird surveyors to service an expanding portfolio of survey routes from UK ports in the 2008 season.  To facilitate this, a special shore-based training opportunity for those with some cetacean and/or seabird observation skills is being held near Poole, Dorset, England, on Sunday 6^th April 2008 at 10:00h, finishing at 12:45h.

The programme will include an introduction to ocean-going cetacean and seabird survey techniques and protocols, a brief overview of identification issues, guidelines on how to become more actively involved with Marinelife/BDRP pelagic surveys and an opportunity to network with key personnel and other volunteer surveyors.

This will be followed up with opportunities for more rigorous scientific training at sea under the guidance of experienced team leaders through our programme of monthly research voyages on ferry and freight routes (cabins provided free) from UK ports.  This will ensure that all data collected by volunteer researchers during ongoing projects is of the same high quality and continues to be at the forefront of current best practice.

For further details about the event, including booking information, please email John Arnott, Marinelife/BDRP Research Teams Manager, at john.arnott@biscay-dolphin.org.uk.  There is a nominal charge of £5 per person, payable in advance.

For more information about our activities please visit our website at www.marine-life.org.uk.