Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internships
The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory
in Sarasota, Florida, is the world’s longest-running wild dolphin research
program. The program’s goal is to contribute to a better understanding of
the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as
the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an
interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose
dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of
Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit:
www.sarasotadolphin.org.
The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer
2008 internship program. Several internship positions are available within
five different research projects listed below. There is no compensation
for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible
for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship.
Housing opportunities may be available (cost: $75/week). Scholarships are
available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process.
Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:
*Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate
studies;
*A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology or a related
field;
*Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs;
*Some field research experience preferred but not required;
*Must be able to swim;
*Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods;
*A willingness to spend a minimum of 2 - 3 months working full time with
our program.
To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship interested
persons should:
1) Fill out an application form by navigating to Mote Marine Laboratory’s
website (www.mote.org) and following the education links to the college intern
page. Be sure to select “Center for Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Research”
as your first choice;
2) Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application materials
including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of
recommendation, and curriculum vitae. Be sure to mention which project(s)
from the list below interest you and why;
3) Send a brief email to the SDRP’s Lab Manager (Jason Allen, allenjb@mote.org)
stating your name, contact information, which project(s) interest you, dates
available (please be specific) and that you have provided all of your application
materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above.
All applications will be reviewed; those received by March 15th will be given
first priority. Applicants may contact Mote’s intern office (941-388-4441,
intern@mote.org) with questions regarding the application process and Jason
Allen (941-388-4441 ext. 452, allenjb@mote.org) in the SDRP with any questions
regarding specific projects.
The four research projects include:
Juvenile Dolphin Behavior Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Social/juvenile_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Katie McHugh, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 4
Dates of internship: 2 June - 29 August 2008
This research project will study the behavioral development and survival
strategies of juvenile bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. While in the
field, this work consists of boat based surveys for dolphin groups and detailed
behavioral data collection on individual juvenile dolphins in our study population.
While in the lab, work will mainly involve photo-identification of dolphins
and data entry. Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project
and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below).
Dolphin and Fisheries Interaction Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Human/depredation_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Jessica Powell, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 4
Dates of internship: 12 May – 18 July 2007
This research project will study fisheries interactions and depredation by
bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. While in the field, this work consists
of boat and land based surveys for dolphin groups, detailed behavioral data
collection on specific individuals with the Sarasota Bay population. While
in the lab, work will mainly involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted
and data entry. Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project
and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below).
Sea Bird Ecology Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Health/redtide_2008.asp)
Supervisor: Deb Fauquier
Number of intern positions: 1
Dates of internship: 16 June - 18 September 2007
This study will look at the abundance, distribution and habitat use of sea
birds in Sarasota Bay and the effects of red tide on those sea bird communities.
Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey
and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below).
Population Monitoring Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/monitor_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Jason Allen, Aaron Barleycorn, Robin Perrtree
Number of intern positions: 2
Dates of internship: 2 June – 19 December 2007. This project will use interns
from other projects on a rotating basis from 2 June – 29 August. However,
it is accepting applications for all or part of 2 September – 19 December
2007 (eight weeks minimum).
This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin population
in Sarasota Bay. While in the field, this work consists of boat based surveys
for dolphin groups along survey routes. Behavioral, location, individual,
and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in
the lab, work will involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted, data
entry, dolphin ID catalog maintenance and equipment maintenance.
Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/prey_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Damon Gannon, Sandra Camilleri, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 2
Dates of Internship: 2 June – 26 September. This project will use interns
from other projects on a rotating basis.
This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and random sampling of
fish population through purse seining techniques to study predator-prey interactions
and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between
distributions of dolphins and their prey, and factors that affect fish community
ecology, such as red tide.
--
Jason Allen
Lab Manager
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Tel: 941.388.4441 ext. 452
Fax: 941.388.4223