*Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Internship – Coastal Cambodia * Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep and Kampot provinces. We are currently looking for dolphin research interns to join the team between March – September 2022! Project activities: - a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software - a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week - photo-identification techniques using Discovery software - passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software - social science techniques - data entry, processing and analysis - education and outreach - running a marine mammal stranding network - scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports - designing marine mammal legislation Basic internship training schedule Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training Session 4: Marine vessel identification training Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training Session 6: Drone footage analysis training Session 8: Theory test Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training You will also become involved in other project related activities, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated, motivated and hard-working interns, able to commit for a minimum internship period of one month. Please note, priority will be given to those who can commit to 2 or more months. We are looking for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking for university students or recent graduates. Project site description: The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. Application process and fees: There is an internship fee associated with this internship, covering: - all food, water, accommodation; - transport to and from the mainland to the project island; - dolphin research training; - scuba diving (if qualified); - and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to cambodiadolphinproject@gmail.com -- Rose Ellis Coordinator of The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project *Marine Conservation Cambodia* @thecmmcp https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/