ear all, We have one to two volunteer positions open for our large marine vertebrate survey in the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan. The position is for 3-14 October 2016. The program aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff, as well as local and overseas (student) volunteers. We will collect data to determine relative abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large marine vertebrates. Underwater photo-id will be taken of whale sharks as well. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of cetaceans was within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkeling to asses its health. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific.There will be an opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Day by day schedule (sequence of days can change based on sea conditions): Day 1. Fly from Balikpapan-Berau, by road &boat to Maratua Island-- Evening: brief introduction of the program goals, past, present and future research and conservation activities, Day 2. Morning: Theoretical introduction in survey techniques and cetacean species identification.Theory of reefcheck indicators for the Indo-Pacific belt. Reef snorkling will be done on almost all two-hour mid-afternoon breaks. Afternoon: Visiting caves on Maratua for those interested Day 3. Boat survey around Kakaban Island with mid-day break at Kakaban Lake to swim among stingless jelly fish. Day 4. Boat survey along East Muaras Island (whale territory), overnight onboard at Blambangan Island Day 5.Boat survey around Bilang-bilangan and Mataha Islands, overnight at Mataha Island Day 6. Boat survey to Pulau Balikukup and return to Mataha Island. Day 7. Boat survey to Bilang-bilangan Islands and Biduk-biduk, stay overnight in Biduk-biduk. Day 8. Boat survey around Kaniungan Island-Sulaiman Bay- Mangkalihat Peninsula, overnight at Biduk-biduk. Day 9. Early morning swim in Mirror Lake. Afterwards start boat survey to southern Big Reef Island and Talisayan Day 10. Early morning, whale shark photo-id collection by snorkling, continue survey to Derawan Day 11.Resting day at Derawan Island. Free to go diving or snorkling at own costs Day 12. Return by speedboat and car to Berau and fly to Balikpapan Volunteer requirements: - Experienced in observing with binoculars - Motivated and physically healthy/ strong - Capable of swimming/ snorkling - Possesses a (travel)health/ accident insurance For this particular survey in October we offer a special discount price of IDR 10.000.000 (c. 750 USD) for students at all levels who have not graduated longer than one year. This fee will cover basic accomodation/ food/snorkling/ transport (boats & domestic return flights Balikpapan-Berau) but excluding hotel/food in Balikpapan/airport: Please send your motivation and brief CV to: -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 E-mail: yk.rasi@gmail.com http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*