Dear All

The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe-asso.org) is seeking applications from 4 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will be held from 16 November to 20 December 2009 (5 weeks).

Fin whale project:

The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 2 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements.

Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low.

Activities will include land survey whenever the weather is good and helping with data management (data entry, photo-ID…) on rainy week days.

Successful applicants will:

- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research

- be autonomous and quickly operational

- be able to live and work constructively with others in a team

- speak fluently Spanish and/or English

- be available for the entire 5-week period

 
Preference will be given to those who:

- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking

- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience

Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to pauline@circe-asso.org. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV.

Applications will be accepted until 25 October 2009 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact pauline@circe-asso.org

All the best

Pauline