Allied Whale is a marine mammal research lab affiliated with College of the Atlantic, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale conducts population and foraging ecology of fin whales and humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine using photo ID, genetic, and stable isotope sampling, responds to marine mammal strandings on the Maine Coast, and operates the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Allied Whale is dedicated to education through research, and relies upon student and volunteer help for photo ID catalogue curation, marine mammal stranding response, museum operation, and summer field work done either from the mainland or our offshore marine research station, using a small fleet of research vessels, and aboard local whale watch boats. For the 2006 field season Allied Whale seeks 2 interns to be involved in data collection and analysis, and various other research and marine mammal rescue operations. Many days are spent working in the office matching/cataloguing the photographs collected from the current and previous seasons, data entry, data transcription, and maintaining the equipment. There will also be time on the water working either from rigid hull inflatables or from a 26' cuddy-cabin vessel. Research activities are varied, but may include photographing and biopsying fin whales and humpback whales, conducting biological surveys, behavioral observation from shore-based, and whale-watch platforms. Boats are mainly taken from the mainland, but there may also be time spent on Mount Desert Rock, a 3.5 acre island that serves as an offshore research station. There will be some opportunity to work on other projects, if interested, though the main focus of internships will be on data collection and analysis. Other ongoing projects include: * Response to/relocation of stranded marine mammals along the Maine coast, working with our Stranding Coordinator to perform health assessments, obtaining NOAA level A data, and capture and relocation of marine mammals as needed. * Assist in the operation of the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Includes exhibit curation and interpretation, and public outreach. * Collection of opportunistic photo ID, location, and behavior data of fin whales and humpback whales using shipboard surveys aboard local whale watch boats, in conjunction with the whale watch interns. Interns are needed from late-May/early-June to late-August. An intern fee covering housing and a deposit must be paid in full by May 1. All positions are unpaid. Room and board is provided during stays at MDR. Applicant Requirements: - Strong interest in marine/environmental sciences desirable - Previous experience with fin and/or humpback photo-ID helpful - Knowledge of Gulf of Maine cetaceans and pinnipeds helpful - Ability to work and live under adverse conditions both on and off the water - Ability to work well with others while in close quarters for extended periods of time - Willingness to work on datasets, administrative tasks, and other office tasks when not in the field - Data management skills recommended - Background in photography a plus - Strong work ethic and enthusiasm - Experience working in Excel and Adobe Photoshop a plus Applicants should email a CV, three references, and cover letter outlining your interest in this position by March 12th to alliedwhale@coa.edu with subject - internship 2006 or mail it to: Internship Coordinator Allied Whale 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor ME 04609 (207)288-5644