Volunteer Opportunities Available in New Zealand BACKGROUND: I am looking for two dedicated volunteers to assist with the data collection for the final field season of my doctoral research project. The aim of this project is to assess the responses of the South Island Hectors dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) to vessel activity (including tourism operations) in Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Akaroa Harbour is part of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary. I am looking for enthusiastic, hard-working and reliable individuals who possess a strong interest in marine mammals to assist me for a 2 or 3 month- period between 01/11/07 and 31/03/08 (e.g. Nov-Dec; Jan-Feb-Mar; Nov-Dec-Jan; Feb-Mar). Field work can be demanding but you will have a great opportunity to observe the smallest and rarest marine dolphin in the world in a unique environment. This is also an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in relation to observations/field work with marine mammals. Such experience will prove valuable to anyone hoping to pursue a career in marine mammal science, animal behaviour and ecotourism. FIELD WORK: Field work will involve both land-based and boat-based surveys of Hectors Dolphins behaviour. Land observations will be carried out from various sites around Akaroa Harbour and Banks Peninsula. Some of the locations of the field sites are more remote than others. Boat-based observations will be done from several tour operator vessels, which operate from Akaroa. The hands-on work will involve mainly behavioural observations of dolphins.
From land, dolphins and vessels movement and interactions will be determined using a theodolite and recorded with a laptop using real time theodolite tracking system (Cyclops © 2004 University of Newcastle). Data will be collected both in the absence and presence of vessels. Boat-based work will consist of behavioural observations and photo-identification.
Volunteers should be prepared to work long hours and be expected to participate in data collection, data entry and general logistical support. LOCATION: Banks Peninsula is a unique place, home to many marine mammal species and other wildlife. Check out Akaroa website: http://www.akaroa.com/ for more information on the area. EXPECTED COSTS: There is a small fee for this project of NZ$30/week to help cover the costs of food and accommodation, which are provided as well as transportation to the field sites. Volunteers will also have to fund their own travel to Akaroa or alternatively to Christchurch. APPLICANTS SHOULD: - Be responsible, independent, and conscientious. - Be enthusiastic, have a good team spirit and genuine interest in marine mammals. - Have a background in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. - Have previous field experience in both behavioural observations and photo-identification with dolphins (ESSENTIAL). - Have good communication skills, - Have good English language skills - Have basic IT skills - Have a driving licence. APPLICATIONS Applications should include: - Current CV or resume, with a picture of yourself - Details of your availability - Contact details of at least one referee - A brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you may hope to gain from this experience. Additional questions or enquiries can also be made to the email address provided below. If you are interested, please send your application by email or regular mail to Emmanuelle Martinez at: Akaroa Research on Effects of Vessel Activity (A.R.E.V.A. Project) Coastal Marine Research Group (INR) Oteha Rohe Campus, Building 5, Gate 4 Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore M.C. New Zealand Email: areva @paradise.net.nz The deadline for applications is August 10th 2007. Thanks. Emmanuelle **************************************************************************** Emmanuelle Martinez PhD Candidate A.R.E.V.A. Project Coastal - Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Resources Building 5, Gate 4 Oteha Rohe Campus, Albany Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MC New Zealand Phone: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41196 (University Marine Mammal Lab) Fax: +64 9 443 9790 (University) Email: E.Martinez@massey.ac.nz http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz http://www.massey.ac.nz/~dhbrunto/ppl/EmmanuelleMartinez.htm - Overseas: New Caledonia (11/08/2007-01/09/2007) Not contactable - During the Field Season (End of October - 31/03/2008): A.R.E.V.A. Project 18 rue Grehan Akaroa 7520 Banks Peninsula New Zealand **************************************************************************