Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) have again been given the opportunity to join a platform of opportunity for cetacean observations in collaboration with the French Research Institute IFREMER. This institute participates in the "International Bottom Trawl Survey" or IBTS every year and have offered berths to ORCA on their February 2007 cruise; ORCA volunteers also joined this cruise in 2005 and 2006. The survey area is the North Sea, Kattegat and Skagerrak on the survey vessel "Thalassa" (http://www.ifremer.fr/fleet/navires/hauturiers/thalassa/index.htm). The survey will depart from Brest, France and will undertake oceanographic sampling and fishing trawls throughout the survey area. There are 3 parts to the survey: Brest (France) to Boulogne Sur Mer (France): 27th January - 2nd February Boulogne Sur Mer to Ijmuiden (The Netherlands): 2nd February - 9th February Ijmuiden to Boulogne Sur Mer: 11th February to 24th February. There are a maximum of three berths available for experienced cetacean observers during each of the survey periods. Volunteers will be asked to undertake cetacean observations using a pre-defined protocol. Observers may take part in one, two or all three parts of the survey. These are strictly voluntary positions and no travel costs can be reimbursed. However, berth and food onboard 'Thalassa' are provided free of charge. ORCA are interested in collecting effort-related cetacean sightings data during this survey to contribute to ORCA's existing cetacean database. We hope that the opportunity to join the IBTS in the North Sea will be a long-term arrangement and will provide an excellent opportunity to collect monitoring data on distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans during the winter. For further information about volunteering on this survey please send a CV with details of your experience to ORCACONSERVATION@aol.com by December 22nd. _________________________________________________________________ Find Singles In Your Area Now With Match.com! msnuk.match.com