PROJECT TITLE: Southern Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project RESEARCH CENTRE: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre The SCUWRC is a cetacean centre that was established in 2001 at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia. The principle objective of the centre is to undertake research on cetacean populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student at SCUWRS is looking for volunteers, to cover the period from Jenuary 2007 to April 2007 to assist the researcher during the field work. We conduct boat-based research with the primary objective to investigate population parameters, size, social dynamics, habitat preference, movement, range, seasonal occurrence and abundance and pattern of diurnal behaviour of Snubfin dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin along the Fraser/Curtis Coast. Furthermore, we collect occasional information on all the cetacean species, mainly members of the Delphinidae family, sighted during the surveys. We also work closely with local communities, environmental agencies, and government organisations to educate the general public and to promote a general awareness and understanding of the significance of Cetaceans. The primary aims of the project are: 1) To estimate the distribution and abundance of the inshore dolphins ( primarly Snubfin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin) in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region. 2) To determine the southern-most limit for Snubfin dolphins in Australia. 3) To identify key habitats for dolphins feeding and resting and socialising. 3) Collecting data of any other species recorded in the study area. The field work will be conducted on a daily basis on the 6m research vessel, Sousa, mainly in coastal waters and estuaries. Volunteers will help during: 1.. boat-based line transect surveys 2.. collect data on cetacean sightings 3.. data entry for cetacean sightings 4.. photo-id work and analysis Volunteers will share a house close to the beach with the researcher and the rest of the team but will have to partecipate to the accomodation and food costs. Applicants please reply to my e-mail address, dcagna10@scu.edu.au, attaching a CV, including previous experiences and background studies. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student SCUWRC Daniele Cagnazzi PhD Candidate Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. Australia, 2480 Mobile 0439-782-243 Ph. +61 7 4938-8563 Fax. +61 2 6621-2669