Internship opportunity in the Azores, Pico
Island, May-September 2016
The Nova Atlantis Foundation (www.nova-atlantis.org) is preparing its 17th fieldwork season, dedicated to studying the social ecology of the Risso´s dolphin around Pico island. Next to the continuation of the Risso project we will conduct cetacean monitoring surveys, focusing on the deep diving species such as pilot whales and beaked whales. Pico island is an excellent area to learn and gain experience at sea and to observe over 15 species of cetaceans during the summer season.
We are seeking volunteers and/or (biology) students for the period May to September. Candidates should be available for at least 2 months. We may make exceptions for potential participants to apply for a shorter placement. Volunteers must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation and animal behaviour.
The internship includes:
- An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing
- Sea-surveys and land based data collection
- Data processing
The 2 month internship requires a payment of 500 € to cover running field work costs. Expenses for travelling to and from the field worksite, accommodation and food are not included in this fee. The Nova Atlantis Foundation offers accommodation in collaboration with a local family in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras (175 EUR per month, all inclusive-ex food). Interns are free to find their own accommodation in the Ribeiras area as well.
Fieldwork is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive long days of work at sea and from land. On a typical field day we split the team in a land crew and a sea crew and work in shifts allowing all to rotate and gain experience in several methodologies. We use rough weather days for data entry or as a day off.
Application deadline is 31st March.
To apply please send a short letter (state which period you prefer) and a short CV to: oceanwatch@gmail.com.
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Dr. Karin Louise Hartman