Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia.

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation.

 

In September 2017, MCC introduced The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project in collaboration with the DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association and the Dolphin Division of Cambodia's Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago.  

 

We are looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team between August and December 2018.

Project activities:   

 

·  a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software;

·  a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week;

·  aerial surveys using a DJI drone;

·  photo-identification techniques using Discovery software;

·  passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software;

·  social science techniques;

·  data entry, processing and analysis;

·  education and outreach; 

·  running a marine mammal stranding network;

·  scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports;

·  designing marine mammal legislation.

 

 

Basic internship training schedule

 

Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project.

Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques.

Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training.

Session 4: Marine vessel identification training.

Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training.

Session 6: Drone footage analysis training.

Session 7: Training feedback and debrief.

Session 8: Practice observational land and boat survey.

Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training.

Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training.

 

Depending on your skill set and interest, you may want to become involved in other project related activities, however this will be dependent on the length of your internship.

 

 

Internship requirements:

 

We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, ready to commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. You must be:

·         positive;

·         adaptable;

·         self-motivated;

·         resourceful;

·         a team player;

·         eager to learn;

·         good at time management;

·         and comfortable living in shared accommodation within a multicultural team.

 

 

Project site description:

 

The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided.  

 

 

Application process and fees:

 

There is an internship fee of $400 USD/week, which will cover:

·         all food, water, accommodation;

·         transport to and from the mainland to the project island;

·         marine mammal research training;

·         scuba diving (if qualified);

·         and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management.

Discounts are available for those committing to longer durations or for individuals with significant relevant experience.  There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter to cambodiadolphinproject@gmail.com  to apply.