Dear all,


Odyssea is searching volunteers for the field work of our bottlenose dolphin research project in Mayotte led by the University of La Réunion.

Application deadline is 15 November 2015.

Description


The Marine Biology Association Odyssea (www.odyssea.lu) is offering bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) research internships in Mayotte as an opportunity to contribute to the field work of a PhD research project led by the Université de La Réunion. Mayotte is a small tropical island of the Comoros archipelago located in the Mozambique Channel in the southwest Indian Ocean. The island of Mayotte is almost entirely surrounded by barrier reef, enclosing one of the largest lagoons of the world. A population of 100 bottlenose dolphins is living in this lagoon. The near-shore distribution of this small cetacean makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes induced by growing human coastal activities.


The goal of the PhD project is to improve our understanding on the impacts of intensifying human activities on Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins. This may help to predict the responses to potential future changes in the context of a rapidly developing environment where both global changes and local pressures impact the dolphin population.


Responsibilities


The internships are available from the December 2014 until March 2015. Volunteers will be introduced to and participate in the research techniques involving boat-based photo identification, behavioural and habitat studies. Previous experience is required. Volunteers go out at sea nearly every day to study the dolphins and their habitats (6-8 hours/day depending on weather conditions). The internships will also include data analyses.

Requirements


-         Computer skills for data analyses (Microsoft Word, Excel, GIS),


-         Background in science and/or marine biology


-         Experience with photo-identification is desired, but not required


-         Being comfortable on a boat in varying conditions, including sun and heat


-         Ability to swim


-         Ability to work as a team and live with other volunteers in a small space



Expenses and Compensation

 

This is an unpaid internship. Travel to and from Mayotte, food, compulsory health and travel insurance, and personal expenses are not provided. Basic accommodation on a shared apartment basis can be provided.


There will be one day off per week to explore the island on own costs. 


At the end of the internship a certificate will be issued summing up all the skills acquired by the participants.


If you are interested in joining this internship, please send your CV and cover letter to jeanne.wagner@outlook.com until 15 November 2014. Interviews (via Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates after this deadline.


 


For more information, please contact jeanne.wagner@outlook.com.



Kind regards,

Jeanne Wagner
PhD student - ECOMAR

Secretary & cofounder - Odyssea - www.odyssea.lu

00352 691471719 (LU)
00262 639655534 (MAYOTTE)