Project: A playback study to determine if humpback whales are utilizing active or passive acoustic cues for orientation during migration. Position: Unpaid volunteer Dates: 3 August-4 September, 2011 Location: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia Project Summary: We are conducting an experimental study of humpback whale orientation mechanisms at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane, Australia. Humpback whales pass very close to shore at this location during their northern migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef. We will conduct playbacks of several different sound stimuli in order to determine if the whales are utilizing active or passive acoustic cues to orient themselves in the marine environment during migration. Playbacks will be conducted from a small vessel. The whales will be monitored from shore during playbacks for changes in course or behavior. Volunteers are needed to conduct land-based visual observations of the study whales from a cliff site overlooking the playback location. Volunteers will assist in selecting appropriate whale groups for the experiment. Utilizing a surveyor’s theodolite they will monitor the location and behavior of each surfacing of the whale group for the duration of each playback. Participants will rotate duties between visual observations utilizing binoculars, tracking of whales utilizing a theodolite and monitoring sighting locations and behaviors on a laptop. There will opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work and aid in conducting playbacks. Volunteers will be expected to participate in full days of observations with rotation of responsibilities and breaks between playback groups. There will usually be one or more days off per week due to bad weather. Qualifications: The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in science. Participants should be keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques and playback experiments. While previous experience in survey techniques is desired, it is not required. The main criteria for applicants are an interest in cetacean surveys and an ability to concentrate for several hours at a time while working in a small group. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for the entire project time period. Volunteers will need to provide their own transportation to the study site (accessible by public transportation from Brisbane international airport). However, once they have arrived at the study site all food and accommodation will be provided for the duration of the project. Participants must be able to live and work well with a small group of people (6-9) for extended periods of time. Cooking and cleaning duties will be shared and meals will be communal. Applicants should email a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation, as well as a CV and the contact details of two professional references to Ann Allen at anallen@whoi.edu. Applications will be accepted until all volunteer positions are filled. This project is funded by the National Geographic Committee for Research and Exploration and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.