Volunteers are needed for an upcoming marine mammal cruise with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the Gulf of California. The cruise will be from Nov.26 through Dec.15, 2005 on the R/P FLIP (Floating Instrument Platform), a unique research spar buoy (You can see more about FLIP at <http://www.mpl.ucsd.edu/resources/flip.intro.html>http://www.mpl.ucsd.edu/resources/flip.intro.html). The goal of this project is to compare visual and acoustic detections of marine mammals - particularly delphinid species. We are seeking 2-3 visual observers for this cruise, The position requirements include daily rotations between: - visual observations using hand-held binoculars from the FLIP crow's nest (approx. 90 ft above waterline) - data entry into a laptop computer - visual observations using Big-Eye binoculars for species identification - watches will occur on a rotation basis, with periodic breaks. We are seeking volunteers with marine mammal visual observation experience, particularly with delphinid species. Good eyesight, no fear of heights, and the ability to live in tight quarters are requisite. Selected participants will receive travel expenses plus room and board. If interested, please submit a resume to Jessica Burtenshaw at <jburtenshaw@ucsd.edu> as soon as possible. John Hildebrand Professor Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California San Diego Ritter Hall/Room 200C 8602 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093-0205 Phone: (858) 534-4069 Fax: (858) 534-6849