HUMPBACK WHALE SAILING RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN SILVER BANKS, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The Marine Biology non-profit Organization Odyssea (www.odyssea.lu) and Pangaea Exploration (www.panexplore.com) are opening two one-week humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) research internships in Silver Banks, in the North of the Dominican Republic. Part of the National Marine Mammal Sanctuary, this is the largest reproductive aggregation of humpback whales in the North Atlantic where thousands of whales congregate to give birth to their calves and to mate. The internship will take place on board Sea Dragon, a 72ft (22m), 90,000lb displacement steel hulled sailing vessel. Silver Banks is one of the few places in the world where in-water observations of humpback whales are allowed. These internships are available for durations of one week each from March 24-31 and from April 1-8. Volunteers will be introduced to and participate in the research techniques involving boat-based photo identification, behavioral studies, humpback whale acoustics, biopsies and in-water interactions. No previous experience is required. Active participation of all interns in all on-bard duties (cooking, cleaning etc.) is expected. The dates of the internships are (departing and arriving in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic): 24-31 March 2016 1-8 April 2016 Cost of the internship: 3350 USD This fee includes: - Board and room during the entire stay on Sea Dragon Boat-based humpback whale photo-identification and behavioral data collection Introduction to humpback whale acoustics, with on-site data analysis Training sessions in cetacean research techniques Introduction to biopsy taking and sample processing In-water observations of humpback whales and their calves Lectures on biology and conservation of cetaceans This fee does not include flights to and from the Dominican Republic, transfers to/from Puerto Plata, the visa on arrival (10$), compulsory health and travel insurance, and personal expenses. At the end of the internship a certificate will be issued summing up all the skills acquired by the participants. No previous experience requested. If you are interested in joining this internship, please contact us at info@odyssea.lu and we will send you a detailed document to assist you with your travel arrangements. Dr Pierre Gallego President of Odyssea www.odyssea.lu Sent from my iPhone