*Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico: * *1 week “Shorty” programs $900.00USD* The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the third season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. *No experience is necessary to participate!* Join our research team studying humpback whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited to 3 students per 7 day session * for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 20, 2013- April 27, 2013. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including: Research experience in vessel and land based data collection and recording of humpback whale behaviors Photographic techniques in the field (DSL, high resolution wildlife photography) Photo identification methods of individual humpbacks and dolphins Theodolite tracking and computer interface (Pythagoras and Mysticetus software) Passive acoustic sampling and analysis (Ishmael, Adobe Audition, Raven Pro) Assessing environmental factors Permit requirements for marine mammal research involving endangered species An overview of ecology on this island bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for humpback whale occupancy, habitat use, and movement off Puerto Rico as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft). $900.00USD per student includes a week in Puerto Rico: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees *do not include* travel to and from Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory insurance. Students must bring a working or collar-type PFD or are required to wear the PFD provided during all boat operations. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in college credit. Please send us an e-mail in advance of your application if you are considering this option. To participate, simply e-mail MCERC.mail@gmail.com. We are transitioning to our new website. Application packets will either be sent to you via e-mail or you will be directed to the link on the new MCERC website when it is available. Be sure to put in a first, second, and third choice of dates to avoid missing out on a spot this season! Once you are selected and dates are matched, you will be notified via e-mail and instructions for submitting the program fee will be included. A waiting list will be created in the event an opening becomes available. Spring break fills especially fast, so if this time interests you we suggest you register as soon as possible. Prior to arrival date, recommended packing list and program information will be sent to your email address. Thank you for supporting humpback whale research and education! Website: www.Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail@gmail.com Please be prepared to select first, second, and third choices for sessions available during the 2013 field season. Session 1 Jan 20-26 Session 2 Jan 27-Feb 2 Session 3 Feb 3- 9 Session 4 Feb 10-16 Session 5 Feb 17-23 Session 6 Feb 24- Mar 2 Session 7 Mar 3-9 Session 8 March 10-16 Session 9 Mar 17-23 Session 10 Mar 24-30 Session 11 Mar 31-Apr 6 Session 12 April 7-13 Session 13 April 14-20 See you in the tropics! WWW.Marine-Eco.org Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Center-PR HC02 Box 6382 Guayanilla, PR 00656 -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> ** }-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay@gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6382 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail@gmail.com