*Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico: * The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the second season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. Join our research team studying humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited to 2 students per 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season from January 2012-May 2012. 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 filed Photo identification of individual humpbacks and dolphins Theodolite tracking and computer interface Passive acoustic sampling and analysis 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. Fees support this research project and associated lectures. 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) under the direction of Mithriel MacKay, PhD Candidate, Texas A&M University at Galveston. $800.00 per student includes travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, including field methods, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico and compulsory insurance. Students landing in Ponce, Puerto Rico will be picked up at the airport and brought to the base station in Guayanilla. *There is a limited number of scholarships available for partial cost of this program*. Students from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean will be given first priority, followed by under served areas with minimal opportunity for participation in marine mammal field programs. 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 apply for this field intensive, please visit the website below and download the forms indicated. Please be sure to read the description of the project and the base station. Website: www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> Click on the “courses” tab Information and applications can be found on page 15 of the course catalog Please be sure to indicate first, second, and third choice for dates from the following 2012 schedule: Session 1 Jan 15-21 Session 2 Jan 22-Jan 28 Session 3 Jan 29- Feb 04 Session 4 Feb 19-25 Session 5 Feb 26-March3 Session 6 March 4- 10 Session 7 March 11-March 17 Session 8 March 18-24 There is no deadline for applications; however, spaces typically fill very quickly. Spots are secured with full, non-refundable payment received with the completed application. Please email for details and mailing information. See you in sunny Puerto Rico! -- }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 Box 6382 Guanilla, Puerto Rico 00656 and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail@gmail.com 830-688-9878 PhD Candidate Texas A&M University at Galveston Marine Mammal Research Program 200 Seawolf Parkway OCSB 243 Galveston, Texas 77554