The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from 5 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar from 14 November to 19 December 2010 (5 weeks) Project summary The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 3 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with merchant ships or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low. Theoritical and practical training will be provided. Activities will include land survey from 9am to 6pm whenever the weather is good and helping with data management (data entry, photo-ID…) on rainy days. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently Spanish and/or English - be available for the entire 5-week period Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants should send an email introducing themselves. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV. Applications will be accepted until 15 October 2010 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible. For more information, do not hesitate to contact me. All the best Pauline ------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans), SPAIN http://www.circe.info -------------------------