The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Programme is led by Blue Planet Marine and operated in collaboration with the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory at the University of Queensland, Australia. http://www.blueplanetmarine.com. Operating since 2016, the Programme will be based on a live-aboard research vessel in and around the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. The focus of the Programme is to: · Identify areas of the Great Barrier Reef that are most important for humpback whale breeding activities; · Gather information regarding the structure of the east Australian humpback whale sub-stock; and · Gain a better understanding of whale acoustic communication and the potential for anthropogenic impacts within the breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef. Running from July to September 2018, there are opportunities for Research Assistants to join the Programme, living aboard the research vessel. The minimum length of time Research Assistants may join is one research trip of six days. On a daily basis Research Assistants will be actively involved in all aspects of research activities, including: whale fluke photo identification; video recordings; collection of genetic samples; recording behavioural observations; and recording whale song and social sounds. You will also assist with vessel operations, including all day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning and vessel maintenance. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. There is a participation fee for each 6-day research trip. The participation fee covers accommodation aboard the research vessel and food while on board, it also covers some of the costs of conducting the research. Research Assistants are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from the Whitsundays. To find out more about The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Project (including the dates of research trips), or to register online for a Research Assistant position, visit: http://www.blueplanetmarine.com. David Paton, Managing Director, Blue Planet Marine