On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications to participate as research assistant in our "Endangered whales research project".  BACKGROUND - The research project aims to investigate the ecology and behaviour of blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, and humpback whales off the NW coast of Spain. This research project will be carried out between August and November 2019, aiming to contribute to extend the scant information available about the distribution and behaviour of these species of whales in the North-east Atlantic.   The mission of the BDRI since 2005 is to contribute to the understanding and conservation of marine mammals and the marine environment in which they live. Our field research experience and commitment to research, education, and conservation make our center an important source of knowledge about marine biodiversity and the environment for scientists, decision-makers, students and the public. Since 2014 the BDRI performs systematic surveys to monitor charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions in the world (Galician waters, NW Spain).   PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - This research experience offers an excellent opportunity for interested and motivated people to obtain field and laboratory experience in marine mammal research methodology under the mentorship of experienced scientists. Boat-based observation surveys will be carried out, between 1st August until 1st November 2019, during daylight hours and in good sea conditions (up to 4 on the Beaufort wind force scale, wave height smaller than 1.5 m, and visibility not reduced by rain or fog). Onboard a 12m fly-bridge research vessel, participants will record data on presence and behavior of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), and oceanographic variables. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be also trained to get involved with other research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys (from two research vessels), land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc). The participants will have the opportunity to study the ecology of blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoises, risso's dolphins, killer whales, striped dolphins, minke whales, and the Eurasian otter. The BDRI office is located in a pleasant research centre located in O Grove, Galicia (Spain). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. BDRI internships are not paid and this research experience requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and shared accommodation. The fee reflects the real world costs and expenses that go into making the "Endangered whales research project" possible and the training placement worthwhile.   For more information and details, feel free to send us an e-mail to: info@thebdri.com  BDRI’s reputation for success rests solidly on its ability to carry out studies published in prestigious scientific journals. Scientific articles published by the BDRI team during 2019 (for a full list of publications please visit: <https://www.thebdri.com/papers.html>):  - Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S. (2019). Habitat drivers of endangered rorqual whales in a highly impacted upwelling region. Ecological Indicators, 103: 610 – 616.   - Methion, B., Diaz Lopez, B. (2019). First record of atypical pigmentation pattern in fin whale Balaenoptera physalus in the Atlantic Ocean. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. DOI: 10.3354/dao03385   - Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S., & Giralt Paradell, O. (2019). Living on the edge: Overlap between a marine predator’s habitat use and fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic waters (NW Spain). Progress in Oceanography, 175: 115 – 223.   - Methion, S., Diaz Lopez, B. (2019). Natural and anthropogenic drivers of foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: influence of shellfish aquaculture. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3116.    - Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, (2019) Modelling common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: insights for conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management. DOI:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.104836   - Diaz Lopez, B. (2019) "Hot deals at sea": responses of a top predator (Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem. Behavioural Ecology 2 (3), 291-300. DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary162 Bruno Díaz López Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Mention us on Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. 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