The Oceania Project is conducting vessel-based fieldwork for a long- term study of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m- power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/where.html] The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/aboutus.html] The focus of the research is the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E) humpback stock. We are also investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay and the implications for social organisation, reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html] There is an opportunity for a limited number of Interns to participate the research expedition during August-October 2005. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1150 Australian (Approx. $838 US per week) which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/join.html ] Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and fecal sample collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water quality sampling and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/life.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order they are received. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/regform.html ] General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au] If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV. [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ] Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University _____________________________________________________________________ National Whale and Dolphin Research Conference 21–22 February 2006 Adelaide, South Australia. http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conference/index.html Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin - Hervey Bay Research Update: Downloadable Presentation (pdf - 3,152 KB) http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conference/pubs/hw- franklin.pdf _____________________________________________________________________ ........................................................................ .. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trish.wally@oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html