CAPRICORNIA CETACEANS PROJECT PROJECT TITLE: SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF INSHORE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH CENTRE: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre The SCUWRC is a cetacean centre that was established in 2001 at Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW, Australia. The principle objective of the centre is to undertake research on cetacean populations in the Southern Hemisphere. Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student at SCUWRS is looking for volunteers, to cover the period from March 2008 to September 2008 to assist the researcher during the field work. We conduct boat-based research with the primary objective to investigate population parameters, size, social dynamics, habitat preference, movement, range, seasonal occurrence and abundance and pattern of diurnal behaviour of Snubfin dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. We also collect information on all the cetacean species, mainly members of the Delphinidae family, sighted during the surveys. The primary aims of the project are: 1) To estimate the distribution and abundance of the inshore dolphins (primarily Snubfin and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin) in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Region. 2) To investigate the population structure of inshore dolphin species in Central Queensland 3) To identify key habitats for dolphins feeding and resting and socialising. 3) To collect data of any other species recorded in the study area. The field work will be conducted on a daily basis on the 6m research vessel, Sousa, mainly in coastal waters and estuaries. Exploratory surveys, at least one week each month (weather permitting) of five or more consecutive days in remote or offshore regions will be conducted using a 12 m powered Catamaran. THE CAPRICORNIA CETACEANS PROJECT is looking for a a) One Research Assistant. The research assistant will receive a compensation plus free accommodation. b) Two volunteers: Volunteers will share a house close to the beach with the researchers and the rest of the team but will have to participate to the accommodation costs. Accommodation in a shared room for volunteers including power, water and internet connection are provided at 95$ per week. Prerequisites for the position can be found in www.capricorncetaceans.com under OPPORTUNITIES Applicants please reply to my e-mail address, dcagna10@scu.edu.au, attaching a CV, including previous experiences and background studies. For more information www.capricorncetaceans.com Daniele Cagnazzi PhD student SCUWRC Daniele Cagnazzi PhD Candidate Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. Australia, 2480 Mobile 0439-782-243 Ph. +61 2 6620-3815 Fax. +61 2 6621-2669