Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY This project will be extended until the end of March 2013, and as a consequence I am looking for interested parties who would be available as soon as possible from now until March 31st 2013 to help collect land based theodolite data, vessel scans and focal follow data on spinner dolphins in their resting bays along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)%20> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Boat based group focal follow surveys will be conducted along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii both inside and outside resting bays. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in 10th January 2013. Assistants will help collect theodolite data and group focal follow dataon spinner dolphins in their resting bays and along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. The field season will last until end March 2013. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for the fieldwork period. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in small team of three-five people Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawai'i and their own living expenses. However, there are a limited number of beds available in shared rooms for $500 per month plus a share of the monthly electricity bill. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV, including 2 referees (1 academic) that you are happy for me to contact, and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au). ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne * j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU