Dear all, (apologies for cross-posting)
The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar in May-July 2012. The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 3 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with merchant ships or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. This project has been running for 3 years both in summertime and wintertime. During this next summer survey we are planning to deploy satellite tags on the migrating whales to identify their summering grounds. Volunteers should be available for one or more of the 3 periods of 3 weeks. (See http://www.circe.biz/index.php/components/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=236&lang=en for the exact dates). You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide shared-room accommodation near the research centre and daily transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (9-15h/15-21h) under the sun, the wind and quickly changing hot/cold weather and to help with data entry when bad weather. For more information, a video and the blog of the project, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php/components/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=236&lang=en) Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in an international team - speak fluently Spanish or English - be available for one (or more) of the 3-week periods Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including cetacean tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants are asked to send an email introducing themselves. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and relevant previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV, and download the registration form from http://www.circe.biz/index.php/components/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=236&lang=en (also available in Spanish and French). Applications will be accepted until 26 February 2012 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible. For more information, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much ! All the best Pauline ------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE http://www.circe.info SPAIN -------------------------
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