*RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY*
*EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION* <http://www.edmaktub.com/> *7-Day Fin whale Research Assistant Program* *Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN)* *Want to be part of a pioneer research project to study fin whales’ remarkable presence near Barcelona’s coast?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many other cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We are seeking volunteers to assist in next year’s research campaign in the catalan coast, *between Barcelona and Tarragona (NW Mediterranean basin), which will take place *from March to May 2016*, to study fin whales’ use of Catalan waters in the area of Garraf (central-south Catalonia) as a potential feeding station during their migrations across the Mediterranean Sea. This is the *first dedicated study that has ever been conducted in this area*, which includes the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones *(used to obtain blow samples for genetic studies). Last two-year research we have sighted 92 fin whales and we photo-identified 58 individuals. Volunteers will have the chance to enjoy the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) and Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*), Mediterranean shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Cory's shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, Atlantic puffin (*Fratercula arctica*), and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish, manta ray and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*)! *FIN WHALE PROJECT* <http://www.edmaktub.com/150-2/> Our research campaigns focus on the *monitoring of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus),* the second largest species on earth and the only regular whale in the Mediterranean, *presence in Catalan waters (NW Mediterranean basin) *using visual vessel-based surveys. We offer the opportunity to learn about marine species and habitats in the study area; gain experience in field work and monitoring techniques (including non-invasive techniques such as the use of drones to obtain blow samples for genetic studies and the use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies), data processing and analysis. Assistants will also be able to listen to vocalizations recorded in the field and help in the processing of photos taken from sightings for photo-id. Volunteering with EDMAKTUB you will *learn about the rich marine fauna found in the Garraf area and cetaceans’ census techniques while you enjoy full-day survey trips on our catamaran along the Catalan coast*. Data collected by volunteers during the surveys will contribute to our long running research studies on fin whales habitat usage, abundance, photo-identification, feeding behaviour and acoustic studies. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to *make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation* and also meet new people who share your interests! During their free time and when weather conditions are unfavorable for boat surveys, volunteers will be able to visit Barcelona and enjoy its vibrant cultural offer, as well as to enjoy a huge variety of wildlife while doing some trekking and nature expeditions in Garraf’s Natural Park (beautiful location where we’re based). *Here * <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUjpZWQZzlk>*you will find a short video about the ‘Fin whale Project’.* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>*’s research.* *Research Assistant Program: participate in our ongoing research for 7 days* The campaign period will be divided into one-week sessions. A maximum of 6 assistants will be able to join each session, and priority will be given to volunteers who can join more than one session. *We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students *who require field work support and office space *to conduct their research projects* (please contact us by email to discuss project ideas). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. ------------------------------ *EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* is a non-profit organization* that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. *Volunteers are an essential part of the association* and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this *unforgettable experience* which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! *If you are interested and would like more information on dates and prices, please fill up the following form:* *http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh <http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh>* *EDMAKTUB Association: for the study and disclosure of the marine environment* *www.edmaktub.org* <http://www.edmaktub.org/> Facebook: *Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>*
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