Program:
The South West Marine Research program is a long-term, multi-faceted
project on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of South West Australia.
This program is based in Bunbury (south of Perth) and is a collaboration
between Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit
(www.mucru.org<http://www.mucru.org/>) and numerous industry and non-
profit partners. The research focuses on dolphin population dynamics,
abundance, social structure, behaviour, habitat use, conservation
genetics, effects of human activity and foraging ecology.
http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/south-west-marine-
research-program/
Position:
Here, I am specifically seeking research volunteers to assist with data
collection and processing. Long-term data will be used to investigate
effects of human activity on the population of bottlenose dolphin in
this area, in order to aid in future conservation and management
efforts. Fieldwork is conducted from Busselton to Binningup within a 540
km2 area consisting of coastal beaches, inshore bays, estuarine inlets
and a river. Using a rigid sampling design, this research is conducted
year round via standardised line transect surveys (up to 5 nm offshore)
from a small research vessel. For further information on the boat-based
photo-identification procedure, see the following open-access
publication:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.00765
74
Additionally, land based data collection of vessel usage within the
study area is conducted using distance sampling methods from a land
based station in Bunbury. This experience will be most useful to
students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology,
population biology, marine conservation or marine science.
Office:
Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research
Program office is based at the Dolphin Discovery Center in Bunbury.
http://dolphindiscovery.com.au/
Duties:
Field: spotting wildlife, data collection, boat driving, photo
identification.
Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organisation.
Land based: Use of binoculars with bearing and reticles for distance
sampling of vessel traffic within the study area.
Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ACDSee, Logger, Microsoft
Access, Excel, and Word.
Assistants should:
Be adaptable, patient, and enthusiastic as fieldwork is highly weather
dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends. When the
weather permits fieldwork could be long and on consecutive days. Due to
the training required, applicants must be willing to the project full-
time for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for
an extended duration will be given preference.
Preferred skills/traits:
1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal
behaviour or a related field.
2. Previous field experience with wildlife (field data collection,
photo-identification, boat handling skills).
3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well
as a genuine interest in wildlife science.
4. No history of debilitating seasickness.
Time Period:
Seeking skilled research assistants for periods beginning in September
2015 through July 2016 with a commitment greater than 2 months
preferred. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation
or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for
their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses.
If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a
cover letter including your time of availability, a short CV and contact
information for at least 2 references to the attention of John Symons
([email protected]). Short-listed candidates will be contacted to
schedule an interview.
John Symons
PhD Candidate
Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Murdoch University
South Street
Murdoch WA 6150 Australia
