Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia -  Internship/Eco-Volunteer 
Opportunity

The Oceania Project, during August-October 2011, is conducting vessel based 
fieldwork for a long-term study of the behaviour and social organisation of 
humpback whales in Hervey Bay. See recent publications below.
The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran.
 [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ]   (Right Click to open 
links)

The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating 
the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for 
Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South 
Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC).
 [ http://www.oceania.org.au/footer_stuff/about_us.html ]

The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social 
behaviour and social organisation of humpback whales and the social & 
ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E1) humpback whale group. 
In addition we are investigating population dynamics, including birthing rates, 
survivorship, abundance, temporary immigration and migratory interchange.

There is an opportunity for up to four Interns to participate in the research 
expedition each week during August-October 2011. Interns live aboard the 
expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. 
The cost per week is $1950 Australian which includes accommodation aboard the 
expedition vessel and food.  Interns are responsible for all costs associated 
with travel to and from Hervey Bay. 

Fieldwork involved is assistance with photo identification/behavioural 
observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection and general data 
entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & 
galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. 
[ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/internship.html  ]

No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship 
is open to students and staff of recognised institutions as well as members of 
the General Public. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine 
mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer 
marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order 
registrations are received. 

General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is 
online at: 
[ http://www.oceania.org.au ]

Experiences with the humpbacks in Hervey Bay aboard the Whale Research 
Expedition can
be viewed at: [ iWhales.org ]   (Put mouse over screen and click play button)

If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an 
Intern you can register online.  

If you have questions or queries please email Trish & Wally Franklin and 
include a brief CV  [ mailto:[email protected] ].



Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin
Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project
PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University


Recent publications:

Franklin, T., W. Franklin, L. Brooks, P. Harrison, P. Baverstock and P. 
Clapham. 2010. Seasonal changes in pod characteristics of eastern Australian 
humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Hervey Bay 1992-2005. Marine Mammal 
Science. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00430.x.

Franklin, W., T. Franklin, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, C. Garrigue, R. 
Constantine, L. Brooks, D. Burns, D. Paton, M. M. Poole, N. Hauser, M. 
Donoghue, K. Russell, D. K. Mattila, J. Robbins, M. Anderson, C. Olavarria, J. 
Jackson, M. Noad, P. Harrison, P. Baverstock, R. Leaper, S. C. Baker and P. 
Clapham. (In press). Photo-identification confirms that humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae) from eastern Australia migrate past New Zealand but 
indicates low levels of interchange with breeding grounds of Oceania. J. 
CETACEAN RES. MANAGE.

Franklin, W., T. Franklin, L. Brooks, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, F. Smith, D. 
Burns, D. Paton, C. Garrigue, R. Constantine, M. M. Poole, N. Hauser, M. 
Donoghue, K. Russell, D. K. Mattila, J. Robbins, A. Ooseterman, R. Leaper, P. 
Harrison, S. C. Baker and P. Clapham. (In press). Antarctic waters (Area V) 
near the Balleny Islands are a summer feeding area for some Eastern Australian 
(E (i) breeding group) Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). J. CETACEAN 
RES. MANAGE.

..................................................................................................................
Trish & Wally Franklin
 
The Oceania Project
PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
ABN 73 052 470 630   ACN 052 470 630
 
Phone: + 61 2 6685 8128
Mobile:    0418 797 326
Skype:    oceania.org.au
 
Email: [email protected]
 
Web:    
The Oceania Project
iWhales.org
The Oceania Project | YouTube
The Oceania Project | Facebook
Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre







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