*HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH & LEARNING PROGRAMME IN CAPE VERDE, AFRICA*
*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve) and Boa Vista, Cape Verde. This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) and the rough-toothed (*Steno bredanensis*) although more than 14 species of cetacean were describe to the Cape Verde region. Sea turtle could be also find in the ocean, mostly the Green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*), Loggerhead turtle and Leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*) AIMM participants are hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. *WHERE:* Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, África *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of March to 31st of May, 2018. The minimum attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in an opportunistic platforms (commercial whale-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the whale-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of season, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photos to photo-identification and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs. This program requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on fees for the 2018 season, please contact: inte...@aimm-portugal.org with the title “CAPE VERDE LEARNING PROGRAMME” *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Fieldwork on a commercial whale-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transport to/from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde; · Transport from the Airport in Rabil to Sal Rei Village; · VISA; · Meals / food; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 18; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 2 weeks. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Availability to stay for longer periods of time · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification *PROGRAMME APPLICATION: * Applicants should send an e-mail to inte...@aimm-portugal.org, subject “*CAPE VERDE LEARNNING PROGRAMME*” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which are your expectations and the period of time that you want do the program. You will receive an e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: inte...@aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org
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