[MARMAM] Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internships

[Jason Allen]

Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internships

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine 
Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, is the world's longest-running wild 
dolphin research program.  The program's goal is to contribute to a 
better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of 
small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that 
impact them.  The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative 
approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota 
Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal 
waters.  For more information about the SDRP, please visit: 
www.sarasotadolphin.org.

The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer 
2008 internship program.  Several internship positions are available 
within five different research projects listed below.  There is no 
compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants 
will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses 
during the time of the internship.  Housing opportunities may be 
available (cost: $75/week).   Scholarships are available from Mote 
Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process.

Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:
    *Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed 
undergraduate studies;
    *A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology or a 
related field;
    *Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs;
    *Some field research experience preferred but not required;
    *Must be able to swim;
    *Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research 
methods;
    *A willingness to spend a minimum of 2 - 3 months working full time 
with our program.

To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship interested 
persons should:
1) Fill out an application form by navigating to Mote Marine 
Laboratory's website (www.mote.org) and following the education links to 
the college intern page.  Be sure to select "Center for Marine Mammal & 
Sea Turtle Research" as your first choice; 

2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application 
materials including: a statement of interest, current college 
transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae.  Be sure to 
mention which project(s) from the list below interest you and why;

3) Send a brief email to the SDRP's Lab Manager (Jason Allen, 
allenjb at mote.org) stating your name, contact information, which 
project(s) interest you, dates available (please be specific) and that 
you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern 
office, as detailed above. 

All applications will be reviewed; those received by March 15th will be 
given first priority.  Applicants may contact Mote's intern office 
(941-388-4441, intern at mote.org) with questions regarding the application 
process and Jason Allen (941-388-4441 ext. 452, allenjb at mote.org) in the 
SDRP with any questions regarding specific projects.

The four research projects include:
Juvenile Dolphin Behavior Project 
(www.sarasotadolphin.org/Social/juvenile_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Katie McHugh, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 4
Dates of internship:  2 June - 29 August 2008
This research project will study the behavioral development and survival 
strategies of juvenile bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. While in the 
field, this work consists of boat based surveys for dolphin groups and 
detailed behavioral data collection on individual juvenile dolphins in 
our study population. While in the lab, work will mainly involve 
photo-identification of dolphins and data entry.  Interns will also 
assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey and Habitat 
Use Project on a rotating basis (see below). 

Dolphin and Fisheries Interaction Project 
(www.sarasotadolphin.org/Human/depredation_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Jessica Powell, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 4
Dates of internship:  12 May - 18 July 2007
This research project will study fisheries interactions and depredation 
by bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay.  While in the field, this work 
consists of boat and land based surveys for dolphin groups, detailed 
behavioral data collection on specific individuals with the Sarasota Bay 
population. While in the lab, work will mainly involve 
photo-identification of dolphins sighted and data entry.  Interns will 
also assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey and 
Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below).

Sea Bird Ecology Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Health/redtide_2008.asp)
Supervisor: Deb Fauquier
Number of intern positions: 1
Dates of internship:  16 June - 18 September 2007
This study will look at the abundance, distribution and habitat use of 
sea birds in Sarasota Bay and the effects of red tide on those sea bird 
communities.  Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project 
and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below). 

Population Monitoring Project 
(www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/monitor_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Jason Allen, Aaron Barleycorn, Robin Perrtree
Number of intern positions: 2
Dates of internship: 2 June - 19 December 2007.  This project will use 
interns from other projects on a rotating basis from 2 June - 29 
August.  However, it is accepting applications for all or part of 2 
September - 19 December 2007 (eight weeks minimum).  
This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin 
population in Sarasota Bay.  While in the field, this work consists of 
boat based surveys for dolphin groups along survey routes.  Behavioral, 
location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each 
dolphin group.  While in the lab, work will involve photo-identification 
of dolphins sighted, data entry, dolphin ID catalog maintenance and 
equipment maintenance.

Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project 
(www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/prey_2008.asp)
Supervisors: Damon Gannon, Sandra Camilleri, Jason Allen
Number of intern positions: 2
Dates of Internship: 2 June - 26 September.  This project will use 
interns from other projects on a rotating basis. 
This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and random sampling 
of fish population through purse seining techniques to study 
predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to 
understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their 
prey, and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide.

-- 
Jason Allen
Lab Manager
Sarasota Dolphin Research Program

Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236

Tel: 941.388.4441 ext. 452
Fax: 941.388.4223

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