[MARMAM] Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship Opportunity

[Wally Franklin]

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia -  Internship Opportunity

The Oceania Project, during August-October 2009, is conducting vessel  
based fieldwork for a long-term study of the behaviour and social  
organisation of humpback whales in Hervey Bay.
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, population dynamics and ecological significance of  
Hervey Bay for the Area V (E1) humpback whale group. In addition we  
are investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay,  
the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and  
the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship.

There is an opportunity for up to five Interns to participate in the  
research expedition each week during August-October 2009. 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 'sloughed skin' and faecal sample collection,  
assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field  
notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water  
quality sampling 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/life.html  ]

A pdf with detailed information about the Internship Program is  
available for download.

No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The  
Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions.  
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:trish.wally at oceania.org.au ].



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

..........................................................................
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 02 6685 8128
Fax:      + 61 02 9225 9176
Mobile: 0418 797326

Email: trish.wally at oceania.org.au
Web: http://www.oceania.org.au
and	  http://www.iwhales.org

PhD Candidates Southern Cross University
http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/index.php



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