We are in need of two volunteers to assist with a long-term population
monitoring study of harbor seals at Tugidak Island, near Kodiak Island,
Alaska from May 15th to June 25 th. All living expenses on the island and
travel expenses will be covered. Duties include: (1) assisting with
collection of observational data on harbor seals (including conducting a
large-scale digital photography project to identify individual seals by
their pelage patterns, conducting counts, and resighting tagged/naturally
marked animals); (2) assisting with camp and equipment maintenance as
needed; and (3) computer data entry using a large ACCESS database to catalog
digital photographs and other data.

Applicants should enjoy and have previous experience living and/or working
in primitive and remote conditions, and the ability to work well in small
groups of people in an isolated setting is essential. Tugidak Island is
very remote and is accessible only by a one-hour small plane ride; only
emergency communication off -island is available. Four people will share a
small cabin and tents; no running water or electricity is available. Also
desirable is previous experience with wildlife observational studies and/or
photography.

The objectives of our research are to document life history parameters and
population dynamics of harbor seals at Tugidak. This population is of
special concern as Tugidak was once one of the largest harbor seal haul-outs
in the world, and is just recovering from an ~85% decline that occurred in
the 1970s and 80s.

If you are interested in and available to be considered for one of these
positions, please send your resume and contacts for three individuals
familiar with your remote work experience to Kelly Hastings at
kelly_hastings@...
<mailto:kelly_hastings@...>.

***********************

We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions for our 2004 field
season, from June to October.
Primary research concentration is of a relic population unit of endangered
short-beaked common dolphins, that spend summer months in the rich waters of
Ischia island in a zone corresponding to the submarine canyon of Cuma, a
highly productive marine area characterised by high pelagic biodiversity and
multi-species associations. The area represents an important feeding site
for other cetacean species, including striped dolphins, Risso's dolphins,
and fin whales.

The main objectives of the project are to:
1) examine the social structure of the population and assess the
production of calves;
2) study habitat use and distribution;
3) estimate the impact on animals of both fishery operations and
recreational vessel traffic;
4) study the acoustic repertoire.

The research on the endangered short-beaked common dolphins is in
collaboration with: A. Dohrn Zoological Station (Ischia Laboratory), ASMS
Ocean Care, OceanoMare, Tethys Research Institute, University of Naples
Federico II (Geology Department).
Publications on our research are available at
www.delphismdc.org/en/publications.htm

As a member of the research team you will learn and apply the principles of
field research design as you participate in our ongoing field studies, and
will gain a personal understanding of the conservation and welfare issues,
which drive our research activities. In particularly everyone ends the stage
with an improved knowledge regarding methods of digital
photo-identification, technique for the study of cetacean behaviour and
bioacoustic, use of programs and vehicles designated to the research, GIS,
use of research instruments like hydrophones, underwater cameras, GPS, etc.
The positions will involve field data collection aboard our 17.70 m research
sailing boat. In short, a very rewarding experience in the introduction to
whale and dolphin identification, data collection and wildlife viewing can
be expected.
The most important requirements for any participant are enthusiasm, the
ability and willingness to learn and work under often difficult, but
rewarding, field conditions, and the open-mindedness and sense of humour to
work, live and communicate well with other people of mixed nationality and
background.
The cost for a week placement for 2004 will be from ?710 (although week long
placements can be discounted). This will cover full board, equipment and all
associated costs during your stay, but you will need to arrange your own
travel itinerary / flights to the area.

Background information
Delphis mdc is a NGO and non-profit organisation dedicated to the
conservation and protection of cetaceans in Italy through scientific
investigation, education, and research. Since 1991, volunteers and students
have been invaluable in the collection, organisation and analysis of data
fundamental to our understanding and current knowledge of the distribution
and the ecology of these animals in the waters of Ischia, Gulf of Naples,
Italy.
Interested persons should write to or email at the address below providing a
brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Please
also remember to include your preferred dates for participation.

Field Positions
Delphis, Mediterranean Dolphin Conservation,
NGO and non profit

Island of Ischia
via Zaro 22, 80075 Forio (NA)
ITALY

ATTN. Lina Bertone
e-mail: info@...
www.delphismdc.org

*****************************************

BANDING VOLUNTEERS IN YUCATAN – We seek several individuals to work
alongside an international team at the Reserva Bio-Cultural Sta. Maria in
the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. In particular we need a LEAD BANDER who is
able to work independently and who has experience in operating mistnets and
determining age and sex of birds. Other volunteers with more limited
banding experience also needed. Because our funding supports local
biologists first, volunteers are needed who can support themselves at our
field site. In general, nice accommodations with meals cost $5/day.
Abilities in Spanish, and experience in assisting others to learn
mistnetting skills, are preferred but not required. We also prefer
volunteers who can make a minimum 3-month commitment. Volunteers are needed
on a year-round basis, so please also describe your availability. Please
send CV and names and contact info for 3 references to:
james.rotenberg@... AND slatta@....


************************
INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE for Bird Monitoring in Costa Rica--We have an openings
for Bird Banding Interns at a bird monitoring station in the coastal
Caribbean town of Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Positions begin mid-February and
run through the end of May and again from the beginning of August until the
end of December. The minimum length of stay is usually 2 months.
Participants are expected to have experience in identifying birds, and they
usually have removed from mist nets and processed at least 200 landbirds.
The Primary Bander will have extensive experience operating a capture
station and can be awarded up to half their airfare to and from San José,
Costa Rica. All volunteers receive their room and board while they are
staying at the well-appointed station of the Caribbean Conservation
Corporation, Estacion Biologica, in Tortuguero. We and our collaborators
in Costa Rica have been operating five monitoring stations near the village
for over nine years. We operate mist nets for resident and migrant species
and conduct migration censuses of the millions of diurnal migrants moving
along the coast. Positions will be open until filled. Please send a resume
highlighting your bird banding experience, ability with Spanish, dates
available and any questions to DR. C. JOHN RALPH (EM: cjr2@... or
cralph@..., PH: 707 825-2992, FX: 707 825-2901), or at U.S. Forest
Service, Redwood Sciences Laboratory, 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, California
95521.

************************

We still have a few places available for volunteers during April, May and=
=20
June. If interested, please read below.


Volunteering opportunities with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre i=
n=20
Wales

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, a non-profit organisation based =
in=20
New Quay, west Wales, is recruiting volunteers to assist with the ongoing=
=20
bottlenose dolphin research and education programmes concerning the marin=
e=20
wildlife of Cardigan Bay. Volunteers are still needed from March 29 until=
=20
June 2004, with a minimum commitment of 4 weeks. Preference will be given=
to=20
those who can stay for longer periods of time.

The CBMWC, founded in 1996, is dedicated to raising public awareness and=20
understanding of the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. The centre focuses =
its=20
research on the marine mammals in the area, with its primary aim being to=
=20
ensure the long term well being of these animals and the local marine=20
environment. Recent funding has enabled the CBMWC to undertake a long-ter=
m=20
study into the bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise populations within=
=20
the bays candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). The purpose of ou=
r=20
research is to estimate the abundance and distribution of the bottlenose=20
dolphin population, and to identify the density and habitat use of harbou=
r=20
porpoises in the area. To do this we are conducting line-transect surveys=
=20
and utilising photo-identification techniques to identify individual=20
dolphins within the population. We are further working to educate people=20
about the bay=92s marine wildlife, and to provide interpretational materi=
al on=20
the species and habitats that can be found here.

Volunteers are required to:

Land-based work:
- Assist with the day-to-day operation of the visitor centre, including=20
staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings, answering enquiries, talki=
ng=20
to visitors about the marine wildlife in the area, and helping to develop=
=20
the facilities at the wildlife centre.
- Conduct land based surveys, including recording sightings information,=20
speaking to the public about the species found here and the work that is=20
being conducted, updating sightings boards and data entry.
- Assist with education and interpretation work when required (preparing=20
materials, helping out with activities, assisting with public talks)
- Data entry for boat based sightings work
- Assist with photo-identification work
- Assist with any other research being conducted

Boat-based work:
- Help crew the boat
- Be a marine mammal =93lookout=94
- Record sightings and effort data
- Educate passengers about the marine wildlife found in the area

Important skills/qualifications:

- Fluency in English is essential
- A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable
- A background in environmental education and experience working with=20
children is desirable to assist with the education programme
- A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advant=
age
- Prior experience in boat based survey work would be useful
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Experience working with the public
- Public speaking and IT skills would be useful
- A willingness to work in a conscientious and reliable manner
- Enthusiastic and hard working

A caravan is provided for volunteers at a cost of 42 GBP per person per=20
week, based on 4 sharing. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel=
=20
expenses and food.

Application procedure:
Please send a CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and=20
specifying when in the season you are available and for what length of ti=
me)=20
to:

Helen Bates / Fernando Ugarte, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Paten=
t=20
Slip Buildings, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA45 9PS; or email=
=20
to: cbmwc@...


Best regards,

Helen and Fernando

Publications list (MARMAM requisite). The centre has not produced any=20
publication since the arrival of the current staff (May 2003), but the=20
following posters will be presented at the next ECS conference:

Lastra, P. and Ugarte, F. Photo identification of bottlenose dolphins in =
the=20
Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area for Conservation.

Ugarte, F., Lastra, P., Evans, P.G.H., Hartley, S. and Laing, S. Present =
and=20
future abundance estimation of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay candida=
te=20
Special Area for Conservation (cSAC) from line transect surveys using a=20
small boat


***************************************

Positions for Lifeforce Orca Research=20
Volunteers are still available for May to October 2004


The Lifeforce Foundation is a Vancouver-based ecology non-profit =
organization that was formed in 1981 to provide a public service to help =
people, animals and the environment. The Lifeforce mission is to promote =
stewardship and protection of cetaceans and their marine habitats. All =
life on earth is dependent on a healthy ecosystem.

Some of the main goals of the Lifeforce projects are to assist in =
developing Marine Mammal Protection Regulations, developing Marine =
Wildlife Monitoring Standards; implementing an Orca Recovery Program and =
the creation of Marine Protected Areas. We are seeking volunteers to =
assist in conducting the following Marine Life Programs in the =
Vancouver, BC area from April 2003 to November 2004. Volunteers will =
receive an unforgettable and rare work experiences with the endangered =
Southern Orca Community.

The Lifeforce Marine Life Programs are not university-affiliated. To =
date, no publications have resulted from this work. However, there is a =
potential for data to be published. We are collecting data on-going =
research projects with the goal of publishing papers such as the =
"Behaviour and Travel Patterns of the Southern Orca Community". We are =
also studying methods to keep wildlife away from environmental hazards =
such as oil spills. Project Leader, Peter Hamilton, has published papers =
on methods to enrich the environments of captive animals.

Volunteers Needed

The research experience that volunteers could gain from this position =
includes data collection and analysis; marine mammal ID training, =
archiving and cataloguing photographs, developing stewardship programs, =
public relations; development of media and public education materials, =
and office work.

Volunteers would be assigned a specific research project as determined =
by Lifeforce; and would be expected to complete a report as directed. If =
requested, Lifeforce will help students design and implement a project =
for undergraduate or graduate credit. Due to our limited budget the work =
is determined by available funding. The work is a land based study of =
orca and boat traffic interactions and marine mammal sightings.


Contact: lifeforcesociety@...