CAPE BYRON WHALE RESEARCH PROJECT, AUSTRALIA - VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Applications are invited from volunteers to assist with fieldwork on
humpback whales as part of the Cape Byron Whale Research Project
during 2005. The project is a long-term collaborative program
monitoring the northern migration of humpback whales off the most
easterly point of the Australian mainland. This project is
coordinated by David Paton, and is supported by the Southern Cross
University Whale Research Centre.

This survey will run for 10 weeks from 4 June to 13 August 2005. This
period incorporates the peak of the northern migration of humpback
whales off the east coast of Australia. The primary focus of the
survey is to conduct vessel based photo-identification of humpback
whales. In addition, genetic samples and behavioural data will be
collected associated with the photo-identification data. Land-based
surveys will also be conducted from a high headland in the region and
will complement the vessel-based survey.

Volunteers will be expected to work and live as part of a team.
Individual volunteers will rotate between different aspects of the
project. This will include full days (10 hours +) on the 5.5 m
research vessel, undertaking land-based observations (up to 5 hours
per day) counting and recording passing whales from the land station,
or assisting with data entry.

Volunteers must pay for their own way to the study site but share
accommodation is provided once there. They will be required to
contribute to communal food (approximately $8 Australia per day -
amount to be confirmed).

Volunteers will need to be available for a minimum of 3 weeks.

The project will suit young scientists with genuine interests in
humpback whale behaviour, behavioural ecology and population
assessment.

Successful applicants will have:

- a mature attitude to marine mammal research
- the ability to undertake small vessel surveys in the open ocean
- the ability to swim
- the ability to live and work constructively with others in a
team environment
- a good level of physical fitness
- broad and non-fussy dietary requirements
- the ability to concentrate for long periods
- fluent English


Preference will be given to those who:

- have a degree in biology, marine science, or zoology
- have previous marine mammal field experience
- have previous small vessel experience
- have previously used a theodolite
- currently hold a drivers licence for a manual vehicle (not
automatic transmission)



The closing date for applications for the Cape Byron Whale Research
Project is the 22 April 2005. The first round of offers will occur
before the 4 May, 2005.

Applicants should send an email by way of introduction and include:

- a brief CV
- dates you are available
- contact details (including email address) of two referees

to Dave Paton d.paton@...

For further information in relation to the Cape Byron Whale Research
Project, please see the Southern Cross University Whale Research
Centre web site at: www.scu.edu.au/whales



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David Paton

21 Netherby Rise
Sunrise Beach
Noosa Qld 4567
AUSTRALIA

Phone +61+7 54553431
Fax +61 +7 54473983
Mobile 0415 410347

Email d.paton@...