The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Programme is led by Blue Planet Marine and operated in collaboration with the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory at The University of Queensland, Australia. http://gbr.blueplanetmarine.com.
Running from July to September 2017, there are opportunities for Research Assistants (RAs) to join the Programme. As a RA, you will work in an exceptional location with world leading scientists. Youll be exposed to a variety of research techniques, including: the latest in genetic sampling; acoustic recording of social sounds and whale song; behavioural observations; video recordings; and photo-identification. Youll be involved in data management, and in the day-to-day activities of the research vessels. The Programme is based on a live-aboard research vessel in and around the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. The aim of the Programme is to collect data on the breeding sub-stocks of south west Pacific humpback whales. These data are important because organisations such as the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission dont have enough information to make decisions on whether these breeding sub- stocks should be managed together or as separate populations. The IWC Scientific Committee has even identified the collection of these data as highest priority research for these populations of whales. The Programme is targeted, its scientifically robust, its relevant and its exciting. The Programme will: * Identify areas of the Great Barrier Reef that are most important for humpback whale breeding activities; * Gather information regarding the structure of the east Australian humpback whale sub-stock; and * Gain a better understanding of whale acoustic communication and the potential for anthropogenic impacts within the breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef. This is a great opportunity to: gain valuable experience and skills to further your career with marine mammals; make valuable connections with some of the worlds most respected humpback whale researchers; work on a meaningful research programme; and experience one of the seven wonders of the natural world. * The participation fee for a six-day research trip is $2,995 Australian dollars, including tax. * The participation fee for a twelve-day research trip is $5,690 Australian dollars, including tax. If you pay on or before 14 April 2017, youll receive an early-bird discount of $300 Australian dollars off the Programme fee for each trip booked. The Programme fee covers accommodation and food aboard the research vessel. RAs are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from the Programme. No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. Preference will be given, however, to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places are limited to ten RAs on each research trip. To find out more about The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Project (including the dates of research trips) visit: http://gbr.blueplanetmarine.com or read the attached brochure. You can secure your place today by paying online. Best regards, Lesley Lesley Douglas, MSC. Marine Scientist | Nelson Office| Ph: +64 (0)27 631-9000 | Email: [email protected] | www.blueplanetmarine.com PO Box 3639, Richmond, Nelson, New Zealand
