Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (cmrg.massey.ac.nz). PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that occur in the Gulf year round and use the region extensively for foraging and nursing. Common dolphins in this region consistently utilise inhabit coastal waters, making them vulnerable to the effect of tourism, pollution, and inshore recreational bycatch. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from December 2013 to April 2014. A minimum commitment of two months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Surveys will be conducted from both a 20m whale watch vessel as well as a small independent 5.3m research vessel. As such, applicants should be comfortable from working from a small platform in isolated areas. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a local dolphin watching vessel, and small (
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:05:29 +0000
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