The Oceania Project is conducting during August-October 2004 vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study - commenced in 1992 - of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran.
[ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ]
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.scu.edu.au/research/whales/aboutus.html ]
The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V humpback stock; genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay and the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship.
There is an opportunity for a limited number of Interns to participate the research expedition during August-October 2004. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1150 Australian (Approx. $882 US per
week) 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 fecal 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 ]
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 they are received.
General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au ]
If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV. [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ]
Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin
Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project
PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University
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Trish & Wally Franklin
The Oceania Project
PO Box 7306 Urangan Hervey Bay Qld Australia
ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630
Phone: + 61 07 4125 1333
Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176
Mobile: 0418 797326
Email: trishwally@oceania.org.au
Web: http://www.oceania.org.au
PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html
