CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 2018 CETACEAN MONITORING PROJECT IN THE MACARONESIA

The Faculty of Sciences from University of Porto (FCUP) / Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) is in its 7th year of cetacean monitoring in Macaronesia aboard cargo ships. This year, routes will be from Continental Portugal (Porto/Lisbon) to Madeira (Caniçal) and Continental Portugal to Azores (Ponta Delgada/Horta/Praia da Vitória). We are seeking for volunteers for the 2018 MMOs team for the following survey periods: 1. End of June to August 2018; 2. End of August to October 2018. You can either apply for one or two survey periods.

The internship includes:

- An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis;

- Round-trip sea-surveys departing from Mainland Portugal in the routes stated above;

- Free time to visit Mainland Portugal and the Islands;

- Accommodation;

- Living costs while on-board.

The program is based in Porto (Portugal) where volunteers will be welcomed to receive the training in the monitoring protocol and accommodated in-between sea campaigns. Each campaign can last up to 2 months on the same route. Volunteers are in charge of their own travel arrangements and living costs when in land. Trip costs between boarding ports and land accommodation are not covered (a couple of train trips between Porto and Lisbon may be required).

We encourage the use of this experience for university reports or internships (given that the course director allows it) or for other scientific results (presentation at conferences, scientific papers, …). Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. Relevant experience at sea and with cetacean monitoring is preferable.

Requirements:

- Accident or travel or university insurance that cover foreign countries (specifically Portugal);

- Payment of 50€ caution (this will be returned at the end of the internship provided you are responsible with survey material and accommodations both in land and in the ship)

Application deadline is 21st May. Results will be announced by the end of May (a skype interview may be required). To apply please send a Motivation Letter (state whether you are applying for the 1st or the 2nd period, or both) and a Short Curriculum Vitae (highlight experience in cetacean monitoring) to cetusproject.pt@gmail.com. We will confirm your application was received so check your inbox and if you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please send the email again or contact us through facebook.

For more information feel free to contact us through e-mail (cetusproject@gmail.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/CetusProject/) and check our website (www.cetusproject.com).