BACKGROUND:
The AIMM – Associação para a Investigação do Meio Marinho (Marine Environment Research Association) is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management.
The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted.
The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment.
To turn your experience with AIMM even more fulfilling, it is possible to start or improve your scuba diving skills (PADI).
WHEN: 1st May and ends in 31st October 2016, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays.
FIELDWORK: The field trips are conducted in AIMM’s research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin watching boats). It is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be train to:
- On-board surveys of marine species occurrence;
- Record track on GPS;
- Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc.;
- Photo-identification;
- Acoustic records;
- Underwater videos.
DATA ANALYSIS: will be in a daily basis and related to:
- Entry data on databases and spread cheats.
- Photo-identification processing.
- Preliminary data interpretation.
INTERNSHIP FEES: AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners and people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve! This internship and requires a contribution fee, to know about the fees for 2016 please contact: interns@aimm-portugal.org
Included in the fee is:
- Accommodation in the research house;
- Transportation to/from the marina;
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
- Field work in the research vessel or commercial dolphin watching vessels.
Not included in the fee is:
- Transportation to/from Albufeira;
- Meals in restaurants and snacks;
- Free time activities;
- Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance);
- Personal expenses.
INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:
- Be above the age of 16;
- Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment;
- Be autonomous and quickly operational;
- Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea;
- Speak English;
- Participate for minimum 7 days.
Preference in internship dates availability will be given to those who have:
- Relevant marine mammal field experience
- Working experience on research vessels
- Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms
- Experience in photo-identification
- Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID
- Availability to stay for longer periods of time
INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b
After the confirmation e-mail, send your CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns@aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2016”.
Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details.
Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies.