SeaSeal is our dedicated land-based, Atlantic grey seal photo-ID project. The aim of the project is to create a catalogue of individual grey seals in Cardigan Bay and to discover more about their travelling habits and areas that are important to them.
We are looking for two volunteers to continue the SeaSeal project for the 2020 field season.
What You Will Gain
Undertaking the SeaSeal project is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and contribute to marine conservation. You’ll learn about the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, wildlife photography, photo-ID, data entry, report writing and much more. This role can be a stepping stone to a career in marine research or conservation.
Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as Marine Mammal Observers and work for other conservation or governmental organisations.
The Volunteering Role
The SeaSeal volunteer will assist with our Living Seas research focused on the Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay. Volunteer responsibilities include (but not limited to) –
- Conducting land based seal surveys (weather dependant)
- Photographing seals and other marine mammals
- Assisting with the annual seal pup survey (During October)
- Conducting photo ID – sorting/matching images
- Analysing data and writing the SeaSeal report
- Providing updates for our website and social media
- Reporting back to the Living Seas Staff
- You will also assist with other areas of our work including land and boat based surveys, running our visitor centre and community engagement activities
Volunteer Skills/Qualities
- Experience with DSLR cameras and wildlife photography
- Previous experience of photo-ID
- ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS
- Experience of data analysis and report writing
- A mature and responsible attitude
- Proactive with the ability to work independently and unsupervised
- Flexible approach to work as you will volunteer outside of normal office hours
- An interest and knowledge of British marine mammals (desirable)
- A background in biology/marine biology (desirable)
Volunteer Dates 2020
We are looking for a SeaSeal volunteer for the period of 23rd March – 3rd July 2020 and another volunteer for the period 29th June – 16th November 2020. Priority will be given to those that can volunteer for the full research season from 23rd March – 16th November 2020.