ShoreFin is our dedicated land-based, bottlenose dolphin photo-ID project. The aim of the project is to build up an understanding of bottlenose dolphin site usage within the New Quay Bay area, to find out which individuals visit the bay and discover more about the ecology and life history of these animals.
We are looking for three volunteers to continue our ShoreFin project for the 2020 field season.
What You Will Gain
Joining the ShoreFin team is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and contribute towards marine conservation. You’ll learn about the bottlenose dolphins 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 to work for other conservation or governmental organisations.
The Volunteering Role
The ShoreFin volunteers will assist with the delivery of our Living Seas research focused on the bottlenose dolphins of Cardigan Bay. Volunteer responsibilities include (but not limited too) –
- Photographing dolphins and other marine mammals in New Quay Bay
- Land based marine mammal surveys
- Conducting photo ID – sorting/matching images
- Analysing data and writing the ShoreFin report
- Compiling the CBMWC bottlenose dolphin photo-ID catalogue
- Providing updates for our social media and dolphin adoption scheme
- Reporting back to the Living Seas Staff
- You may also assist with other areas of our work including boat based surveys and helping to run 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 cetaceans (desirable)
- A background in biology/marine biology (desirable)
ShoreFin volunteers will receive training in marine species identification and observation, survey techniques, camera use, photo-identification and data processing.
Volunteer Dates 2020
We are looking for a ShoreFin volunteer for the period of 23rd March – 3rd July 2020 and another two volunteers 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.