Montenegro Dolphin Research

FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including during sunrise and sunset hours;
  • Performing boat-based surveys once every 14 days (occasionally more if possible);
  • Collecting dolphins sightings and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data;
  • Learning survey techniques (Spatial-temporal dolphin distribution, Theodolite operation, Behavioural data collection, Photo-identification, Human impact measurements) and using them in a practical setting;
  • Operating the necessary software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010);
  • Data entry, data manipulation and data analysis using GIS, Mark, Distance and R software;
  • Cataloguing and matching dolphins using photo-identification software;
  • Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions and promoting citizen-science activities;
  • Using social media to disseminate our work to the wider public;

TRAINING
Our team will provide lectures and field work training. Volunteers and Interns will be given the chance to learn some of the most popular methodologies in marine mammal research including:

  • GIS mapping;
  • Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software;
  • Photo-identification;
  • Discovery software and Logger 2010 software;
  • Population size estimations through Mark and Distance
  • Survey design
  • Efficient usage of Excel;
  • R for statistical analysis;
  • Systematic data collection and data analysis;
  • Personal project and thesis supervision
  • Additional courses related to the selected subject;
  • Project, report and manuscript writing skills
Language requirements: 
English
Specific competences required : 
Required skills:  True interest in marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly;  Ability to use initiative and cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment;  Respect for the organisation’s rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures;  Fluent English (both spoken and writing) and good communication skills;  Willingness to learn new skills and software applications; Desirable skills:  Background in marine biology and knowledge of marine mammals  Previous fieldwork experience  Ability to operate a Theodolite  Previous experience in photo-identification (photographing and matching)
Accommodation possibilities : 
Yes
Additional costs to be covered by the student: 
Yes
Describe the additional costs to be covered by the student: 
The contribution fee is €940 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee is €880. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee includes:  Accommodation and expenses (excluding self-quarantine and special requests);  Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania;  Training and lectures with all training materials provided in PDF format;  Fieldwork (land- and boat surveys);  Use of the equipment;  Scientific support, average 30 hours supervision per month;  Additional courses related to the selected subject; The fee does not include:  Transportation to/from Montenegro or transfer to accommodation  Health and/or travel insurance which is a mandatory requirement  Meals  Additional training Courses: o Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS o Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days)
COVID-19 contingency plan: 
Our location is remotely. In the case that the on-site internship can't take place, the training, lectures and supervision will be given online due tutorials, assignments and skype meetings
format: 
on-site