Post by Oikos on Dec 1, 2003 4:45:13 GMT -5
The Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project (HWRCP) of WWF-Philippines has been studying a population of humpback whales in the Babuyan Islands, Northern Luzon since the summer of 2000. The main objectives of this research are to estimate the minimum abundance of the whales and determine their migratory characteristics, as well as record the physical and oceanographic characteristics of the waters around the Babuyan Islands, with the aim of formulating a conservation plan to protect the unique natural resources in the area. In carrying out its work, HWRCP relies heavily on the help of volunteers in data collection and information & education activities in the local communities.
As we prepare for our 5th survey season in the summer of 2004, we are looking for men and women with the following qualifications to serve as volunteers:
1. A degree or background in the natural sciences
2. With field research experience
3. Willing to work long hours
4. Willing to be based in the Babuyan Islands for the entire duration of the survey
5. Can commit 1-2 months to help in organizing/analyzing data after the survey
6. Can work effectively as part of a team
7. Can relate well with members of the local communities
8. Hardworking, patient, with a good sense of humor, and committed to conservation
*Experience in photography/video recording or a background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an advantage.
The Work
Although the exact dates for the 2004 survey have not yet been finalized, the survey team usually leaves Manila in late February and returns by the first week of May. While on survey, volunteers can expect long hours under the summer sun, in changing sea conditions. Recording data, taking photographs and videos of interactions with cetaceans, listening for humpback whale vocalizations, and collecting information on environmental parameters are the main tasks of volunteers at sea. Time off the boat is devoted to organizing data, maintaining equipment and engaging in outreach activities with local stakeholders.
Working in an area with the highest number of cetacean species in the Philippines, volunteers will get the chance to observe humpback whales and 11 other cetacean species in their natural habitat. They will be part of a team that is helping to advance the study of marine mammals in the country.
The Islands
The Babuyan Island group is located off the northern coast of the province of Cagayan. It is composed of 5 main islands: Calayan, Camiguin, Fuga, Dalupiri and Babuyan Claro. The island nearest to mainland Cagayan, Camiguin, can be reached in 4-5 hours by motorized outrigger boats. The main island of Calayan is also accessible by motorized outrigger boats in 8-10 hours. Research is focused primarily on the islands of Camiguin and Calayan, but may also include Fuga and Babuyan Claro.
Except for Calayan, which has a power plant that operates from 5 pm to 10 pm, there is no electricity on the islands, although some private homes have their own generators. Water for drinking and washing is drawn from deep wells. There are very few paved roads in the islands, and aside from farm machinery and the occasional motorbike, very few vehicles.
Accomodations for the survey team will range from private homes to church convents, depending on which island the team is visiting. Team members are expected to help out with household chores, primarily shopping for food, cooking and cleaning up.
The Call
Individuals possessing the abovementioned qualifications who would like to apply as survey volunteers should forward their comprehensive resumes to:
Jose Mari Daclan
Officer-In-Charge
Humpback Whale Research
and Conservation Project
WWF-Philippines
LBI Building
57 Kalayaan Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
e-mail: jmdaclan@wwf.org.ph
fax: (63)(2) 426 39 27
The last date for submission of applications is 27 December 2003.
Individuals selected as survey volunteers are expected to shoulder the following costs: 1) training 2) transportation to and from the research site 3) personal insurance. Volunteers who are not based in Manila must also be prepared to arrange for their own accomodations and living expenses while in Manila. Once the volunteers have successfully completed their training and are deployed in the field, HWRCP gives each volunteer a modest living allowance to cover food and other incidental expenses. Lodging in the field and other survey-related costs are also shouldered by the project.
As we prepare for our 5th survey season in the summer of 2004, we are looking for men and women with the following qualifications to serve as volunteers:
1. A degree or background in the natural sciences
2. With field research experience
3. Willing to work long hours
4. Willing to be based in the Babuyan Islands for the entire duration of the survey
5. Can commit 1-2 months to help in organizing/analyzing data after the survey
6. Can work effectively as part of a team
7. Can relate well with members of the local communities
8. Hardworking, patient, with a good sense of humor, and committed to conservation
*Experience in photography/video recording or a background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an advantage.
The Work
Although the exact dates for the 2004 survey have not yet been finalized, the survey team usually leaves Manila in late February and returns by the first week of May. While on survey, volunteers can expect long hours under the summer sun, in changing sea conditions. Recording data, taking photographs and videos of interactions with cetaceans, listening for humpback whale vocalizations, and collecting information on environmental parameters are the main tasks of volunteers at sea. Time off the boat is devoted to organizing data, maintaining equipment and engaging in outreach activities with local stakeholders.
Working in an area with the highest number of cetacean species in the Philippines, volunteers will get the chance to observe humpback whales and 11 other cetacean species in their natural habitat. They will be part of a team that is helping to advance the study of marine mammals in the country.
The Islands
The Babuyan Island group is located off the northern coast of the province of Cagayan. It is composed of 5 main islands: Calayan, Camiguin, Fuga, Dalupiri and Babuyan Claro. The island nearest to mainland Cagayan, Camiguin, can be reached in 4-5 hours by motorized outrigger boats. The main island of Calayan is also accessible by motorized outrigger boats in 8-10 hours. Research is focused primarily on the islands of Camiguin and Calayan, but may also include Fuga and Babuyan Claro.
Except for Calayan, which has a power plant that operates from 5 pm to 10 pm, there is no electricity on the islands, although some private homes have their own generators. Water for drinking and washing is drawn from deep wells. There are very few paved roads in the islands, and aside from farm machinery and the occasional motorbike, very few vehicles.
Accomodations for the survey team will range from private homes to church convents, depending on which island the team is visiting. Team members are expected to help out with household chores, primarily shopping for food, cooking and cleaning up.
The Call
Individuals possessing the abovementioned qualifications who would like to apply as survey volunteers should forward their comprehensive resumes to:
Jose Mari Daclan
Officer-In-Charge
Humpback Whale Research
and Conservation Project
WWF-Philippines
LBI Building
57 Kalayaan Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
e-mail: jmdaclan@wwf.org.ph
fax: (63)(2) 426 39 27
The last date for submission of applications is 27 December 2003.
Individuals selected as survey volunteers are expected to shoulder the following costs: 1) training 2) transportation to and from the research site 3) personal insurance. Volunteers who are not based in Manila must also be prepared to arrange for their own accomodations and living expenses while in Manila. Once the volunteers have successfully completed their training and are deployed in the field, HWRCP gives each volunteer a modest living allowance to cover food and other incidental expenses. Lodging in the field and other survey-related costs are also shouldered by the project.