Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, conducts population and foraging ecology of fin and humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine using photo ID, genetic, and stable isotope sampling.  The lab also responds to marine mammal strandings on the Maine Coast and operates the Bar Harbor Whale Museum. Allied Whale is dedicated to education through research, and relies upon student and volunteer help with photo ID, catalogue curation, marine mammal stranding response, and museum operation.  Summer fieldwork, in which students and volunteers are encouraged to take part, is conducted from the mainland as well as from our offshore marine research station. Our team operates a small fleet of research vessels and often has the opportunity to work aboard local whale watch boats.

Interns for the 2008 field season will be involved in data collection and analysis and various other research and marine mammal response operations.  Interns will spend time working on the water aboard rigid hull inflatables or our 26' cuddy-cabin vessel.  Research activities are varied but may include photographing and biopsying fin whales and humpback whales, conducting biological surveys, taking part in oceanographic data collection, and observing behavior from shore-based and whale-watch platforms.  Boats are launched from the mainland, as well as from our research station on Mount Desert Rock, a small island 25 miles offshore, where interns will be based for short periods of time.  Many days will also be spent working in the office matching and cataloguing photographs collected from the current and previous seasons, entering and transcribing data, and maintaining field equipment.

There will be some opportunity to work on other projects, if interested, though the main focus of the internships will be on data collection and analysis.  Other ongoing projects include:

        -  Working with our Marine Mammal Stranding Response Program to respond to stranded marine

          mammals along the Maine coast, perform health assessments, obtain NOAA level A data, and

          transport animals to rehab facilities

        -  Assisting in the operation of the Bar Harbor Whale Museum, which includes exhibit curation and

          interpretation, as well as public outreach

        -  Collecting photo ID, location, and behavioral data of fin whales and humpback whales while aboard

          local whale watch boats, in conjunction with the whale watch interns

Two interns are needed from late May /early June to mid September.  A fee covering housing and a deposit must be paid in full by May 1.  All positions are unpaid, however room and board is provided during stays on MDR.

Applicant Requirements:

        -  Ability to work and live under adverse conditions both on and off the water

        -  Ability to work well with others in close quarters for extended periods of time

        -  Willingness to work on datasets, administrative tasks, and other office tasks when not in the field

        -  Strong interest in marine/environmental sciences

        -  Strong work ethic and enthusiasm

        -  Data management skills recommended

        -  Previous experience with fin and/or humpback photo-ID useful

        -  Knowledge of Gulf of Maine cetaceans and pinnipeds helpful

        -  Background in photography a plus

        -  Experience working in Excel and Adobe Photoshop advantageous

Please contact Robin Sewall with questions at the email address below, or at (207) 249-8817

Application review will begin March 6, 2008.  Applicants should email a CV, three references, and cover letter outlining your interest in this position to rsewall@coa.edu with subject 'Internship 2008', or mail to:

Internship Coordinator

Allied Whale

105 Eden Street

Bar Harbor ME 04609