Press Release

The Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation is a registered Canadian charitable organisation inviting the general public to assist as "paying volunteers" in research on the feeding behaviour, movements, and abundance of grey whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, killer whales and humpback whales, off the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Research & instruction are carried out from a 40' reconverted fishboat and shore stations. Participants are incorporated directly into the research team for the duration of their stay, and have the opportunity to learn theory and techniques first-hand from working biologists. In addition to the field research techniques, instruction and hands-on experience in sailing is provided. Cost includes tuition, all meals, return transportation from Port Hardy to the base camp, and tent accomodation.

Topics covered during the week-long trip (a bit like a continuing education level course): grey whale-mysid shrimp ecology: succession, disturbance, optimal foraging, carrying capacity; photo-identification & capture-recapture models applied to grey & humpback whales; orca social structure & acoustic behaviour; white-sided dolphin social & acoustic behaviours; conservation issues.

Dates:

• June 27 - July 3, 4-17*, 17-23, 25-31
• July 31 - August 6, 8-14, 15-28*, 28 - September 3, 3-10.

* 2-week trips with the UC Davis UREP programme.

For more information, contact:

Coastal Ecosystems Research Foundation

General Delivery Dawson's Landing, BC V0N 1M0 Canada	43 Park Hill Dr. Frome, Somerset BA11 2LQ United Kingdom
satellite tel: +8816 314 68651 toll-free (USA & Canada): 1-866-375-1321	tel/sms: +44-7745-730873
fax: (815) 327-0183	+1-815-327-0183
email:

Last Modified: 20 February 2005

All photographs and graphics in this document © CERF 1995-2005. Do not reproduce without prior written consent.