AMMCF_Honours projects_Stranding Sightings

Honours opportunity with the Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation
(AMMCF), Museum Victoria and Deakin University.
AMMCF, in affiliation with Museum Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Deakin University, is
currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for BSc Honours 2015 (midyear intake). The project will assess the stranding and sighting records of marine mammals
(whales, dolphins and seals) as a part of AMMCFs larger biodiversity assessment research
program led by Dr Kate Charlton-Robb.
Background & Project overview
37% of all marine mammals are at a risk of extinction, with 25% of marine mammal species listed as ‘threatened’.
Marine mammals in the southern ocean face many threats that potentially impact on their long-term survival,
including habitat degradation, anthropogenic activities, over-exploitation of prey species, and oceanic and
environmental changes. In addition, the loss of top apex predators has the potential to seriously impact on lower
trophic levels and important ecosystem functions. There is a distinct lack of knowledge about which cetaceans
reside in Victorian waters, making it especially difficult to assess potential food-web and ecosystems impacts.
Recently, unexpected or rarely observed species in this region have been recorded, including pigmy sperm whale
(Kogia breviceps), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), shepherd’s beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi)
and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).
This Honours project will collate and assess the stranding (live/deceased beach-cast animals) and sightings
records from across Victoria from numerous sources and use geospatial analyses to investigate the potential
ecological drivers influencing such events; thus providing critical conservation and management knowledge for
numerous top-order species. In particular, this research will provide a comprehensive biodiversity assessment,
greatly extending our knowledge of marine mammal species in southern Australian waters, and potentially
identifying rare, unique or endangered species. This Honours project will be offered in affiliation with Museum
Victoria, co–supervised by Dr Karen Rowe and Deakin University, co-supervised by Associate Professor John
Arnould.
Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree, with a minimum of Distinction average.

Experience in collecting and processing ecological data.

Proficiency in Microsoft and statistical packages.

Familiarity with GIS analyses and software and relational databases (e.g., Microsoft Access).
Application Process
Please send your expressions of interest containing the following:
1. A brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and the project of interest.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Current academic transcript
4. Two relevant referees who are familiar with your academic, research and ethical record.
Please forward the above to Dr Kate Charlton-Robb kcr@ammcf.org.au.
Applications will be considered and we will contact you with further information.
CLOSING DATE 24th May 2015