Study opportunity: MSc project on cetaceans at the Coastal and
Marine Research Institute (CMR), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
Project title: Occurrence, site fidelity, and movements of delphinids
along the coastline of the Eastern Cape
Supervisors: Dr Stephanie Plön and Dr Thibaut Bouveroux
The Cetacean Research Group of the Coastal and Marine Research
Institute (NMMU) is looking for a motivated student for a full-time MSc
project focussing on two dolphin species off the Wild Coast (Eastern
Cape).
Project outlines:
Despite its potential ecological and socio-economic importance, the
Wild Coast of South Africa remains largely unstudied with respect to
delphinid species. An opportunity currently exists for a motivated
student to join an existing research project, which is investigating
spatio-temporal trends in delphinid occurrence off that coastline and
aiming to elucidate population structuring to neighbouring
populations. The MSc project will investigate (1) the occurrence and
distribution of two delphinid species (the common dolphin, Delphinus
capensis, and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops aduncus);
(2) the residency patterns of individuals along the Wild Coast; and (3)
quantify the movement patterns of individuals along the Eastern Cape
coastline.
The student will use several methods and techniques during his/her
MSc, such as photographic-identification of dolphins and GIS analysis.
The successful candidate will participate in field trips off the Wild Coast
during his/her MSc, and will be part of a dynamic research group at
NMMU working on several ecological aspects of cetaceans along the
coast of the Eastern Cape.
Skills required
-Experience with photography (prior experience of photoidentification would be a bonus)
-Good statistical skills
-Experience in GIS analysis (QGis or ArcMap)
-Ability to work on a boat for several hours in challenging weather
and sea conditions
-Ability to work in a team
-Good planning and time management
Applications and funding
Applicants must have a BSc Hons degree in Zoology, with excellent
records. Some field experience in marine science would be a bonus.
The successful applicant will be awarded a MSc bursary of R50 000 per
year (NRF Free-Standing scholarship).
To apply, please send a CV, including your academic records, names
and contact details of three referees, and a short motivation letter to
Dr Stephanie Plön <stephanie.plon@nmmu.ac.za> and Dr Thibaut
Bouveroux < Thibaut.Bouveroux@nmmu.ac.za>. Applications will be
processed immediately until the post is filled, but no later than 29.
February 2016.