*Hi Folks,* *We are reposting by request from students in marine biology programs. We still have spots fro the 2013 season open, but they are filling fast. Questions? Just drop us a note at the email at the bottom of this posting. * *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program in Puerto Rico: * *1 week “Shorty” programs $900.00USD* The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the third season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. *No experience is necessary to participate!* Join our research team studying humpback whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited in each 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 20, 2013- April 27, 2013. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including theodolite tracking, boat based behavior and acoustic data collection, analysis of acoustic files and software, photo identification of flukes and fins for cetaceans, introduction to DSL photography. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for humpback whale occupancy, habitat use, and movement off Puerto Rico as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft). $900.00USD per student includes a week in Puerto Rico: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees *do not include* travel to and from Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory insurance. Students must bring a working or collar-type PFD or are required to wear the PFD provided during all boat operations. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in college credit. Please send us an e-mail in advance of your application if you are considering this option. To participate, simply e-mail MCERC.mail@gmail.com. Be sure to put in a first, second, and third choice of dates to avoid missing out on a spot this season! Several sessions are already filled. Thank you for supporting humpback whale research and education! Website: www.Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail@gmail.com Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Center-PR HC02 Box 6382 Guayanilla, PR 00656 -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> ** }-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay@gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6382 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail@gmail.com