*** Internship Announcement! *** SEACR – The Society for Ecological And Coastal Research, a non-profit organization, currently has spaces open for 2-week or 3-week summer marine research internships starting July 2006. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. The research sites are situated in wild and breathtaking Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects, learn highly valuable field research techniques and data management skills, and contribute to important marine ecological research. Currently, we are conducting research on linkages between nearshore and offshore Pacific marine ecosystems. Our Gray Whale Research Project focuses on assessing the spatial distribution of gray whales in relation to prey density amongst the many coves and inlets that dot the Pacific shoreline. Gray whale site fidelity, habitat use, and foraging ecology are also key components to this research. In conjunction with this research, our Sea Otter Research Project examines sea otter spatial distribution in relation to urchin and bivalve abundance, coastal topography, and killer whale occurrence. Together with studies of kelp distribution and amphipod dynamics, we are identifying key linkages between these species and their roles in the ecology of the nearshore region. Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds are nestled among coastal old-growth forests and are home to a variety of coastal marine fish, birds, and mammals. This wilderness region is populated by tufted puffins, oystercatchers, gulls, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions and sea otters, harbor porpoise, killer whales, gray whales, and humpback whales. Black bears forage in the intertidal zone and are often visible from the boat. For complete details of the research projects, living conditions, application form and payment options please visit our web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html Please feel free to post or distribute this message to those who might be interested.