Dolphin Research Assistant - Cambodia

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Khmer Ocean Life is a new NGO in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of coastal cetacean species (Irrawaddy dolphin, Indo-pacific humpback dolphin) and dugongs through research, capacity building and outreach.

Khmer Ocean Life was founded by two experienced marine mammal researchers and conservationists, with support from the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration.

We are currently looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team from April onwards!

Project activities:

• observational land surveys
• observational boat surveys with community fishers
• photo-identification
• passive acoustic monitoring
• social science
• data entry, processing, and analysis
• potential for aerial surveying using drones
• turning findings into reports and articles for peer-review
• responding to marine mammal strandings
• social media and content creation
• education and outreach

Basic internship training schedule

Session 1: Introduction to Khmer Ocean Life

Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques

Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training

Session 4: Marine vessel identification training

Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training

Session 6: Drone footage analysis training

Session 8: Theory test

Session 9: Photo ID training

Session 10: GIS training

You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay.

Internship requirements:

We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. We are looking for dedicated, motivated, and hard-working interns that are likely university students or recent graduates. We are looking for those who can join us for a minimum period of two months and are happy to commit to early mornings for surveys.

Project site description:

The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, a kitchen, washing machine and even a balcony - it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. The accommodation is included in the fee, but your food is not, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like.

Application process and costs:

There is a cost associated with this internship, to cover:

• Accommodation,
• dolphin research training,

What the fee does not cover:

• Flights
• Food
• Insurance and vaccines

There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume to Rose, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to cambodiadolphinproject@gmail.com