Macquarie University is looking for volunteers to assist with a whale watching research program.

This research program is designed to ensure that the Australian whale watching guidelines are the best in the world. The project works by getting whale watching boats to behave differently around humpback whales as they migrate past Sydney and the recording the whales' behaviour. Changes in whale behaviour such as staying longer under water, changing direction rapidly and tail slapping may be signs of increased disturbance to the whales.

The project will run from mid May to mid November 2008 (with a break around August / September). Whale spotting volunteers are needed to direct each day's research vessels to appropriate pods of whales and direct other commercial whale watching vessels to different pods. Volunteers will also be needed on board to help with recording animal behaviour and directing vessels as they approach the whales. And of course, we want to know what passengers and other whale watchers think of all this so we'll need volunteers to ask people to complete surveys on whale watching.

Volunteers are asked to dedicate one day per week to the project. Training will be provided for each position and Macquarie University will provide all the equipment needed. Visit www.gse.mq.edu.au/volunteers.htm and download the volunteer position descriptions to find out which job is right for you. 

If you love the idea but live on the south side of Sydney, don't worry. Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park has an established shore based research program and would also love to hear from you. Just follow the link above and you will be placed in touch with the appropriate people.