Calling all volunteers!

Do you love the ocean?
Are you interested in swimming with whale sharks?

Be a participant in a study of human-whale shark interactions in Donsol, Sorsogon from March 16-27!

The Whale Shark Ecotourism Compliance Study In collaboration with the Community-based Ecotourism and Coastal Resource Management Project of WWF-Philippines, KKP, this research project is part of a larger appraisal of the community-based ecotourism program in
Donsol, Sorsogon. Donsol is a small town in Sorsogon, less than a one-hour plane ride or an overnight bus from Manila and one hour from Legazpi City.

The goal of the study is to study tourists' behavior and to assess any impacts of tourists on whale sharks and corresponding whale shark behavior. To do this, volunteers will be observers on whale shark interaction boats. They will take observations from bancas while overlooking tourists that swim with whale sharks. Volunteers will also take observations in the water, swimming with the whale sharks and the tourists. A number of parameters of tourist and whale shark behavior will be measured during the study. Volunteers will also interview tourists to Donsol and members of the local community about their experiences with whale shark tourism.

Duties of Volunteers

Volunteers must be comfortable on boats for up to 9 hours a day and must be experienced snorkelers. Each volunteer will carry slates while snorkeling and take down observations of tourist and whale shark behavior. Volunteers must also bring their own mask, snorkel and fins, and bring a spare set of goggles or mask in case of malfunction.

Volunteers must be independent workers. Each volunteer will be an observer on whale shark interaction boats for a total of 10 observer days, not including one day of training and one day travel to Donsol. Volunteers with a science background are preferred. Accuracy of data
collection is important for this study of human-whale shark interactions. Communication in Tagalog or English is required, while Bikolano is a plus. Volunteers will spend one out of every 3-4 days in the Donsol Tourism Office, arranging with the tourists for permission to act as
observers on whale shark interaction boats. Experience with an underwater camera, and video camera is a plus. Preference will be given to students who have finished at least an undergraduate education or are in the middle of an undergraduate degree. Exceptions will be considered.

Life in Donsol

Volunteers will stay in a local resort for the duration of their service. Transportation, food and accommodation will be provided to all volunteers. No salary stipend will be given. Local resort is right on the beach, overlooking the Donsol Whale shark Sanctuary. Volunteers will have
the opportunity to interact with the local community and interview tourists that visit Donsol.

How to Apply

Please email Angela Quiros at: Angela.Quiros@yale.edu
Please include a letter of interest, your C.V. with contact
information, and assurance that you will be available for the March 16-27 study.