Join a salmon research team in the Broughton Archipelago! Volunteer opportunities are now available between April and June 2009 (minimum of 2 weeks).

Salmon Coast Field Station, started in 2003, follows the outmigration of young chum and pink salmon fry as they wind their way through the inlets towards the sea. The goal of the project is to monitor the levels of parasitic sea lice on the juvenile salmon as the approach and pass salmon farms. Numerous studies have been published from this work in an effort to understand the threat of sea lice to local salmon populations.

We are seeking volunteers to join the sampling team. The volunteer would assist researchers on board a 18' open boat as we make day trips from Echo Bay out into the Broughton Archipelago to live-sample juvenile wild pink and chum salmon at points along their migration corridors. The work requires an ability to persevere in challenging remote field conditions and the ability to join in on the physical work of beach seining and running the research station. Previous experience conducting ecological fieldwork, especially on fish and in marine settings is an asset. It is an ideal setting for someone looking to start graduate work.

There is a minimum of a 2-week commitment for volunteers. Volunteers would have food and accommodation covered, and would be living with the researchers at the Salmon Coast Field Station in Echo Bay. Transportation to and from the research station to Port McNeill will be arranged for the beginning and end of the volunteer period, but volunteers to cover their transportation costs to the dock in Port McNeill

The Salmon Coast Field Station is situated in a very remote setting. There are no stores, roads, ferries and we are out of cell range.

Requirements:

• ability to work outdoors all day on the water in all weather
• must be able to swim well and be comfortable on small boats
• physical fitness - there is a lot of jumping around on shore and pulling nets and buckets
• assist with basic station chores such as cooking, cleaning, chopping firewood & gardening.

Application procedure - please provide us with a resume and written statement explaining why you are interested in the position as well as a some background about yourself. Please also indicate when you are available.

To find out more about each volunteer position, please download the following files.

• Salmon stream field internship 1
• Salmon stream field internship 2

Please visit Calling from the Coast to see clips what work has occurred at the Field Station and to meet some of the folks you could be working with.

To learn more about the issues, please visit the following websites.

• www.savebcsalmon.ca
• www.raincoastresearch.org
• www.livingoceans.org

If interested, please use the following contact information.

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