Research opportunity in to work with lemon sharks in
the Bimini lagoon at the Bimini Biological Field Station, South Bimini, Bahamas
The Bimini Biological Field Station is an independent research station located
in the Bahamas, 85 Km east of Miami Florida. The station comprises a small,
wood-frame house on a sheltered lagoon in near isolation. Electric power (110V
ac) is reliable and living conditions are reasonably comfortable. The facility
is equipped with central air conditioning and heat; we desalinate seawater for
drinking; have generators in case of power failures and use a small fleet of
eight outboard skiffs ranging from 16’ to 22’. The Station houses
up to 21 volunteer researchers but living conditions are very close.
We generally look for two different kinds of volunteers: 1) PERSONS WITH A BIOLOGICAL
BACKGROUND, GENERALLY INTERESTED IN GAINING FIELD EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH SHARKS;
AND 2) STUDENTS ALREADY INVOLVED IN A GRADUATE PROGRAM LOOKING FOR A RESEARCH
PROJECT FOR THEIR DEGREE WORK. We usually maintain about 16 researchers at Bimini
and can have 5 to 7 volunteer positions open any month. The usual age of volunteers
is between 21 and 35.
Schedule 2003-2004
September -November 2003- The station is full through the end of September 2003.
Places are open in October through December 2003. Volunteer recruiting and continued
research on lemon shark behavior and ecology carry on. Long line fishing caries
on twice per month through the year. Maintenance and refurbishing of the station
usually occur at this time. We may offer a 5-day course in shark biology in
October 2003. Some volunteers and staff may return to Atol das Rocas, Brazil
(tentative) in October 2003. We may offer a course in shark biology sometime
in late October or November.
December 16, 2003-Winter break but some volunteers will remain at the station
for the tropical holiday season.
January 2-11, 2004-University of Miami, Tropical Marine Biology course (MBF514)
January 11, 2004- Volunteers return for continuing research. Project at Jupiter
Florida dealing with adult lemon sharks commences in late January or early February.
February-March 2004-Research continues— PI Bryan Franks continues behavior
telemetry/GIS studies. Bottom monitor study, GIS work and lemon shark ecology
all underway. Possible 5-day teacher-training course (highly tentative). Also
tentatively, some Bimini volunteers and staff will return to Atol das Rocas,
Brazil.
April 2004-Long lining for adult lemon shark continues in Bimini lagoon. Attempts
to place a transmitter on a pregnant lemon shark at Bimini and follow her day
and night until just prior to parturition.
May 2004- Carolina Coastal University shark biology course runs for the 7th
year. Preparations for PIT project
June 1, 2004-For the 10th consecutive year (1995-2004) we will collect, sample,
tag and release the new cohort of lemon sharks born into two Bimini nurseries
(total catch 150-200). Thirty-day PIT tagging project involves intensive gill
netting and tagging juvenile lemon sharks in the Bimini lagoon for DNA analysis.
Project ends with several days of long lining for the adults. Several staff
will attend American Elasmobranch Society meeting to present work on lemon sharks
carried out at Bimini
July, August, 2004-This time is particularly useful for USA undergraduate students
unable to participate during the school year.
The above schedule is subject to change!!
If you are seriously interested in joining the research team and do not already
have one, PLEASE REQUEST AN APPLICATION
gruber2.doc.
If needed, please ask further information from sgruber@rsmas.miami.edu. Anyone
with a biological background is cordially invited to apply. Students interested
in gaining field experience with sharks are particularly suited. As noted above
we support the field research of one or two MS or PhD. degree-seeking students.
Costs and conditions are given in the application. Thank you for your interest
in the Bimini Biological Field Station
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Samuel H. Gruber
Bimini Biological Field Station 9300 SW 99 Street Miami Florida 33176 USA
305 274 0628 fax or phone; www.miami.edu/sharklab