HEALTHY HUMPBACKS EARTHWATCH 2018 - Earthwatch Institute
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EARTHWATCH 2018 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Welcome to the experience of a lifetime.
You are about to join world-class research and help protect whales through our Healthy Humpbacks research and
monitoring program. Learn about humpback whales and other marine life on the east coast of Australia and visit the
second largest sand island in the world.
I will be your guide and researcher on this mission.
You will be helping with the collection of important behavior data, monitoring data, health assessments and assist
with mucous collection and remote aerial surveys.
In the past more and more whales have been found starving or with injuries. You will enable us to determine the causes
and develop strategies to prevent declining whale health.
I hope you will enjoy our expedition and your time on North Stradbroke Island in one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal
environments.
Sincerely,
Olaf Meynecke
CONNECT
WITH OTHER
EARTHWATCHERS!
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
AT FACEBOOK.COM/
EARTHWATCH
AUSTRALIA OR ON TWITTER
@EARTHWATCH_AUS,
AND ON YOUTUBE
AT YOUTUBE.COM/
EARTHWEBBOY
TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION................................ 2 TRIP PLANNER................................................ 3 THE RESEARCH............................................... 4 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD................................ 6 ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD....................... 8 PROJECT CONDITIONS.................................. 10 SAFETY......................................................... 12 TRAVEL TIPS................................................. 14 EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST.............. 16 PROJECT STAFF............................................ 17 RECOMMENDED READING............................ 18 EMERGENCY NUMBERS................................ 22 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS
EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS EXPEDITION DATES
Dr. Olaf Meynecke (Griffith University) Team 1: Unconfirmed (early-mid Aug.)
RESEARCH SITE Team 2: Aug. 30–Sept. 2, 2018
Team 3: Sept. 21–24, 2018
Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia
Team 4: Sept. 29–Oct. 2, 2018
RENDEZVOUS LOCATION
Passenger Ferry Terminal, North Stradbroke Flyer,
Cleveland, Queensland, Australia SEE THE TRAVEL PLANNING SECTION
RENDEZVOUS TIME FOR MORE INFORMATION.
10:30 a.m. on Day 1 (ferry departs at 10:55 a.m. so don’t be late!)
DEPARTURE TIME
3:30 p.m. on Day 4 (Expected arrival at Cleveland ferry terminal
is 4:30 p.m.)
2 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018
TRIP PLANNER
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS
ITINERARY
IMMEDIATELY 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
q Make sure you understand and agree to qM
ake sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for
Earthwatch’s Terms and Conditions and the your project site.
Participant Code of Conduct. qR
eview the Packing Checklist to make sure you have all
q I f you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, the clothing, personal supplies and equipment needed.
note that some policies require purchase when your
expedition is booked. 30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION qL
eave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with
a relative or friend.
q Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your
qL
eave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets
volunteer forms.
with a relative or friend.
q Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.
q Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning
section for details).
q If traveling internationally, make sure your passport
is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa for your
destination country.
Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information available at the time
of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the
project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be
flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as
weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to
expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there
are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep
you well informed before you go into the field
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 3
THE RESEARCH
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS
RESEARCH AIMS
The main objectives are to collect data on humpback whale
health indicators. Indicators include photographs during
surveys, sampling of tissues from stranded animals, collection
of whale skin and blow samples. Further objectives are to
collect abundance, distribution and movement patterns together
with physical water properties and to establish community
involvement in coastal areas.
Detailed objectives:
• Determine bacterial community in respiratory system and
possible acute infections;
• Undertake whale skin biopsy sampling for health status
identification (stress indicator) to supplement the track
information determine sex and blow sampling for hormones;
• E stablish long and short term movement tracks of Humpback
whales over inter annual migration;
• Measure spatial distribution of currents, temperature,
bathymetry, salinity, turbidity during whale migration within
10 km of the shore;
• E stablish fluke ID catalogue and individual life histories;
• Measure health through aerial imagery.
HOW YOU WILL HELP
In the field, you will learn to collect field data on humpback
whale behavior and location as well as take identification
photographs. You will learn to use surveying instruments to
track whales from land and take photographs of important
behavioral features. You will also assist in the usage of drones to
collect aerial footage and mucous samples (the drones contain a
THE STORY special attachment to capture these samples). At the research
The humpback whale population found on the east coast of station you will be working with a fluke database to ID individual
Australia appears to have recovered from decades of whaling, whales and prepare collected samples in the lab for processing.
yet the population has appeared to be stagnant in recent years.
An increasing number of whales were found stranded over the
past 5 years with signs of infections or starvation. Photographs
have documented injuries such as propeller cuts, possible skin
infection, and damaged flukes and dorsal fins.
There are two main reason why diseases are likely to spread:
1) an increased number of whales, and 2) an increase in stress
due to lack of food, safe breeding grounds and increased water
temperature. This project aims to address these issues, with
the goal of developing a long term monitoring program. This
program would not only allow for the discovery of new,
spreading diseases, it would also independently assess the
humpback whale population during its migration.
4 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 5
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD
PLANS FOR YOUR TEAM
The Earthwatch scientist will give the team a more detailed DRIVING POLICY
on-site project briefing when you arrive. Participants who have driven themselves to the project may
Participants do not need any prior training in research not drive whilst on the project. This includes time that has been
methodologies. All methods, tasks and use of equipment will designated as non-research time. Participants who ignore this
be outlined and demonstrated at the beginning of the project. policy and do drive or ride in another participant’s vehicle during
the project will be doing so at their own risk and will not be
SAFETY BRIEFING covered under the Earthwatch insurance policy for the expedition.
Once participants have received facility inductions and settled
into the accommodation at Moreton Bay Research Station, a DAILY ACTIVITIES
further project and safety briefing will be conducted. This Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily
briefing will specifically highlight any safety issues and sort out schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
basic operating procedures including timetables for breakfast
and lunch preparation, cleaning and planned field activities.
During each evening a summary of activities from that day
will be undertaken and any problems or issues raised
and discussed.
6 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018
ITINERARY
DAY 1 TYPICAL DAY IN THE FIELD
11:00 a.m. Arrival on North Stradbroke Island and station A typical day of full sampling will involve getting up in the
induction early morning and starting breakfast at 7:00 a.m. then
12:30 p.m. Lunch
preparing equipment for the day’s activities.
1:30 p.m. Safety briefing and introduction to project The team will stay as one group during boating activities
but different tasks will be rotated over the course of the
2:30 p.m. Afternoon of getting to know data collection
procedures and informative talk on marine expedition to members of the team. Each participant will
mammals get the chance to do each activity. You will return to the
5:00 p.m. Free time to unpack, shower and relax research station around 5:00 p.m. each evening, giving you
time to shower and relax before making your way to the
6:00 p.m. Dinner
researcher’s quarters for dinner.
7:00 p.m. Wrap up of the days activities and get to know each
other Some nights after dinner you will be required to do additional
laboratory work with the samples collected throughout the
day and/or to analyze the data. You will also have free time
DAYS 2–3 during some of the evenings when you can relax and unwind
7:00 a.m. Breakfast and make packed lunches after a hard day’s work.
7:30 a.m. Prepare day’s equipment
8:00 a.m. Depart for field activities (boating)
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Continue field activities (land-based surveys—
whale watching from a beautiful lookout)
5:00 p.m. Arrive back at station, free time to shower and
relax
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Wrap up and lab activities on some days
DAY 4
7:00 a.m. Breakfast and make packed lunches
7:30 a.m. Prepare day’s equipment
8:00 a.m. Pack up and check out of rooms at research
station; luggage will be stored securely for the day
8:30 a.m. Depart for field activities (land-based surveys—
whale watching from a beautiful lookout)
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Continue field activities and wrap up
3:00 p.m. Arrive back at field station
3:30 p.m. Depart for ferry to mainland (Ferry departs at
3:55 p.m. and arrives in Cleveland at approximately
4:30 p.m.)
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 7
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD
ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD
Participants will stay at the Moreton Bay Research Station
(MBRS) on North Stradbroke Island for the duration of the
expedition. The station is owned and operated by Queensland
University and has modern research laboratories, spacious
teaching spaces and lecture theatres and boating and diving
facilities. The station is located in a small township called
Dunwich, on the western side of the Island, and has direct
access to the waters of Moreton Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The
Island is a favorite vacation spot for many city dwellers and the
waters of Moreton Bay and the Pacific are used regularly by
fishermen, surfers, divers and recreational boating enthusiasts.
8 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018SLEEPING FOOD AND WATER
Participants will sleep at Moreton Bay Research Station’s A wide variety of fresh foods will be available throughout the
on-site researcher’s guesthouse. Each room will be gender expedition. The team will be preparing his or her own breakfasts
specific and can sleep four people in two bunk beds (four beds). and lunches in the on-site researcher’s kitchen and lounge.
All bedding is supplied, including sheets, pillowcases, quilts,
Dinner will be catered buffet style at the station and will vary
and pillows. Towels can be provided for an additional fee.
from day to day.
BATHROOMS Fresh drinking water will always be available at the
accommodation quarters.
Each room shares an en suite bathroom with a toilet and
shower with the adjoining room. A coin operated washer NOTE: All team members are expected to help with
and dryer is available at the research station. housekeeping.
RESEARCH FACILITIES TYPICAL MEALS
The research station has dedicated research laboratories BREAKFAST Cereal, toast and spreads, fruit, tea and coffee
and stores as well as general use facilities including a library,
LUNCH Sandwich meats, spreads and salads, cheese,
computer and reading room and teaching facilities. There are
fresh fruit, muesli bars
four laboratories at the station, which can be used for various
research projects.
DINNER Pasta, BBQ, rice, meat, cooked vegetables,
salads, sauces, etc.
ELECTRICITY SNACKS Crackers, fruits, sweet biscuits, muesli bars
Electricity is 24 hours at the research station. There are power WATER Fresh drinking water will always be available at
outlets at the research station, and available in the rooms for the accommodations.
recharging and also in the laboratory. BEVERAGES Coffee, tea, milk, fruit juices.
INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Internet connections are available in all rooms. You will need Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements
your own laptop/computer and a dongle (just in case) to have (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies,
access to the Internet. There is good mobile phone coverage on vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them
North Stradbroke Island but the Wi-Fi connection is less reliable. in the space provided on your volunteer forms.
Accommodating special diets is not guaranteed and can be very
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
difficult due to availability of food, location of field sites, and
Travel to the field site will change slightly with different other local conditions.
sampling areas, but it will never be more than 60 minutes.
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 9PROJECT CONDITIONS
THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT
The information that follows is as accurate as possible, ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
but please keep in mind that conditions may change. Those who are prone to seasickness should bring preventative
The weather is expected to vary within the limits in the table treatments with them.
shown on this page. Expected demands of the project: Please keep in mind that
The climate in Moreton Bay is subtropical, with a summer wet conditions may change and the project could potentially be more
season and mild, dry winters. The southeast trade winds are a or less strenuous than these points indicate.
predominant feature with occasional westerlies during the All participants must be able to:
winter and northerlies during the summer.
• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently
or with the assistance of a companion.
GENERAL CONDITIONS • Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather.
MEAN HUMIDITY: Participants must be able to work in both rain and hot weather.
JUN. 67% The Australian sun can be extremely harmful and participants
JUL. 65% must be prepared to take precautions against over-exposure.
AUG. 64% • Enjoy being in the presence of wild animals and insects.
SEP. 67% Participants may encounter numerous biting and stinging
insects, so anyone at risk of severe allergic reactions to insect
OCT. 69%
bites or who has phobias related to insects should consider
TEMPERATURE RANGE: this carefully when deciding to join the project, and plan to
JUN. 15º–22ºC (59º–72ºF) bring any necessary medication.
JUL. 14º–21ºC (57º–70ºF) • Sit for 2–3 hours per day (travel on boat).
AUG. 14º–22ºC (57º–72ºF) • Be prepared to rotate activities and adapt to research needs.
SEP. 17º–24ºC (63º–75ºF) • Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water, and some
OCT. 19º–25ºC (66º–77ºF) small field equipment.
MEAN RAINFALL: • Adhere to the briefing guidelines, be aware of their limitations
JUN. 156.9 mm (6.2 in) and apply common sense while participating.
JUL. 105.4 mm (4.1 in)
AUG. 68.4 mm (2.7 in) BOATING REQUIREMENTS:
SEP. 57.8 mm (2.3 in) In order to assist on the research boat you will need to be
OCT. 99.2 mm (3.9 in) relatively fit and agile. Although research boats may have a
canopy for shading, sun protection is required. Depending on
winds, the trip may be bumpy and participants may feel cold.
An all-weatherproof or windbreaker jacket is essential.
10 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018POTENTIAL HAZARDS
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS
HAZARD TYPE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS
Transportation Vehicles will be driven on sealed roads on North Stradbroke Island. All vehicles are equipped with airbags,
seatbelts, spare tires, first aid kit with Emergency Response Plan and mobile phone. Only experienced project
staff will drive vehicles and they will obey all road rules. Passengers and driver will be instructed to wear
seatbelts at all times whilst the vehicle is in motion. Participants are not allowed to drive (including their own
vehicles) whilst on an Earthwatch team.
Working in boats Boats are well maintained, and include, UHF radio, life preservers, emergency flares, fire extinguisher, and
first aid kit. Life jackets are available for all passengers. The boat is only used in daylight hours and only when
sea state is acceptable to the skipper. The skipper is certified and experienced in driving boats in the area. Boat
communications include EPIRB, flares, UHF radio and mobile phones. There is a communications plan with the
research station outlining boat return time, destination and people manifest.
Slips and Trips Participants are instructed to be careful when embarking and disembarking the vessel and should hold onto
the handrail or sides of boat.
Animals Venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions may be present at research sites. If a snake is encountered, move in
the opposite direction and do not try to kill or capture the snake. Only scientists who are fully qualified and
trained may handle poisonous animals. Sand flies, common bush ticks, stinging ants, mosquitoes, centipedes,
bees, and wasps are also present. Apply insect repellent as needed. Centipede bites can be quite painful and
should be treated with first aid. Wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts when in the field, and wear sturdy,
closed-toe footwear; watch where you step; check your sleeping area before going to bed; and shake out shoes
and clothing before wearing.
Heat related Participants should bring waterproof sunscreen. Participants should drink plenty of water throughout the day.
illnesses, If participants start to feel unwell they should notify a project staff member immediately, and rest in a shaded
dehydration area, while cooling him or herself with water.
Coral rubble and Participants should not go barefoot when walking around base camp or when walking near the sea.
sharp shells
Gas stove Participants may be cooking on gas stoves and the risk of burns is possible. Participants will be briefed about
the cooking facilities and warned to take care when using any gas elements.
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 11SAFETY
HEALTH INFORMATION
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD STAFF CERTIFIED IN SAFETY TRAINING:
The project will be equipped with a satellite phone and an Dr. Olaf Meynecke (First Aid/CPR)
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) in the All Earthwatch staff and team leaders are qualified in CPR
event that a life-threatening emergency should occur. Whenever and hold a First Aid certificate.
possible, staff in the field will carry a satellite phone for
emergencies to contact the appropriate emergency authorities. NEAREST MEDICAL CENTER:
All teams will carry a first-aid kit and a staff member with
MARIE ROSE HEALTH CLINIC
a senior first aid certificate will be present.
(Provides 24-hour emergency service)
If an accident or emergency occurs project staff will assess Oxley Parade, Dunwich, QLD 4183
the severity of the problem and notify emergency authorities TELEPHONE: +61 7 3409 9059
or transport any injured person(s) to medical attention TRAVEL TIME FROM PROJECT: approximately 2 minutes
immediately. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency that
STRADBROKE ISLAND MEDICAL CENTRE
cannot be handled by a local doctor, the patient will be taken by
1/4 Kennedy Drive, Point Lookout, QLD 4183
car or ambulance to the nearest hospital. From there the patient
TELEPHONE: +61 7 3409 8660
can be transferred, if necessary, to another medical institution
TRAVEL TIME FROM PROJECT: approximately 30 minutes
via a Queensland Rescue Service helicopter. It is unlikely that
participants will be more than 50 kilometers or two hours REDLAND HOSPITAL
from medical aid at any time. Wellington Street, Cleveland, QLD 4163
TELEPHONE: +61 7 3488 3111
There is a nursing station and ambulance on the island if
TRAVEL TIME FROM PROJECT: Approximately one hour
required.
(ferry to mainland then drive)
12 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018There is an emergency helipad on the island so it is possible to MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF SPECIAL CONCERN
reach a hospital on the mainland more quickly than by ferry if Hydrophobia, discomfort in or around boats, should be
necessary. considered carefully. If you suffer from motion or seasickness
For emergency assistance in the field, please contact and intend to treat this with either over-the-counter or
Earthwatch’s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last prescribed medication, please discuss the use and side effects
page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you 24 with your doctor.
hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to
CONDITION CONCERNS AND PRECAUTIONS
respond to messages that come into our live answering service.
Medical complaints Due to the remoteness of the area and
IMMUNIZATIONS the time it takes to evacuate, those who
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date may require quick access to medical
(for example: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, care due to any medical complaints
mumps, rubella and varicella) and you have the appropriate should consider carefully.
vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are Allergies Those with known allergies to dust,
the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and grasses, mammals, plants or insects
the following are recommendations only. Visit cdc.gov or (including mosquitoes and sand-flies)
who.int for guidance on immunizations. should bring appropriate medications in
order to participate on this project.
PROJECT VACCINATIONS Those with severe bee-sting allergies
should bring an Epi-Pen and carry it
REQUIRED: If traveling from countries or region where yellow
with them at all times.
fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.
Back or neck Those with chronic or constant back or
RECOMMENDED FOR HEALTH REASONS: none
problems neck pain should be aware that some
NOTE: Any prescription medication brought into Australia needs days may require travelling on the boat
to be accompanied with a letter from your doctor for Customs in bumpy conditions and should
Inspection purposes. reconsider their ability to participate.
Knee or ankle This project requires bending and lifting
problems as well as participants to walk over
uneven and occasionally steep terrain.
Physical limitations Participants with physical limitations
should be aware that the work involved
generally requires an average level of
fitness.
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 13TRAVEL TIPS
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD
YOUR DESTINATION PASSPORTS AND VISAS
LANGUAGE: English Passport and visa requirements are subject to change.
Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your
TIME ZONE: AWST (UTC/GMT +8 hours).
home country for requirements specific to your circumstances.
LUGGAGE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months from
handle on your own. If travelling by air and checking your the date of entry and a return ticket is required.
luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and
personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is CITIZENSHIP PASSPORT REQUIRED? VISA REQUIRED?
lost or delayed. Many airlines have strict baggage policies. United States Yes Yes
Please check with your airline(s) on baggage weight limits, liquid United Kingdom Yes Yes
restrictions, fees for checked baggage, etc. Europe Yes Yes
PLEASE NOTE: if you will be taking an international flight that Australia No No
has one or more connections within the country of your Japan Yes Yes
destination, you must collect any checked bags at the airport
where you first arrive in the destination country. After If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST
proceeding through customs, you will have to recheck your visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take some time,
luggage before flying to your final destination. and also can now be done online for people holding certain
passports. Please check the following site for more information:
ELECTRICITY: 240 volts, 50 Hz, three-pronged plug with flat http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/what-
blades. visa-do-i-need-to-visit-australia
TELEPHONE DIALING CODES: When calling Australia from
another country, dial the country’s international dialing code, CONTACT INFORMATION
followed by 61 and the number. When calling within Australia, You may be required to list the following contact information on
omit the 61. When calling another country from Australia dial your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage
0011, followed by the other country’s country code and the does not make it to baggage claim at your destination:
number. PLEASE NOTE: you should check with your mobile
phone provider to obtain any carrier-specific dialing codes you Andrea Haas
may need; many providers have dialing procedures that may Earthwatch Australia
differ in whole or in part from these directions. Suite G-07, Ground Floor
60L Green Building, 60–66 Leicester Street
Carlton
MONEY MATTERS
VIC 3053, Australia
LOCAL CURRENCY: Australian Dollars EMAIL: ahaas@earthwatch.org.au
PERSONAL FUNDS: No personal funds are required during the PH.: +61 (0) 3 9016 7590
expedition, but you may want to have some money (cash or credit
cards are best) for snacks, drinks or souvenirs. Money exchange
is available at the Brisbane Airport in the International Terminal
on levels 2 and 3 and in the Domestic Terminal on levels 1 and 2.
You can also draw funds in Australian dollars at ATMs, which are
found easily in Brisbane. Most Visa and MasterCard credit cards
will work in Australian ATMs, but it is a good idea to check with
your bank beforehand. There will be little opportunity to
exchange traveller’s checks.
14 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 15
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
WHAT TO BRING
EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST
GENERAL q Insect repellent
q This expedition briefing q Water bottle(s)
q Your travel plans, rendezvous details, and Earthwatch’s q Lunch box
emergency contact information q Waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
q Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and q Beach towel
credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen;
the copies should be packed separately from the BEDDING AND BATHING
original documents NOTE: Blankets, pillows and linen will be provided by the
qP
assport and/or visa (if necessary) project
qC
ertification of vaccination (if necessary) q Towel (Can be provided at the research station for an
q Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary) additional fee)
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK PERSONAL SUPPLIES
q Earthwatch T-shirt q Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos
are encouraged)
q Long sleeved shirt for sun protection on the boat
q Warm wind/waterproof jacket q A ntibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands
while in the field)
qR eef/walking sandals/walking boots for walking
on the beach and to survey sites q Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics,
antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister
qW ide-brimmed hat—for sun and rain protection
covers, etc.) and medications
q Sunglasses (polarized lenses are best)—neck strap
q Spending money
recommended
q Closed toe footwear (sneakers, walking boots etc.) OPTIONAL ITEMS
essential for land based surveys and work in the lab
q Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE q Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of
the expedition
q Clothing to keep you cool in the day and warm in
the evening q Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time
q Long sleeved top and trousers to protect from insects q Earplugs for light sleepers
in the evening q Water-resistant wristwatch
q Footwear for walking around North Stradbroke Island q Binoculars
(thongs, sandals or sneakers) q Pencil, pen, notebook
NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and
FIELD SUPPLIES
handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your
q Small daypack (large enough to hold below listed items) luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing
q Drybag or plastic sealable bags (good for protecting and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your
equipment such as camera from dust, humidity, luggage is lost or delayed.
and water)
16 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018PROJECT STAFF
YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD
EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST OLAF MEYNECKE will be present on all teams and a research assistant will
be present during some or all activities.
Olaf graduated in Environmental Sciences from the University of Luneburg, Germany. After his
graduation, he worked on atmospheric models at the Institute of Coastal Research in Geestacht, Germany
and later coordinated scientific panel meetings for the European Food Safety Authority. Olaf started his
PhD at Griffith University in 2004 on the relationship between fish harvest and environmental drivers.
During his research he developed advanced short and long term tagging methods for estuarine fish. From
2008 to 2012 he was a Research Fellow with the Australian Rivers Institute and continues to work for
Griffith University and the University of Queensland as a researcher and casual lecturer. Current projects
include movement studies of humpback whales in the Gold Coast area. Olaf is also president and co-
founder of Humpbacks & High-Rises Inc. a not for profit research organization dedicated to urban marine
mammal research and protection. His passion for science promotion has lead to a number of TV
presentations, newspaper articles and a movie.
EARTHWATCH FIELD STAFF, An Earthwatch Australia team leader may or may not be present on your
team to assist with operational management, to provide logistical support and oversee the safety of the
project and its participants.
NOTE: Staff schedules are subject to change.
HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 17RECOMMENDED READING
YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME
RESOURCES
ARTICLES WEBSITES
• Meynecke, J.O., Vindenes, S., Teixeira, D., 2013. Monitoring • w ww.hhr.org.au
humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) behavior in • www.dr-olaf.com
a highly urbanized coastline: Gold Coast, Australia. In:
• https://www.griffith.edu.au/engineering-information-
Moksness, E., Dahl, E., Støttrup, J. (Eds), Integrated
technology/griffith-centre-coastal-management
Coastal Zone Management—2nd edition. Wiley-Blackwell
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18 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018NOTES HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 19
NOTES 20 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018
NOTES HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018 21
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT
22 HEALTHY HUMPBACKS 2018MESSAGE FROM EARTHWATCH DEAR EARTHWATCHER, Hello and welcome to the team! You will soon be embarking on an exciting and meaningful adventure to some of the most spectacular regions of our planet. It’s a special place here on Earth, and with your help we are working hard to keep it that way for all life that exists. We unfortunately face a variety of environmental pressures today and by joining this Earthwatch expedition you are not only saying you care, but more significantly, that you are prepared to do something about it. The work you will undertake will help contribute to solving critical environmental issues, help shape policies and behaviours and enhance protection of culture, wildlife and ecosystems. Without your help scientists would need to spend weeks, months or even years collecting the same amount of data you and your team will collect in just a few days! We can’t thank you enough for your choice to take a slightly different holiday this year, and we hope you get out of the experience as much as we do by bringing scientists and volunteers together to work towards a better future. If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, please contact our Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition! Best regards, Cassandra Nichols Chief Executive Officer, Earthwatch Australia
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