Hi all,
 
I recently received information about a really exciting opportunity for
amateurs to interact with trained malacologists. True, you have to pay for
it, but who SAYS the best things in life are free?  Read on.
 
Lynn Scheu
 
>
>The University of California Research Expeditions Program (UREP) is a
>nonprofit organization that provides UC faculty and graduate students with
>paying volunteers that make "significant contributions to advancing our
>knowledge about topics as divers as rainforest food webs to resource use
>by ancient civilizations".  UREP volunteers share in the costs of field
>and research expenses and help collect samples and data for a given
>project.  The cost to the volunteer is tax-deductible and the time spent
>in the field helping the project leader is invaluable.
>
>One project of potential interest to Conch-l list members is under my
>direction:  Alien species of Monterey Bay.  This project is diving
>intensive.  Volunteers will assist me in collecting field data on the
>invasive whelk Kelletia kelletii and several of its gastropod prey
>species.  Volunteers will dive 2-3 times per day during the 8 day project,
>with 2 non-diving days.  This is an excellent opportunity to observe the
>beautiful and species rich kelp forests of Monterey Bay, a world-renowned
>diving destination.
>
>Contribution is $725, which includes meals and shared lodging, daily
>ground transportation to the research site, and research equipment (not
>including personal dive gear).  It does NOT include travel costs to
>Monterey, medical treatments, SCUBA medical evaluations, or personal
>expenses.
>
>8 day sessions:
>July 9-16
>July 17-24
>July 25-Aug 1
>Aug 6-13.
>
>Participants must be advanced SCUBA divers and experienced in cold water
>conditions (especially during this La Nina).  All divers MUST be approved
>by the UC DSO prior to the first dive.  Dives are in kelp forests from a
>shore-launched inflatable, with depths ranging from 20-60 feet.  This is a
>physically rigorous program.
>
>More information about UREP can be found at:
>http://urep.ucdavis.edu
>(530)-752-0692
>
>Amateurs often ask how they can help malacologists and/or
>academia--here's an excellent opportunity to be involved in ecological
>research on marine molluscs.
>
>Thank you!
>Steve
>
>Steve Lonhart
>Department of Biology          Office:  (831) 459-4026
>University of California       FAX:     (831) 459-4882
>Santa Cruz, CA  95064          email:   [log in to unmask]
>
>WEBSITE:  http://www-biology.ucsc.edu/people/potts/lonhart/
>
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