[Biology-U-L] Internships available for ecological study of Devereux Slough

[Biology Undergraduate List]

Field researchers needed:

Two internships are available as part of a long-term monitoring and ecological
study of the Devereux Slough ecosystem. Devereux slough, located at the
University managed Coal Oil Point Reserve (Sands Beach) is a seasonally flooded
coastal wetland. During the past fifty years, expanding agricultural and urban
development has significantly altered the slough system. Such alterations have
caused an increase in sedimentation to the system, an increase in water
temperature and a decrease in dissolved oxygen. To investigate the changes in
slough parameters, this study focuses on vegetation,
invertebrate and fish species diversity and abundance, hydrological
characteristics such as oxygen, salinity and temperature measurements and
nutrient inputs.

The internship will consist of assistance in weekly sampling of the above
mentioned parameters. This includes fish seining, sampling of invertebrate
composition, monitoring of water quality and help with processing of samples.
Most of the work will be conducted in the field and give ample opportunity to
gain experience in numerous field sampling
techniques. Water quality samples are conducted on a weekly basis and fish and
invertebrate surveys (which require more time and effort) will be conducted on a
bi-monthly basis. Other responsibilities will include data entry, equipment
maintenance and help with identification of species.

The monitoring project is headed by Cristina Sandoval, Reserve Manager, and Tara
Longwell, Reserve Steward. Interns are required to make a two quarter commitment
but extended quarter participation is encouraged and preferred.

 Please direct questions and interest to Tara: longwell at lifesci.ucsb.edu
Thanks,
Tara Longwell
--
Tara Longwell
Reserve Steward
Coal Oil Point Reserve
UC Santa Barbara
Natural Reserve System
http://coaloilpoint.ucnrs.org