We are looking for an Aquarium Project Manager to run our new fish breeding project here at Atoll Marine Centre.
The aquarium trade is causing conservation concerns in the Maldives
by exploiting thousands of fishes annually. This activity is depleting
populations of target reef fish and coral species and the associated
destructive capture techniques are harming both target and non-target
species populations. Some fish and coral species are more vulnerable
than others due to the market demand, such as the commonly known clown
fishes or anemonefishes. Our goal with this project is therefore to feed
the aquarium trade with sustainably sourced fish and release a
proportion of bred fish into the wild to reduce pressure on wild stocks.
We also aim to spread awareness and increase knowledge and appreciation
for Maldivian marine life and the threats it faces among local
communities.
The Aquarium Project Manager will run the technical aspects of this
project focusing on rearing and breeding three species of anemonefish,
as well as train local staff in fish husbandry and participate in
awareness-raising activities. She/He will be assisted by the two
resident marine biologists working on the other marine conservation
projects. This position is a great opportunity to gain experience in
aquarium rearing while being part of a local NGO and participate in
programmes benefiting back the communities through awareness raising and
training!
Tasks
- Develop and maintain tank and equipment health, inventory of supplies
- Monitor breeding process (establish mating pairs, diet adjustment) and fish behaviour and health
- Oversee larval rearing process (diet, growth monitoring)
- Manage rotifers and Artemia culture (live feed production)
- Oversee release and marketing of reared fish with relevant companies (create advertising material, cooperation with Maldives-based ornamental fish exporters)
- Training of local staff in fish husbandry
- Coordinate development of outreach activities (creation of display tanks, presentations to tourists, creation of an informative brochure, larger-scale awareness events)
- Complete monitoring progress reports.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Master’s or professional degree in a relevant field (e.g. marine biology, zoology, aquaculture)
- Experience in fish husbandry (previous experience with anemonefish breeding preferred, but not required)
- Experience in teaching and/or conducting training and capacity-building
- Experience working in the NGO sector is a plus
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Enthusiasm for marine conservation and developing outreach activities and material
- Be self-motivated, good organizational and problem-solving skills, enthusiastic for marine conservation
- Be available for 3 months
This is an unpaid position. However, your board, lodging, domestic travel and visa will be covered while you are in Maldives.
What’s in it for you?
Well, aside from the obvious perks delivered by the Maldives, namely
the beautiful setting and fantastic marine life, you will be based in a
wonderfully friendly community, fully supported in your work. Being
based on a local island, as opposed to a resort island, you will have
the very real and exciting opportunity to instigate beneficial change
right where it is needed. The community is responsive and ready to be
educated.
This position will also grant you the unique chance to experience
life in the ‘real’ Maldives, outside the crowded and expensive tourist
resorts. On our island there are just over 5000 inhabitants so expect to
be living in a small island community where everyone knows everyone and
where you are bound to be welcomed with open arms and a sense of
hospitality which is rare in this world! On the weekends we arrange
weekly excursions to explore the wonders of the Maldives, whether it be
to uninhabited islands or our favourite snorkeling spots.
Closing: 26/07/2016
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