EARTHWATCH 2016 AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS

Transcription

1 EARTHWATCH 2016 AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS

2 DEAR EARTHWATCHER, Welcome to Australia s Changing Islands. We look forward to you joining us on St Bees Island, and working in a most scenic tropical island landscape. St Bees Island is located about 20 minutes flying time north-east of the city of Mackay on Queensland s east coast. It is one of a cluster of continental islands forming the South Cumberland Islands archipelago, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Check it out on Google Earth. The island is surrounded by fringing coral reef. Its hills and ranges support a complex mix of rainforests, woodlands and grasslands. The land and seascapes look idyllic. Looks can be deceiving, however. You are about to enter a landscape that is fundamentally changing. The environmental changes that are seen on St Bees Island are occurring across the archipelago, but also in many of northern Australia s tropical woodlands and forests. Is it climate change or a legacy of our land management? What are the implications for the island wildlife? Should park rangers intervene? Well, on St Bees Island there are special values to be protected. The koala habitat is threatened, and rare grasslands are retreating. Together we will be measuring the extent of the changes to the plant communities; looking at the island s small fauna and considering the consequences of these changes for these small vertebrates and invertebrates; and finally trialling management techniques to test options for long term conservation. Once a year we will be counting the koalas to follow the fate of this small population. So you may be measuring plant canopies, stem densities and species richness; collecting and sorting the undescribed small animal community; or ranging across the island counting koalas. By the way, there is almost always a koala looking over your shoulder, and in July, if you re lucky you can see humpback whales off the shore usually mother and calf pairs. We are working directly with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the information you collect will contribute directly to national park management practices, as well as to academic studies. So you will be making a direct contribution to conservation land management as well as building our environmental knowledge. See you soon! Alistair Melzer Wayne Houston CONNECT WITH OTHER EARTHWATCHERS! FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OR ON AND ON YOUTUBE AT YOUTUBE.COM/ EARTHWEBBOY

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION... 2 TRIP PLANNER...3 THE RESEARCH... 4 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD... 8 PROJECT CONDITIONS SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST...14 PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDED READING EMERGENCY NUMBERS

4 GENERAL INFORMATION AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS Dr Alistair Melzer (Central Queensland University) RESEARCH SITE St Bees Island National Park, Queensland, Australia ACCOMMODATION SITE Keswick Island Workers Camp, Queensland, Australia. EXPEDITION DATES Team 1: May. 3 May. 13, 2016 Team 2: Jul. 12 Jul. 22, 2016 Team 3: Oct. 21-Oct. 31, 2016 Complete travel information is not available in this version of the briefing. Please contact Earthwatch with any questions. 2

5 TRIP PLANNER AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS IMMEDIATELY q Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch s Terms and Conditions and the Participant Code of Conduct. q If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase when your expedition is booked. 90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION q Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your volunteer forms. 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. 60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION q Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for your project site. q Review the Packing Checklist to make sure you have all the clothing, personal supplies and equipment needed. 30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION q Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with a relative or friend. q Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets with a relative or friend. 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 3

6 THE RESEARCH AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS THE STORY St Bee s Island off the coast of Queensland is a tropical paradise rich in biodiversity, such as koalas, wallabies, reptiles, birds and many native plants. However, communities of both plant and animal species on the island are shifting due to climate change and some species are in rapid decline. On this expedition, you will hike with researchers across the rugged island to better understand how climate change is impacting the landscape. You will document the nature of these changes by undertaking surveys of plant species, observing koalas and wallabies, bird watching and recording small reptiles and invertebrates. The data gathered will help scientists and land managers to adapt traditional management strategies (e.g. strategic use of fire) to account for the changing conditions. By joining this expedition, you ll be helping to ensure this tropical paradise remains a diverse species community for generations to come, whilst enjoying the island environment. 4

7 RESEARCH AIMS This project addresses these critical management needs by focusing on four key themes: 1. Developing indicators to allow change to be recognised and monitored; 2. Identifying the nature and direction of ecosystem change; 3. Trialing management strategies that avoid adverse impacts on climate refugia; 4. Developing a communications framework to ensure rapid dissemination of findings to (a) local conservation managers, (b) regional community, and (c) global community. Analysis of recent air photography and satellite data will be used to identify areas of interest across the island. Within these target areas, we will describe the plant communities and establish permanent monitoring sites. These will include photo points, plots or belt transects (depending on site architecture). Plotless methodologies will be employed for certain community descriptions. Sentinel sites will be monitored at a frequency appropriate to the community type under study. For example, herbaceous communities may be monitored seasonally to understand the shift in assemblages through an annual weather cycle while woody communities may be monitored less frequently. Census of macrofauna will be undertaken annually using plotless density-from-distance methodology along traverses of the entire island. Bird surveys will occur using standard bird census techniques at fixed locations probably associated with the plant community census sites at least. Initially, reptile and invertebrate data will be collected using habitat-associated pitfall traps and standard, intensive searches. The methodology for the invertebrate work will be modified to suit the target group finally selected. The strategic burning and weed control will be undertaken in conjunction with the conservation managers. Conceptually, relatively small, well contained plots will be burned and changes in the plant community followed. Plots will be fully characterised, including an assessment of fuel loads, plant community structure and composition, before and after burns. Sites for weed management will be treated in a similar manner. Baseline environmental data will be collected through a small network of autonomous loggers that will be established at key locations on the island. At least, these will collect data on rainfall, sunlight, wind, temperature and relative humidity as well as soil moisture. However, additional loggers will be established in microhabitat elements (e.g. within different canopy strata and contrasting topographical features/aspects). It is anticipated that a small communication hub will be established on the island from which real-time data can be transmitted to the mainland. HOW YOU WILL HELP The volunteer team will enable us to collect a meaningful data set within a reasonable time frame on each trip. Generally, volunteers will be involved with most aspects of the field elements of this project. From a logistics perspective, volunteers will assist in setting up and running the research camp including cooking and maintenance. Scientifically, volunteers will be expected to work alongside scientists in the location and establishment of sites, the monitoring of plant communities and the census of fauna. Each volunteer will be involved in data collection and recording as well as data entry. This will range from collection of litter samples, counting of koalas and wallabies, to the trapping and sorting of small reptiles and invertebrates. The project will need to run for a series of consecutive weather cycles to be successful. This long-term data collection is only possible with the on-going support of the volunteers. 5

8 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD PLANS FOR YOUR TEAM The Earthwatch scientist will give the team a more detailed onsite project briefing when you arrive. Participants do not need any prior training in research methodologies. All methods, tasks and use of equipment will be outlined and demonstrated at the beginning of the project. SAFETY BRIEFING Once participants have received facility inductions and settled into the accommodation on Keswick Island, a further project and safety briefing will be conducted. This briefing will specifically highlight any safety issues and sort out basic operating procedures including timetables for breakfast, lunch and dinner preparation, cleaning and planned field activities. DRIVING POLICY Participants who have driven themselves to the project may not drive whilst on the project. This includes time that has been designated as non-research time. Participants who ignore this 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 covered under the Earthwatch insurance policy for the expedition. During each evening a summary of activities from that day will be undertaken and any problems or issues raised and discussed. 6

9 ITINERARY DAILY ACTIVITIES Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY Time of Day Activity 9:30 1:30 Travel to Keswick Island and settle in :30 Lunch 2:30 5:00 Formal introductions, project briefing, field safety briefing 7:00-8:00 Dinner PLEASE NOTE: Dinner times may vary due to sharing the communal kitchen with other groups who may be staying at the work station DAYS 2-10: FIELDWORK DAYS Time of Day Activity 5:30-7:00 Breakfast 7:00-8:15 Daily field preparations 8:30-3:30 St Bees field work 4:00 7 :00 Training activities, reporting and briefings 7:00-8:00 Dinner TYPICAL DAY IN THE FIELD We will be based on the neighbouring Keswick Island and travelling to and from St Bees Island by small boat each day. You will be paddling or wading through ankle deep to thigh deep water depending on the state of the tide as you get on or off the boat. There may be some sea spray during this 10 minute crossing. So you will need to protect phones, cameras and other equipment from salt water. Depending on conditions you may wish to wear a spray jacket. You should wear your reef shoes for boarding and disembarking the boat. Be prepared for your trousers to get a little wet too. On St Bees Island there will be no tracks or trails. We will be truly bushwalking. You may be walking across sand flats, rocky landscapes as well as shrubby and grassy terrain. We are never rushing and always move in a safe and considered manner. Your gloves and long clothes are particularly useful in the shrubby patches. We will encounter a range of resident wildlife including koalas, swamp wallabies, eagles, lizards, and snakes as well as a diverse array of invertebrates including butterflies, tree ants and spiders. After extensive research no venomous snakes have been identified on the island, however we still take precautions. DAY 7: DEPARTURE DAY Time of Day Activity 9:30-12:30 Pack and travel to Mackay PLEASE NOTE: Flights can be influenced by the weather. Please be very conservative when booking flights out of Mackay. Departures are best organised for late in the day or the following day. 7

10 ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD The duration of the trip will be spent at Keswick Island at the workers camp. The communal kitchen has a lounge area with a television and DVD player. Use of these facilities may be limited due to other residents and our need for meetings and briefings. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a gas stove and a sink connected to running water. The stations fresh water supply is derived entirely from rain water. Consequently visitors are asked to conserve water at all times and restrictions may be put in place during prolonged dry periods. It is possible that there will be other guests staying at the work camp that are not associated with the Earthwatch project, so the team will need to respect other visitors and keep noise to a minimum. Washing machines are available, but remember to bring detergent if you plan to use them. 8

11 SLEEPING Each participant will have their own small room. Bedding and towel are provided. BATHROOMS Each of the bedrooms has an ensuite with shower and toilet. You will need to bring your own soap and shampoo. ELECTRICITY Electricity at the research station is Australian 240V. Participants are asked to conserve energy wherever possible to help conserve power consumption. INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS There is no internet or mobile phone coverage at the accommodation unit. However, a short walk to the top of the adjacent hill (along a sealed roadway) gives intermittent mobile phone coverage. Mobile phone coverage is also available on St Bees Island depending on terrain. All internet access is via 3G mobile networks. DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE St Bees Island is 600m away across a deep channel. Participants will travel to the site by small boat. The trip takes about 10 minutes depending on conditions and exactly where we are landing. FOOD AND WATER All food will be provided and will there ready at the workers camp for your arrival. Participants and staff will be responsible for making their own continental breakfasts in the morning. Food is provided for all guests at the work station, not just us. There is a large store of frozen meats and vegetables. Bread, salad and fruit are provided and large pantry of dry and tinned goods is available, but variety can be limited at times. Housekeeping will be shared, with small teams assigned to duties each day. Tasks may include washing and drying dishes, sweeping the kitchen floor, wiping benches, packing away chairs and tables after meals etc. A roster with full tasks will be established on the first day of the project. Fresh drinking water will always be available at the accommodation quarters. All freshwater on the island comes from rainwater tanks. Filtered water is also available. TYPICAL MEALS BREAKFAST Cereal, toast and spreads, tea and coffee LUNCH Sandwich meats, spreads and salads, cheese, fresh fruit, muesli bars DINNER Pasta, BBQ, rice, meat, cooked vegetables, salads, sauces, etc. SNACKS Crackers, fruits, sweet biscuits, muesli bars WATER Fresh drinking water will always be available at the accommodations. BEVERAGES Coffee, tea, milk. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms. Accommodating special diets is not guaranteed and can be very difficult due to availability of food, location of field sites, and other local conditions. Lunch will be had in the field, and participants and project staff will be expected to make their own sandwiches in the morning before departing. Fruit and snack foods (e.g., muesli bars) will be available to pack as well. Dinner will be a cooked meal and all participants will be expected to participate in the preparation of meals according to a roster. Evening meals will be hearty and comprise meats, vegetables, pastas, rice etc. 9

12 PROJECT CONDITIONS THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT GENERAL CONDITIONS The information that follows is as accurate as possible, but please keep in mind that conditions may change. The weather is expected to vary within the limits in the table shown on this page. The climate in the South Cumberland Islands is tropical. Maximum daytime temperatures are typically degrees during the summer months and degrees during the winter months. The region lies in the trade wind belt for most of the year resulting in south to southeast winds. The cyclone season runs from December through to April. MEAN HUMIDITY: MAY. 75% JUL. 72% OCT. 65% TEMPERATURE RANGE: MAY. 17º-24ºC (63º-75ºF) JUL. 13º-21ºC (55º-70ºF) OCT. 20º-28ºC (68º-82ºF) MEAN RAINFALL: MAY mm (4.2 in) JUL mm (1.6 in) OCT mm (1.4 in) GENERAL CONDITIONS ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Those who are prone to motion sickness may wish to bring preventative treatments with them for the flight to and from the island, and for the short boat journey to and from the research site. Expected demands of the project: Please keep in mind that conditions may change and the project could potentially be more or less strenuous than these points indicate. All participants must be able to: Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion. Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather. Volunteers must be able to work in both rain and hot weather. The Australian sun can be extremely harmful and volunteers must be prepared to take precautions against over-exposure. Enjoy being in the presence of wild animals and insects. Volunteers may encounter numerous biting and stinging insects, so anyone at risk of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or who has phobias related to insects should consider this carefully when deciding to join the project, and plan to bring any necessary medication. Sit for 1-3 hrs per day (travel via vehicle or boat, evening lectures). Walk a varying distance to access boats and wade through water that will vary from ankle to thigh deep. Have the flexibility to climb in and out of a dingy twice a day on research days, and climb in and out of light air craft on travel days. Be in generally good physical condition, especially knees and lungs. Have sufficient eye sight to be able to traverse uneven terrain safely. Spend the day travelling through uncleared vegetation, which at times may be dense and tangled. Carry personal daily supplies such as lunch, water, and some small field equipment. BOATING REQUIREMENTS: In order to get to and from St Bees Island you will travel by boat daily. You will need to be relatively fit and agile. Depending on winds, the trip may be bumpy and participants may feel cold. An all-weather proof or wind breaker jacket is advised. 10

13 POTENTIAL HAZARDS AUSTRALIA S CHANGING ISLANDS HAZARD TYPE Transportation Light aircraft flight Travel by boat Slips and Trips Animals Working in the field Coral rubble and sharp shells Gas stove ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS All vehicles are equipped with airbags, seatbelts, spare tyres, first aid kit with Emergency Response Plan and mobile phone. Only experience 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. A commercial air charter with a proven track record in safety is used to fly participants to Keswick Island. Only experienced, qualified pilots fly the light air craft. Passengers to follow directions from qualified staff members at all times. Small boats will be used to travel daily between Keswick Island and St Bees Island. Passengers are to follow instructions at all times and remain alert to avoid trips and falls on the boat. Participants are to cover skin with long shirts and pants and wear sunscreen, sun hat and sun glasses to protect against sun exposure. Participants are instructed to be careful when embarking and disembarking the vessel and should hold on to the hand rail or sides of boat. 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. Participants are to carry sufficient water for the day and drink at regular intervals throughout the day to avoid dehydration. If participants start to feel unwell they should notify a project staff member immediately, and rest in a shaded area, whilst cooling themselves with water. Keeping an eye out for each other is important in the field. If somebody appears drowsy, they may be suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion and will need water, rest and shade. A high factor sunscreen and protective clothing should be worn to minimise sun burn. Insect stings and snake bites can occur in the field. Participants should be alert, wear hiking boots and notify team members should any bites occur. Participants should not go barefoot when wading to and from the boat, whilst walking around base camp or when walking near the sea. Participants will 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. 11

14 SAFETY HEALTH INFORMATION EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD We have a field first-aid kit with us at all times. We are in contact with Keswick Island by UHF radio and by mobile phone. In case of injury or minor accident we will call Keswick Island and transport the injured person back to Keswick Island for further first aid. In an emergency we call 000 in the first instance. In a critical emergency we trigger an emergency beacon. This results in a nationally coordinated search and rescue. Severe cases are evacuated by helicopter to Mackay Hospital. Less urgent cases are transported by plane or by boat but only in daylight and in suitable weather conditions. There is a nursing station and ambulance on the island if required. FATIGUE AND MINOR INJURY MANAGEMENT We very carefully manage volunteer health and wellbeing. Where necessary participants who are feeling fatigued or have minor strains or are suffering temporary illness are able to remain at camp and recover. We do not want volunteers to place themselves at risk. STAFF CERTIFIED IN SAFETY TRAINING: Dr. Alistair Melzer (First Aid/CPR) All Earthwatch staff and team leaders are qualified in CPR and hold a First Aid certificate. NEAREST MEDICAL CENTER: MACKAY BASE HOSPITAL (Provides 24 hr emergency service) 475 Bridge Road, Mackay, QLD 4740 Telephone: Travel time from project: 1 hour upwards (35 km) For emergency assistance in the field, please contact Earthwatch's 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service. IMMUNIZATIONS Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date (for example: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix Travel Oracle website through the Travel Assistance and Advice page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int for guidance on immunizations. PROJECT VACCINATIONS REQUIRED If traveling from countries or region where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination. RECOMMENDED FOR HEALTH REASONS: none NOTE: Any prescription medication brought into Australia needs to be accompanied with a letter from your doctor for Customs Inspection purposes. MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF SPECIAL CONCERN CONDITION Medical complaints Allergies Back or neck problems Knee or ankle problems Physical limitations CONCERNS AND PRECAUTIONS Due to the remoteness of the area and the time it takes to evacuate, those who may require quick access to medical care due to any medical complaints should consider carefully. Those with known allergies to dust, grasses, mammals, plants or insects (including mosquitoes and sand-flies) should bring appropriate medications in order to participate on this project. Those with severe bee-sting allergies should bring an Epi-kit and carry it with them at all times. Those with chronic or constant back or neck pain should be aware that some days may require travelling on the boat in bumpy conditions and should reconsider their ability to participate. This project requires bending and lifting as well as participants to walk over uneven and occasionally steep terrain. Volunteers with physical limitations should be aware that the work involved generally requires a good level of fitness. 12

15 TRAVEL TIPS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD YOUR DESTINATION LANGUAGE: English TIME ZONE: AEST (UTC/GMT +10 hours). LUGGAGE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. If travelling by air and checking your 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 lost or delayed. Many airlines have strict baggage policies. Please check with your airline(s) on baggage weight limits, liquid restrictions, fees for checked baggage, etc. Please note that if you will be taking an international flight that has one or more connections within the country of your destination, you must collect any checked bags at the airport where you first arrive in the destination country. After proceeding through customs, you will have to recheck your luggage before flying to your final destination. ELECTRICITY: 240 volts, 50 Hz, two or three-pronged plug with flat blades. TELEPHONE DIALING CODES: When calling Australia from another country, dial the country s international dialing code, followed by 61 and the number. When calling within Australia, omit the 61. When calling another country from Australia dial 0011, followed by the other country s country code and the number. PLEASE NOTE: you should check with your mobile phone provider to obtain any carrier-specific dialing codes you may need; many providers have dialing procedures that may differ in whole or in part from these directions. MONEY MATTERS LOCAL CURRENCY: Australian Dollars PASSPORTS AND VISAS Passport and visa requirements are subject to change. Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your home country for requirements specific to your circumstances. Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return ticket is required. CITIZENSHIP PASSPORT REQUIRED? VISA REQUIRED? United States Yes Yes United Kingdom Yes Yes Europe Yes Yes Australia Yes No Japan Yes Yes If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process. CONTACT INFORMATION You may be required to list the following contact information on your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage does not make it to baggage claim at your destination: Cassandra Nichols Earthwatch Australia 126 Bank Street South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia cnichols@earthwatch.org.au Ph.: +61 (0) PERSONAL FUNDS: No personal funds are required during the 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 Mackay Airport located in the check in area. You can also draw funds in Australian dollars at ATMs, which are found easily in Mackay. 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 cheques. 13

16 EXPEDITION PACKING LIST WHAT TO BRING EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST GENERAL q This expedition briefing q Your travel plans, rendezvous details, and Earthwatch s emergency contact information q Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents q Passport and/or visa (if necessary) q Certification of vaccination (if necessary) q Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary) CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK NOTE: Fieldwork clothes may get very dirty and/or muddy. Please be aware of this and select your field clothing appropriately. q Earthwatch T-shirt q Lightweight, quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts q Quick-drying long pants (2-3 pairs) q Reef shoes or thick soled dive booties for wading to and from the boat q Hiking boots with ankle support q Wide-brimmed hat q Sunglasses (polarized lenses are best) neck strap recommended q Wind/waterproof jacket CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE q Shorts q T-shirts q Long sleeved top and trousers to protect from insects in the evening and to keep you warm on cooler nights q Footwear for walking around island (sandals or sneakers) FIELD SUPPLIES q Small daypack (large enough to hold below listed items) q Drybag or plastic sealable bags (good for protecting equipment such as camera from dust, humidity, and water) q Insect repellent q Water bottle(s) with a total capacity of at least 2 litres, ideally 3 litres q Lunch box q Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher q Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and spare bulb q Garden gloves for prickly bushes BEDDING AND BATHING NOTE: Blankets, pillows, linen and towel will be provided by the project PERSONAL SUPPLIES q Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged) q Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands while in the field) q Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc.) and medications q Spending money OPTIONAL ITEMS q Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery q Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition q Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time q Earplugs for light sleepers q Water-resistant wristwatch q Binoculars q Pencil, pen, notebook NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. The light aircraft has a strict weight limit of 15kg per person, any excess may incur a charge. If travelling by air prior to the rendezvous, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. 14

17 PROJECT STAFF YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD EARTHWATCH SCIENTIST ALISTAIR MELZER (PhD Ecology UQ) has been working in the dry tropical environment of Queensland since Dr Melzer has worked with Queensland s industry, government and community since 1995 to resolve problems associated with natural resource management and planning. These include, flora and fauna inventories on conservation and industrial lands, environmental management plans and associated ecosystem health monitoring, coastal zone and estuarine management, bush fire management strategies, weed management plans, and revegetation strategies and associated restoration success monitoring in coastal, estuarine and inland Queensland. Currently Dr Melzer is developing a management plan for the Shoalwater and Corio Bays Ramsar site on behalf of the Fitzroy Basin Association, and providing the State with advice on koala habitat values in Central Queensland. Alistair will be present on all teams. EARTHWATCH FIELD STAFF, An Earthwatch Australia team leader may 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. 15

18 RECOMMENDED READING YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME RESOURCES ARTICLES Central Queensland s Koala Islands Pages in Conserving Central Queensland s Koalas at Scott, K., Setterfield, S.A., Douglas, M.M. et al. (2012) Does long-term fire exclusion in an Australian tropical savanna result in a biome shift? A test using the reintroduction of fire. Austral Ecology 37, BOOKS St Bees Island Its history, lifestyles and tales. Lionel Berk Boolarong Press Brisbane Queensland 1995 ISBN WEBSITES MACKAY COAST AND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK: KESWICK ISLAND: keswickisland.com.au MACKAY: mackayregion.com SOCIAL MEDIA: EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA FACEBOOK: facebook.com/earthwatchaustralia TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_aus YOUTUBE: youtube.com/user/earthwebboy INSTAGRAM: instawebgram.com/i/earthwatch_aus PINTEREST: pinterest.com/earthwatchaus/ GOOGLE+: plus.google.com/+earthwatchsouthmelbourne/ posts FLICKR: flickr.com/photos/earthwatchaustralia/ SOCIAL MEDIA: EARTHWATCH INTERNATIONAL FACEBOOK: facebook.com/earthwatch TWITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/earthwatch BLOG: earthwatchunlocked.wordpress.com YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute 16

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20 EMERGENCY NUMBERS AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT EARTHWATCH S 24-HOUR EMERGENCY HOTLINE Call Earthwatch s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.: +1 (978) (800) (toll-free for calls placed from within the U.S.) After business hours, leave a message with our living answering service. State that you have an emergency and give the name of your expedition, your name, the location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff member will respond to your call within one hour. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER: HEALIX INTERNATIONAL (collect calls and reverse charges accepted) U.S. TOLL FREE: U.K. FREE PHONE: earthwatch@healix.com You may contact Healix International at any time. They can assist in the event of a medicalor evacuation emergency or for routine medical and travel advice, such as advice on visas and vaccine requirements. FOR VOLUNTEERS BOOKED THROUGH THE EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OFFICE: Earthwatch Australia 24-Hour Emergency Helpline

21 MESSAGE 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 3

22 Earthwatch U.S. 114 Western Ave. Boston, MA United States earthwatch.org Phone: Toll-Free: Fax: Earthwatch Europe Mayfield House 256 Banbury Rd. Oxford, OX2 7DE United Kingdom earthwatch.org Phone: Fax: Earthwatch Australia 126 Bank St. South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia earthwatch.org Phone: Fax: Earthwatch Japan Food Science Bldg. 4F The University of Tokyo 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo , Japan earthwatch.org Phone: Fax: