As a research operation, our primary mission is to collect data that will be used for scientific studies or to support bird conservation. While we are happy to provide educational experiences to the students and participants at the Shoals Marine Lab, AIMS does not offer formal training or programs.

Our station typically does not accept short-term volunteers (e.g., people looking for experience from a variety of sites), however we are happy to train people who are likely to return to be part of our volunteer crew.

We are located on an offshore island, six miles off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. Weather permitting, we open our nets before sunrise (and then watch sunrise over the Atlantic), close the nets just before sunset, and run the nets all day. Our volunteers are involved in recording our data, checking nets, removing birds from nets, and helping maintain our facilities and supplies. Our most advanced volunteers may also request to be trained in all aspects of the banding, measuring, and data collection.

Before volunteering, it is important to know that the terrain on the island is rocky and rough with plenty of poison ivy and other potential hazards. Our volunteers stay in the Shoals Marine Lab dorms and eat in the Commons with island staff and students. Potential volunteers should carefully review the information on the Island Safety and Facilities  pages of the Shoals Marine Lab  website before signing on.