Marine Mammals Research Association (www.dmad.org.tr) is offering you the unique opportunity to join its Marine Wildlife Research Expedition within the north Levantine Sea. The expedition aims to explore areas where there is little known with heavy human foot prints from to the coast to its deep waters. Due to a lack of scientific research, there are little to no conservation measures in action to protect Mediterranean waters and their inhabitants. All of the target species are categorized by the IUCN Red List as Threatened or Data Deficient. It is therefore vital to research and monitor these populations in order to work towards necessary conservation measures.
Species to Encounter On this trip we are likely to encounter a variety of marine mammals, including the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus), Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), in addition to the Mediterranean’s only pinniped species, the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Moreover, as our study areas are largely unexplored, there is the potential to discover other cetacean species which are rarely found in the Mediterranean basin such as Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)! The Skills You Will Learn; · Conducting visual and acoustic surveys · Collecting behavioural data for sighted species · Carrying out the first live genetic sampling of beaked whales in the Eastern Mediterranean waters. · Mapping the hotspots of marine mammals · Developing the first photo Identification catalogues of the sperm whales and beaked whales in the Eastern Mediterranean One of the objectives of our expedition is to help create and inspire independent researchers, equipped with experience in up-to-date research techniques. The Training You Will Receive; There will be a day of training before the survey route starts. Additionally, each night we will organise a training on the below topics; · General biology and ecology of marine megafauna of the Mediterranean Sea · Species identification · Photo identification techniques · Mapping techniques · Behavioural sampling Additionally, we will be equipped with a hydrophone (underwater microphone) and a genetic sampling dart gun. We will use this equipment when possible during our cetacean sightings, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about them and hopefully a chance to use them yourself! The Expedition Calendar This scientific expedition is a part of a year round study and will be conducted on the last two weeks of March 2018. Note: The exact routes can be subject to change to take into account weather and other safety factors. As such, flights should not be booked until these dates have been confirmed, unless they are fully flexible tickets. The cost As we are a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources, there is a monitory fee attached to this journey. The cost of the expedition is EUR 900 per person. This cost includes: · Full survey and equipment training · Use of research equipment · All food and accommodation on board for the duration of your stay · All safety equipment · All cruising and sailing vignettes (cruising permits) for Turkey and Greece. · Insurance including public liability coverage What is not included? · Flights to and from start and end location · Travel insurance (Mandatory, please provide proof) · Food off board · Accommodations onshore What you should bring: · Passport with any necessary visas for the countries you will be visiting · Sleeping bag · Towel · Binoculars · Seasonal appropriate clothing, including waterproofs · SOFT BAG as luggage, hard cases are not permitted on board · Camera · Sailing shoes are preferable. · Sea sickness medication Who are we looking for? We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate 2 team members with the willingness to learn, as well as motivated students and researchers who wish to collect data for their university projects. To apply send us your CV and cover letter to: i...@dmad.org.tr or akkayaayl...@gmail.com before January 30th 2018. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON
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