*Marine Mammal Research Expedition* *Eastern Mediterranean Sea from Rhodes to Antalya* Overview
*Marine Mammals Research Association (www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr>) *is offering you the unique opportunity to join its Marine Wildlife Research Expedition with a prior cetacean workshop, where you will be part of a *ground breaking research effort between 1th of June and 20th of June 2018. The expedition aim to explore areas where there is little known.* The expert team of researchers will be introducing you to the wonder of marine mammals, their main threats and the possible ways to contribute to protecting their vulnerable world. You will be given the chance to experience unforgettable close encounters with these magnificent creatures, and learn the essential role they play in our oceans. Moreover, as an active part of our research team, you will join our scientific data collection process through visual sightings, hydrophone and drone recordings. Destination The expedition covers the coastal and offshore waters of *Rhodes to Antalya Bay*, while sailing on world class ocean going cruising yacht, Discovery 50. The tour will be started in *Rhodes, Greece *and followed to routes *Turkey*. Overall the tour will take *10-15 days*. 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*). The Skills You Will Learn; · Conducting visual and acoustic surveys · Collecting behavioural data for sighted species · Mapping the hotspots of marine mammals · Developing photo Identification catalogues *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 · Acoustic sampling Additionally, we will be equipped with drone, a hydrophone. 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 workshop The workshop will be conducted between the 1th and 2nd of June 2018, with topics covering photo-identification, behavioural sampling and Passive Acoustic Monitoring from the field experts. The cost As we are a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources there is a monitory fee attached to this journey. The cost per person is €1000 per person based on a shared cabin. This cost includes: · Full survey and equipment training · Use of research equipment · All food, drink and accommodation on board for the duration of your stay · All safety equipment · All cruising and sailing vignettes (cruising permits) for Greece and Turkey. · Yacht 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 · WiFi (There may be WIFI on board occasionally through a booster, however WIFI and phone service cannot be guaranteed on route) Who are we looking for?? We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate team members with the willingness to learn, as well as motivated students and researchers who wish to collect data for their university projects. *WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON*
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