Marine MammalsResearch Expedition in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Overview
Marine Mammals ResearchAssociation (www.dmad.org.tr) is offering you the unique opportunity to join its Marine WildlifeResearch Expedition where you will be part of a ground breaking scientific research effort. With human demands onour planet growing exponentially, never has it been so important to understandand protect marine biodiversity. Theexpedition aims to explore areas where there is little known. The expertteam of researchers will be introducing you to the wonder of marine mammals,their main threats and the possible ways to contribute to protecting theirvulnerable world. You will be given the chance to experience unforgettableclose encounters with these magnificent creatures, and learn the essential rolethey play in our oceans. Moreover, as an active part of our research team, youwill join our scientific data collection process through visual sightings and hydrophone recordings. Expedition Goal The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot; however much of it is unexplored with heavy human foot prints from to the coastto its deep waters. This region is historically and presently a worldtourist attraction with a high human density in its coastal zones. Humaninfluences derive from expanding agriculture and industry sectors, an extensivemaritime highway causing noise pollution, and rigorous fishing activitydepleting natural resources. Other threats contributing to severe habitatdegradation include chemical pollution, marine debris, and climate change. Due to a lack of scientific research, there are little to no conservation measures in action to protectMediterranean waters and their inhabitants. All of the species andsubspecies mentioned below are categorized by the IUCN Red List as Threatened or Data Deficient. It istherefore vital to research and monitor these populations in order to worktowards necessary conservation measures. For this reason, our pioneering expedition aims to fill the knowledge gaps on marine toppredators through integrating hi-tech research with conservation actions. Destination The expedition covers the coastal and offshore watersof Eastern Mediterranean Sea between Antalya, Marmaris and Rhodos Island. Systematic seasonal surveyswill be made in continental shelfs and deep water areas which has rich criticalhabitats such as submarine canyons, deep sea mounts and mud volcanoes.The expedition area is determined as Ecologically orBiologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) by UN’s The Convention on Biological Diversity. Speciesto Encounter On this trip we are likely to encounter a variety of marinemammals, including the common bottlenosedolphin (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), short-beakedcommon dolphin (Delphinus delphis),Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), sperm whale (Physetermicrocephalus), Cuvier’s beakedwhale (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), in addition to the Mediterranean’s onlypinniped species, the endangered Mediterraneanmonk seal (Monachus monachus).Moreover, as our study areas are largely unexplored, there is the potential todiscover other cetacean species which are rarely found in the Mediterraneanbasin such as Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)! The SkillsYou Will Learn; · Conductingvisual and acoustic surveys · Collectingbehavioural data for sighted species · Mapping thehotspots of marine mammals · Developing thefirst photo Identification catalogues of the southern Adriatic and EasternMediterranean · Organisingmarine debris surveys One of the objectives of our expedition isto help create and inspire independent researchers, equipped with experience inup-to-date research techniques. TheTraining You Will Receive; There will bea day of training before the survey route starts. Additionally, each night wewill organise a training on the below topics; · Generalbiology and ecology of marine megafauna of the Mediterranean Sea · Speciesidentification · Photoidentification techniques · Mappingtechniques · Behaviouralsampling Additionally, we will be equipped with a hydrophone (underwater microphone). We willuse this equipment when possible during our cetacean sightings, and you willhave the opportunity to learn more about them and hopefully a chance to usethem yourself! TheExpedition Calendar The expedition covers transect based surveys between Rhodes,Greece and Antalya, Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. These scientificexpeditions are a part of a year round study and will be conducted between 4th of June and 20th of June 2018. Thecost As we are a non-profit organisation with limited financialresources, there is a monitory fee attached to this journey, which directly goes to boat rent. The cost isEUR 500 per person. Thiscost includes: · Full surveyand equipment training · Use ofresearch equipment · Accommodationon board for the duration of your stay · All safetyequipment · All cruisingand sailing vignettes (cruising permits) for Turkey and Greece. · Insuranceincluding public liability coverage What isnot included? · Flights to andfrom start and end location · Travelinsurance (Mandatory, please provide proof) · Food on board · Accommodationsonshore Whatyou should bring: · Passport withany necessary visas for the countries you will be visiting · Sleeping bag · Towel · Binoculars · Seasonalappropriate clothing, including waterproofs · SOFT BAG asluggage, hard cases are not permitted onboard · Camera · Sailing shoesare preferable. · Sea sicknessmedication Who arewe looking for? We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate team memberswith the willingness to learn, as well as motivated students and researcherswho wish to collect data for their university projects. Essentials; · A strong passionfor marine mammals, and a desire to protect the Mediterranean marineenvironment · Excellentteam work and communication skills · Fluency inEnglish · The abilityto live and work long hours on a boat in all weathers for consecutive days · Willingnessto help with the ongoing duties on-board including cleaning, maintenance,sailing, and cooking. · A positiveand proactive attitude To apply send us your CV and cover letterto: [email protected] or [email protected] before May 31th2018. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON
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