Certified ACCOBAMS for Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) Operators, with additional PAM training for those interested in baseline survey data analysis
DMAD -Marine Mammals Research Association under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and contiguous Atlantic area) will be running a MMO/PAM training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems with ACCOBAMS certification. When: 06 - 12 July 2024/ Where: Anadolufeneri, Istanbul, Turkey/ Price*: 1100 Euro The Qualification: The ACCOBAMS qualification enables people to work as Marine Mammals Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators across the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. Following completion of the course, participants are equipped to mitigate noise impacts on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the training course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS principles. A second Advanced PAM certification course will then explore further animal identification techniques and mitigation, utilising the recently published (Feb, 2024) Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) PAM guidance offshore operations. Additionally, participants will explore the use of Ravenpro and PAMguardviewer in analysis of recordings for research and baseline studies. Speakers and Presenters: Chartered Marine Scientist and MMO/PAM operator Patrick Lyne, DMAD founder and director Dr. Aylin Akkaya Requirements: - Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. - Minimum 30 days working with marine mammals (with references/records ) - Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea - Basic knowledge of marine acoustics. - Ability to communicate in English - Laptop with recent version of PAMguard installed Topics Covered in the ACCOBAMS Training Course: - Introduction to underwater acoustics - Introduction to marine mammals of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. - Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals - Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines - Discussion of different distance estimation techniques. - Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM - Introduction to the “life style” onboard Advanced course units - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map acoustic detections and visual sightings. - Using PAM for mitigation and research - Exercises in use of PAMguard with animal identification, using filters and automatic identifiers. - Introduction to hardware used for PAM - Hands on training with PAMGUARD - Ravenpro and PAMguardviewer with exercises. - Tips and troubleshooting. It is expected that there will be 1.5 days spent on a boat and 4.5 days of classroom sessions. The exact timing will be dependent on weather conditions, though this should not be an issue. If a JNCC certification is required please specify and this can be arranged in addition. For more information or to apply e-mail: i...@dmad.org.tr *Price covers the training and certificates *Accommodation and transportation costs at the location will be the responsibility of the participant but recommendations will be given. *There will be one and a half days of boat-based training where there is a good chance of seeing the unique sub-species in the Black Sea (harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin. This will allow further practice of skills learned during the course. *A discount of €50 will apply to anyone who can show evidence of being a member of any non-profit NGO engaged in marine conservation or the MMOA (Marine Mammal Observer Association). *The course is subject to a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 14.
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