Marine Mammals Research Expedition in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Marine Mammals Research Association (www.dmad.org.tr) is offering you the unique opportunity to join its Marine Wildlife Research Expedition where you will be part of a ground breaking scientific research effort. With human demands on our planet growing exponentially, never has it been so important to understand and protect marine biodiversity. The expedition aims 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 and hydrophone recordings.
The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot; however much of it is unexplored with heavy human foot prints from to the coast to its deep waters. This region is historically and presently a world tourist attraction with a high human density in its coastal zones. Human influences derive from expanding agriculture and industry sectors, an extensive maritime highway causing noise pollution, and rigorous fishing activity depleting natural resources. Other threats contributing to severe habitat degradation 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 protect Mediterranean waters and their inhabitants. All of the species and subspecies mentioned below 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. For this reason, our pioneering expedition aims to fill the knowledge gaps on marine top predators through integrating hi-tech research with conservation actions.
The expedition covers the coastal and offshore waters of Eastern Mediterranean Sea between Antalya, Marmaris and Rhodos Island. Systematic seasonal surveys will be made in continental shelfs and deep water areas which has rich critical habitats such as submarine canyons, deep sea mounts and mud volcanoes.The expedition area is determined as Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) by UN’s The Convention on Biological Diversity.
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)!
· Conducting visual and acoustic surveys
· Collecting behavioural data for sighted species
· Mapping the hotspots of marine mammals
· Developing the first photo Identification catalogues of the southern Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean
· Organising marine debris surveys
One of the objectives of our expedition is to help create and inspire independent researchers, equipped with experience in up-to-date research techniques.
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). 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 covers transect based surveys between Rhodes, Greece and Antalya, Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. These scientific expeditions are a part of a year round study and will be conducted between 4th of June and 20th of June 2018.
As we are a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources, there is a monitory fee attached to this journey, which directly goes to boat rent. The cost is EUR 500 per person.
· Full survey and equipment training
· Use of research equipment
· 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
· Flights to and from start and end location
· Travel insurance (Mandatory, please provide proof)
· Food on board
· Accommodations onshore
· 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
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.
· A strong passion for marine mammals, and a desire to protect the Mediterranean marine environment
· Excellent team work and communication skills
· Fluency in English
· The ability to live and work long hours on a boat in all weathers for consecutive days
· Willingness to help with the ongoing duties on-board including cleaning, maintenance, sailing, and cooking.
· A positive and proactive attitude
To apply send us your CV and cover letter to: info@dmad.org.tr or akkayaaylinn@gmail.com before May 31th 2018.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON