ACCOBAMS Courses for Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators (PAM) 

Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS will be running a training course to highly qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators. 

When: 22nd to 26th July 2019

Where: Marmaris, Turkey

Price: 1000Euro (800Euro students)(accommodation is also included in the price)

The Qualification: 

The ACCOBAMS qualification qualifies people to work as MMOs/PAM operators throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. After the course, The ACCOBAMS highly qualified MMO/PAM operators will be able to work to minimize the impact of noise 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. 

Tutors:

MMO&PAM operator Patrick Lyne, Dr. Aylin Akkaya Baş, Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Akif Erdoğan, Dr. Jonathan Gordon 

Requirements:  

• Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. 

• Minimum 30 days-at-sea as a marine observer (with references/records ) 

• Ability  to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea

• Ability to communicate in English 

• Have a theoretical understanding of acoustic issues

• Ability to recognise the different vocalizations of marine mammals 

Topics Covered in the Training Course: 

• Introduction to underwater acoustics • Introduction to marine mammals and acoustics

• Introduction to human activities generating  underwaternoise and impacts on marine mammals 

• Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines • Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM 

• Introduction to the “life style” onboard 

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the acoustic and visual sightings. 

• Using PAM for survey and research • Introduction to hardware used for PAM 

• Hands on training with PAMGUARD 

• Tips and troubleshooting.   

For more information or to apply e-mail: info@dmad.org.tr  and akkayaaylinn@gmail.com

*Price covers the training, certificate and accommodation (meals not included). 

*There will be two days of boat based training where there is a strong chance of beaked whales and sperm whales encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course.