THE PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) is a scientific project run by DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association. Our study is the first long-term study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters, with recent surveys additionally covering the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impacts of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. Joining our team gives individuals the opportunity to gain both scientific and outreach skills and put these into practice in the field of marine mammal research. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR Our scientific work is supported by the precious help of volunteers, interns and students, coming from all over the world and motivated to have a positive impact on marine wildlife protection and conservation. We offer both volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for a BSc or MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals and willingness to learn are strong and sincere. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 months to complete the basic training. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including during sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once every 14 days (occasionally more if possible); - Collecting dolphins sightings and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; - Learning survey techniques (Spatial-temporal dolphin distribution, Theodolite operation, Behavioural data collection, Photo-identification, Human impact measurements) and using them in a practical setting; - Operating the necessary software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010); - Data entry, data manipulation and data analysis using GIS, Mark, Distance and R software; - Cataloguing and matching dolphins using photo-identification software; - Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions and promoting citizen-science activities; - Using social media to disseminate our work to the wider public; TRAINING Our team will provide lectures and field work training. Volunteers and Interns will be given the chance to learn some of the most popular methodologies in marine mammal research including: - GIS mapping; - Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; - Photo-identification; - Discovery software and Logger 2010 software; - Population size estimations through Mark and Distance - Survey design - Efficient usage of Excel; - R for statistical analysis; - Systematic data collection and data analysis; For Interns it also includes: Personal project and thesis supervision - Additional courses related to the selected subject; - Project, report and manuscript writing skills Additional training for a fee: - Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS; - Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days) ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES The base is located in Old Town of Kotor. The accommodation is included in the participation fee. Volunteers will have a bed in a shared room with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation itself is basic, but there is everything you need including WI-FI, hot water and a washing machine. The supermarkets and restaurants are only ten minutes’ walk from the house. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose such as hiking, diving and rock climbing. CONTRIBUTION FEE The contribution fee for volunteers is €840 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €780. For interns, it’s €940 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €880. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee includes: - Accommodation and expenses (excluding self-quarantine and special requests); - Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania; - Training and lectures with all training materials provided in PDF format; - Fieldwork (land- and boat surveys); - Use of the equipment; *And for Interns this also includes: - Scientific support, average 30 hours supervision per month; - Additional courses related to the selected subject; The fee does not include: - Transportation to/from Montenegro or transfer to accommodation - Health and/or travel insurance which is a mandatory requirement - Meals - Additional training Courses: * Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS (€450) * Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days) (€100) **Prices are with reservation HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to akkayaaylinn@gmail.com (Aylin Akkaya) and info@dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, -- Best Regards, Muhammet Ali OTER *Operation Manager of Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) and **Intern & Volunteer Coordinator at the **Marine Mammal Research Association* *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)* *info@dmad.org.tr <info@dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *Phone: +382 67 401 854 ''Whatsapp & Viber''* *Follow us on: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/> & **Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*