Oceanus onlus www.oceanus.it Greece Survey 2007 :: Marine Mammals Census in the Ionian Sea Volunteer assistants wanted for a marine mammal census starting from Lefkas, and will carry out in the Ionian sea. The project will take place in October 2007, and is coordinated by the Cetacean Research Group of the University of Thessaly, the Zoology and Marine Biology Department of the University of Athens and organized from OCEANUS onlus (non profit organization; www.oceanus.it). The aim of the trip is to collect visual and acoustic data as well as skin samples for a population genetic structure research and toxicology analysis The trip consist of one leg: Lefkas - Athens 14th to 28th October 2007 The research will take place onboard research sailing catamaran equipped with all necessary navigation safety and research instrument (GPSs, plotters, echo-sounders, underwater digital video and still cameras, binoculars etc) as well as a dual frequency hydrophone and DAT recorder. The most important requirements for participants are enthusiasm, and the ability and willingness to work under often difficult, but rewarding field conditions. The duties of the participants require involvement to all the activities onboard including: - Navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and acquiring experience). - Research (visual scan, use of the hydrophone, filling in forms, preliminary analysis of effort/distribution and Photo-id data, maintenance of equipment). - Support activities (maintenance and cleaning of the vessel, cooking etc). Preference will be given to those who: 1. have previous marine mammal field experience particularly with visual and acoustic surveys 2. have some sailing experience On board accommodation will be provided. However research assistants will be expected to contribute to food provisioning and the running costs of the survey, and arrange their own travel itinerary / flights to the arrival/departure ports. The cost for participation is 600 euros. APPLICATIONS Interested persons should email at the address below providing a brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Contact Email: info@oceanus.it ; oceanus@oceanus.it
