Joint Course on ACCOBAMS Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) and JNCC Certifications Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) 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 brand-new training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems with ACCOBAMS and JNCC certifications. There will be a limited number of subsidised positions for Turkish students and early-career researchers, and these will be offered on a first come, first served basis. When: 17th to 25th June 2023/ Where: Fethiye, Turkey/ Price*: €550-900 (Table 1)* 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. Speakers and Presenters: 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-at-sea as a marine observer (with references/records ) - Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea - Basic knowledge on sound - Ability to communicate in English Topics Covered in the Training Course: - Introduction to underwater acoustics - Introduction to marine mammals and acoustics - Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise 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 Table 1. Price List for different course options Course category Price (Euro) ACCOBAMS and JNCC certification (7 days) 900 ACCOBAMS certification only (6 days) 800 ACCOBAMS certification for the experienced MMO/PAM (6 days, no boat surveys) 650 MMO members (6 days, no boat surveys) 600 *Price covers the training and certificates *Accommodation and transportation cost belongs to the participant *There will be one day of boat-based training where there is a strong chance of sperm whales’ encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course. The Application Steps and The Deadlines; - First Step: Application deadline 15.05.2023 - Second Step: Assessment of the Applicants between 16.05.2023-21.05.2023 - Third Step: Informing Successful Applicant 22.05.2023 (Due to the workload we will only inform the successful candidates, if you not sure please don’t hesitate to contact us) - Payment of the Course Fee by 01.06.2023 - Start of the Course 17.06.2023 - End of the Course 25.06.2023 Please contact us at info@dmad.org.tr expressing your interest or and we will send you an application form. Or if you have any further questions you can contact us on this address too.