Marine Mammals Research Association and Project Manaia are offering a unique opportunity to join the ‘Operation 3Seas’ expedition. In a collaborative research effort, our exploration will reach regions where little is known about the cetaceans of the Eastern Mediterranean. Sailing from Lignano, Italy, to Plakias, Greece, you will experience close encounters with magnificent creatures and participate in scientific data collection such as visual sightings, behavioural recognition and drone and ROV recordings.We are pleased to announce that following a successful partnership on a two-day survey as of August last year on a project in Montenegro, we are again working together and this time advertising for both volunteers and a Team Leader. This sailing expedition will provide a unique learning experience for those passionate about cetaceans and the marine environment. Through this expedition, you will contribute towards the increase in knowledge, awareness and ongoing conservation efforts while supporting research efforts. The research conducted by Marine Mammals Research Association will focus on mapping the distribution and behaviour of cetaceans encountered in the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Sea, using the most up to date methodologies in marine mammology. Photo-identification of such species will be integral to the study, alongside drone and ROV analysis. As such is the collaboration of the two organisations, all members on board the expedition will also be responsible for assisting with the invasive species project run by Project Manaia. This part of the research will contribute towards the community outreach within marinas and dive centres requesting for photo-identification of invasive species in the Mediterranean. The expedition will be conducted in two separate studies, both of which will be conducted using the exact same methodologies. Study A will be conducted in the *first two weeks of April, departing from Lignano, Italy and finishing in Bar, Montenegro. Study B will be conducted in the *final weeks of April to early May, departing from Bar, Montenegro and finishing in Plakias, Greece. No previous experience is required for volunteers wishing to undertake the expedition as all training will be provided at the beginning of studies A and B. Candidates wishing to partake should however have the following: - Enthusiastic and Positive attitude - Willingness to work and learn in a small team - The ability to work in remote environments, especially at sea - General interest in Marine Ecology - Be able to work long hours (sunrise to sunset) on a Sailing boat (i.e. not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both orally and written) - Good fitness levels in order to work on a Sailing boat Candidates who wish to apply for the Team Leader position should have the following: - Team leadership experience - Previous experience in working with Marine Mammals - Previous experience in working on boats - Previous experience in working in remote environments - Species and behavioural identification knowledge - Enthusiastic and Positive attitude - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both orally and written) Positions Available and Costs: - Volunteer for Study A (1500EURO excl. flights) - Volunteer for Study B (1500EURO excl. flights) - Volunteer for studies A+B (2500EURO excl. flights)Dates: - Study A; 1st April - 15th April - Study B; 19th April - 3rd May For more information regarding the positions available, prices or to organise a non-obligatory informal meeting, please do not hesitate to contact us at i...@dmad.org.tr<mailto:i...@dmad.org.tr> with the subject heading ‘Enquiries – Operation 3Seas’. To apply, please send over your CV and Cover Letter to i...@dmad.org.tr<mailto:i...@dmad.org.tr> with the subject heading titled as the position you wish to apply for, i.e. ‘Study A+B – Operation 3Seas’. Jack ClarksonResearch Associate and Supervisor at Marine Mammal Research AssociationDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)jclarkson25@aol.cominfo@dmad.org.trwww.dmad.org.tr