*Joint Course on ACCOBAMS Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) and JNCC Certifications'* *Certification Course Description:* 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. *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. JNCC certification is required by many employers and regulators worldwide and including the Mediterranean. For some ACCOBAMS countries with coastlines both inside and outside the Mediterranean there will possibly continue to be a requirement for both certificates. *Topics Covered in the Training Course:* • Introduction to underwater acoustics • Introduction to marine mammals of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. • Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals • Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines • Discussion of different distance estimation techniques. • 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. *Speakers and Presenters:* Patrick Lyne, Marine Scientist and MMO&PAM operator Dr. Aylin Akkaya, DMAD(Marine Mammals Research Association) founder and director *Requirements:* • Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. • Minimum 30 days working with marine mammals (with references/records ) • Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea • Basic knowledge of marine acoustics. • Laptop with windows and PAMguard installed *When:* The course will be run on 07th to 12th December 2022 *Where:* Kas, Turkey *Price:* €550-900 *Course Category Price (Euro)* ACCOBAMS and JNCC certification (6 days) 900 ACCOBAMS certification only (5 days) 800 ACCOBAMS certification for the experienced MMO/PAM (4 days no boat surveys) 650 MMOA members (4 days no boat surveys) 600 *Notes:* *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 good chance of sperm whales’ encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course. *Experienced MMOs and PAM operators should be able to show at least 3 months experience of MMO and 3 months of PAM work (worldwide) to avail or reduced prices and this applies to MMOA members also. Link: https://www.dmad.org.tr/#&gid=1578878066&pid=1 *E-mail us for a more information: info@dmad.org.tr <info@dmad.org.tr>*