Name and Affiliation: Edmaktub Association *EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* 7-Day Cetacean Research Assistant Program | Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN) *Want to be part of a research project to study cetacean population in the Balearic Sea?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>*’s research team for 7 days to participate in our ongoing research.* EDMAKTUB association is a non profit organization for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment. We are specially focused in the study of cetaceans, and since 2012 we develop the “BCNCET” project. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species in the Balearic Sea (between Catalan coasts and the Balearic Islands), including the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones. * *We are seeking volunteers to assist in our 2015 *BCNCET one-week summer campaigns *in the Balearic Sea, *in which we study the presence and distribution of all cetacean species found in the Balearic Sea, between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Surveys Dates: 1rst Option: From* July 17th to 24th 2015* 2nd Option: From *July 25th to August 1st 2015 * 3rd Option: From* September 6th to 13th 2015 * The Maktub, our catamaran will sail around the Balearic Sea, between the Catalan coast and the Balearic Islands. It will departure from Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona) harbor and arrive to the same harbor. Visual and acoustical surveys, for the study of the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 7 days on board. The assistants will be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies (equivalent to MMO and PAM practices), and basic marine navigating skills. Moreover an innovative and non-invasive methodology based on the use of remote control model airplanes or drones (multicopters) for the cetacean study is going to be used, as they transmit real-time images of animals and allow to capture these images, as well as, use it to obtain blow samples for possible biological-sampling in order to develop genetic studies. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: Spermwhales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba)*, fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*), Cuvier’s beaked whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*), common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*), Mediterranean shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Cory's shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*)! No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and also meet new people who share your interests! *EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* is a non-profit organization* that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. *Volunteers are an essential part of the association* and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this *unforgettable experience* which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! *If you are interested and would like to apply or want to be informed on further campaigns, please fill up the following form: * *http://goo.gl/forms/pjrbJQ1slG <http://goo.gl/forms/pjrbJQ1slG>* *EDMAKTUB Association: for the study and disclosure of the marine environment * *www.edmaktub.com * <http://www.edmaktub.com/> Facebook: *Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>*
