Dear All, We are pleased to announce a new opportunity of scientific training on cetacean monitoring techniques in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea). Reservation for the DOLPHIN SURVEY 2016 are now open! The Survey aims to increase knowledge about the presence, abundance and distribution on dolphin species, with particular regard to bottlenose dolphin. The project area is located in the waters off Agrigento Province and Gela basins, where dedicated surveys on cetacean are nowadays scarce, even if these waters are particularly rich; bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins and striped dolphins are particularly abundant in the project area. RESEARCH METHODS include: • Cetaceans monitoring in the study area conducted daily on board of an inflatable boat with a fiberglass keel, 5.40 meters long, equipped with a 40 HP 4-strokesoutboard engine. • Photo-identification activity used to obtain dolphins abundance estimates, and information about their movements and social structure. • Modelling to investigate distribution and habitat use of dolphins. • Groups size and behaviour monitoring and subsequent analysis using GIS software. • Monitoring of other marine species, including turtle, tuna, swordfish and seabirds during sea-survey. • Land-based survey (occasionally) • Observation of the interaction between dolphins and human activities, mainly trawl fishing Participant at the research expeditions will work side-by-side with researchers contributing to: - boat-based and land-based daily surveys - photo-identification activity - field data collection - data statistical processing and analysis The scientific training will be consolidated through lectures on: - Mediterranean cetacean species recognition - Cetaceans biology, evolution and anatomical adaptations - Bioacoustics - Mediterranean cetacean species distribution and habitat use - Cetaceans threats and protection status - Protocol and designs sampling - Distance sampling - Modeling of cetaceans distribution - Photo identification and applications - Photographic data processing (practice) - Data processing by GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Summer Research Expeditions are essential to support our project. It does not require any specific preparation, nor scientific or nautical experience are required to participants: you only need spirit of adaptation and enthusiasm. Expeditions start every week from June to August. Weekly contribution is 390,00 € and it includes accommodation, daily survey at sea and scientific training at land base. The cost excludes board. Booking is possible for one week or more and maximum 6 participants for week will be accepted. Participation is open only to adults (over 18 years). Participants will accommodate in the beautiful city of Agrigento. Here, you will work side-by-side with experienced researchers. Researchers from Genoa and Tuscia University (with a long and proved experience in cetacean research and scientific training) are volunteers of MeRiS and will follow participants during each phase of the training: during sea survey as well as during activities at the land base. The "Associazione Me.Ri.S. Mediterraneo Ricerca e Sviluppo" is a no-profit and scientific Organisation for the protection of marine mammals and their environment. It is engaged in research activities on cetaceans in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea). It promotes educational activities and scientific training. You can find the full program and further information, as CV of the Principal Investigator and of the collaborators, visiting the website indicated below. http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris For bookings and information, write to: *info*.*meris@gmail*.*com* <info.meris@gmail.com> Join us on-board!! Jessica Alessi PhD in Marine Science On behalf of Meris Association *Via Milano n°8, 92026 Favara (AG).* * C.F. 93060970840. * *E-mail info.meris@gmail.com <info.meris@gmail.com>* *http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris * <http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris> *Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!* *www.facebook.com/*associazionemeris <http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris> www.instagram.com/associazione_meris/