MeRiS – Mediterraneo Ricerca e Sviluppo is an NGO with the mission to increase scientific knowledge on cetacean species in the Strait of Sicily, as well as to spread awareness on marine mammals and their habitat. Since 2016 MeRiS has been organising weekly training camps to teach students and ocean lovers about cetacean biology and monitoring techniques, allowing them to actively participate in their research. The training camp is part of “Dolphins of the Akragas Sea”, a long-term monitoring project that aims at studying and protecting the bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the waters off the Agrigento province. Since this summer, we will offer 2 different experiences: 1) Weekly training courses (Monday-Friday) 2) Foundation course on Cetacean biology (2 days) DESCRIPTION *1) Weekly training courses*: this is a 5-day scientific training course that will help you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge about the cetaceans inhabiting Mediterranean waters, with a focus on common bottlenose dolphins. You will assist with data collection during the field surveys, including - Photographical data collected using one of our DSLR cameras - Behavioural and acoustic data during cetacean encounters - Data on the presence of other marine macrofauna (sea turtles, seabirds, pelagic fishes), as well as floating macro-litter and fishing gear. Back on land you will analyse the data you collected, using photo-id protocols to match the encountered dolphins against our catalogue, and mapping the survey effort using QGis. Data analysis may also include scar analysis and the processing of ethological data on bottlenose dolphins. On top of learning how to collect and analyse data, you will also attend lectures taught by our PI Jessica Alessi, including, but not limited to: - Ecological role of cetaceans and anthropic impacts - Sampling design and monitoring techniques - The photo-identification technique on cetaceans - Geographic information systems and sampling design applied to cetaceans: How to study them? DATES The 2023 field season will be comprised of 17 shifts (Monday-Friday) starting on the 5th of June and ending on the 6th of October. Each shift can accommodate up to 5 participants. PARTICIPATION FEES MeRiS is a non-profit organization and at the moment we are unfortunately not able to offer scholarships to the participants. Therefore, there is a minimum participation fee of €525/week that includes all field activities, the scientific training and a membership fee (which covers insurance). The fee does not include housing, food and travel expenses. Your contribution will be a charitable donation that will be employed to conduct MeRiS’s activities and statutory purposes. A discount of €25 is offered from the second week, when booking more than one week, or from the first week for groups of 4 people. If you wish to write your thesis with MeRiS, you are entitled to a discounted price of €425/week. The minimum stay for writing your thesis is 3 weeks for bachelor’s and 5 weeks for master’s students. *2) Foundation course on cetacean biology*: this 2-day course is a crash course on cetaceans aimed at sea lovers of any background (minimum 16yo). It will comprise of 1 day dedicated to theoretical lectures (including: Cetacean evolution, systematics and biology; Impacts and conservation; Monitoring techniques and photo-identification) and 1 day of field activities where you will assist in collecting scientific data such as photo-identification data, behavioural data and acoustic recordings. DATES The first available date is 5-6 July, contact us to have more info on the availability of this experience! PARTICIPATIONS FEES MeRiS is a non-profit organization and your contribution will be a charitable donation that will be employed to conduct MeRiS’s activities and statutory purposes. The minimum participation fee for the 2-day course is €150 and it includes all field activities, the scientific training and a membership fee (which covers insurance). To book your spot of to ask for more information, don’t hesitate to contact us on our social media or sending an e-mail to info.meris@gmail.com All the best, Alessandra