Corso MMO/PAM ACCOBAMS – Oceanomare Delphis

16-21 May 2023 Lacco Ameno, Ischia Island, Italy

Oceanomare Delphis Onlus and CIBRA (Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioacoustics and Environmental Research), under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area), are organizing a brand new training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems.

When: 16th to 21th May 2023

Where: Albergo della Regina Isabella, Lacco Ameno, Island of Ischia (Italy)

Participation fee: 1000 euro

The Qualification: The ACCOBAMS qualification qualifies people to work as MMOs/PAM operators throughout the Mediterranean and the 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 using the standard procedures, forms, and manuals, following the ACCOBAMS principles.

Speakers and Presenters: Giovanni Caltavuturo, Claudio Fossati, Patrick Lyne, Barbara Mussi, Gianni Pavan.

Requirements:

Graduated/current biology or ecology student or have experience demonstrating a commitment to the environment and its conservation
Minimum 30 days at sea as a marine observer (with references/records)
Ability to recognize the different species and understand the behavior of animals at sea
Ability to communicate in English
Have a theoretical understanding of acoustic issues
Ability to recognize the different vocalizations of marine mammals

Topics Covered in the Training Course:

Introduction to underwater acoustics
Introduction to marine mammals and acoustics
Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals
Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures, and ACCOBAMS Guidelines
Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM
Introduction to the lifestyle onboard
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map acoustic and visual sightings
Using PAM for survey and research
Introduction to the hardware used for PAM
Hands-on training with PAMGUARD-Tips and troubleshooting.

For more information and to apply, email postmaster@oceanomaredelphis.org
Fees cover the training and the certificate (meals and accommodation not included).
There will be two days of boat-based training (included in the fee) where there is a chance of cetacean encounters that allow you to practice your learned skills during the course.

Thanks to:

With the technical collaboration of: