Volunteers are needed for Northern Cyprus Monk Seal Survey

01-30 JULY 2006

Recently, the largest and the only breeding colony known on the Turkish coast were discovered on the west coast of Mersin. The colony is now under protection and as a positive response to the conservation measures the breeding success of the colony is improving. However, the links between possible surrounding seal colonies on the neighboring coasts is an unknown. On the other hand, the survival probability of the seals are also depends on the level of protection on the entire extend of the populations.

Institute of Marine Sciences of the Middle East Technical University collaborating with Levant Nature Conservation Society have been conducting a conservation project in the Northeastern Mediterranean for a couple of years. Now Institute of Marine Sciences and Levant Nature Conservation Society needs more people as volunteers for assistance in Northern Cyprus expedition.

The project area is located in the Northeastern Mediterranean on the north coast of Cyprus. The survey will depart from Mersin, Turkey beginning at first of July and ends again at Mersin on 30^th of July. The volunteers will join the team from Turkey or directly from Northern Cyprus. The volunteers will be accepted either for the first 15 days period of the study or second 15 days.

The monk seal team of the Middle East Technical University - Institute of Marine Science is looking for volunteers to help with the Northern Cyprus monk seal survey project. Volunteer positions are available for the field work in July 2006. The team is going to cruise from Turkey to Cyprus with the 16m research vessel (RV LAMAS) and survey more than 100 nautical miles coast line on the Northern Cyprus coasts.

The answers of following questions are aimed to be revealed.

1.      Is there a reproductive resident seal colony on the Cyprus coast?

2.      If so, where are the most important seal habitats and what is the level of disturbance?

3.      Are there seal movements between Cyprus and Anatolian coast?

Although there are sightings from the coast of Northern Cyprus, there is no scientific study on the seal inhabiting there. The theoretical analysis indicates that existence a small colony with 8 individuals on the Cyprus coasts will increase the low survival probability of Mediterranean monk seal in the Eastern Mediterranean 3 times. Therefore, either to fill the scientific gap about the species or to get effective results from the conservation efforts, it is critically important to determine the seal population inhabiting the Northern Cyprus coasts and their relations with the colony on the Turkish coast.   

 Types of activities are:

·        Backing the team during underwater cave survey (free diving)

·        Identifying and photographing the suitable caves.

·        Trailing the seals tracks.

·        Installation of the infra-red monitors.

·        Observation from the research vessel during the cruise and shooting (Nikon D70 80-400mm and Sony Video Camera).

·        Recording the human disturbance.

·        Visiting fishing ports and diving associations to collect and compile sightings from fishermen and local divers..

·        Informing locals and tourists on MMS and its conservation.

Qualifications: Biologists or Biology students are preferred. Skin diving, computer skills are required. Volunteers must be able to work everyday with long hours. 

Age Limitation: 20-35

Lang.: English and Turkish

 

Applicants should enclose a short CV underlining qualifications and skills useful to the project. (Please indicate gender)

 The volunteers shall meet the team at Girne (Kyrenia) harbor at a date that will be specified later.

Volunteers are expected to contribute food and cleaning expenses during their stay. No additional fee is asked. Accomodation will be on board