Joint ACCOBAMS-ASCOBANS workshop with navies on underwater noise and cetaceans

The Report of the Joint ACCOBAMS-ASCOBANS workshop with navies on underwater noise and cetaceans took place on the 26 & 27 November 2024 in Toulon, France. The objectives of the workshop were to exchange information on best practice experiences and activities, to promote collaboration, and to discuss steps towards improved exchange of information. This joint workshop gathered national navies from the ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS Areas, NATO, and a limited number of experts from the Joint Noise Working Group (JNWG) of CMS, ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS, the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee, ASCOBANS Advisory Committee, and the ASCOBANS Jastarnia and North Sea Groups.

Call for Proposals – “ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative II” Scientific Coordinator

The ACCOBAMS Secretariat is seeking a highly skilled  Scientific Coordinator, as outlined in the Call for proposals – “ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative II” Scientific Coordinator, with experience in cetacean surveys within the ACCOBAMS Area to support the development of the ASI-II project, specifically in tasks related to the scientific aspects of the initiative and assist in preparing for a coordinated regional scientific survey effort in 2026.
 
The Scientific Coordinator will play a key role in complementing the efforts of the Secretariat by providing scientific leadership, coordination, and expert input.
This role will ensure the scientific integrity of ASI-II outputs and their alignment with the strategic priorities of ACCOBAMS.
 
Applications  should submit a proposal to the ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary (msalivas@accobams.net), keeping in copy secretariat@accobams.net, not later than 26 May 2025.

For additional information, clarification or any communication relating to this Call for Proposals, any interest  applicant may write to msalivas@accobams.net, keeping in copy julieroxane@gmail.com.

Upcoming ACCOBAMS MMO/PAM certificate Course Structure

2025 Course dates May 4- 10 inclusive (7 days) in Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

A unique opportunity to experience a range of species visually and acoustically while learning how to recognise and record them.
If interested in doing the course please email  Patrick.lyne@dmad.org.tr to express interest and briefly state previous marine mammal experience.

All attendees will be expected to satisfy ACCOBAMS experience requirements of 30 days experience with marine mammals prior to registration for courses and places will be limited. The course is aimed primarily at MMOs (Marine Mammal Observers) who wish to expand their skills to include Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) and QGIS. The ACCOBAMS course is specifically aimed at mitigation in the Mediterranean and Blacks Seas but the principles learned are applicable worldwide.

Certification: Training is based on passing all evaluations and is an ACCOBAMS approved certificate course. All those certified are required to sign an agreement to state they will uphold standards and may have certification removed if found to not carry out works appropriately.