MEDASSET is looking for a volunteer to participate to our research project “A Rapid Assessment Survey of important marine turtle and monk seal habitats in the coastal area of Albania”, from October 1st to November 20th, 2005.

The project aims to identify and map sea turtle foraging grounds and potential monk seal shelters in Albanian coastal waters. This survey will be using a boat with the capacity to accommodate 10 (ten) people. The fieldwork will focus on Rapid Underwater Site Assessments (RUSA) at various locations in two areas based on the information gathered from fishermen surveys and previous scientific data. A series of random dives will be conducted at different locations in those areas.

We plan to use the Line Transect method and Distance V.5 software. Scientific information will be gathered on sea turtle abundance, on benthic land formations and composition of the seabed in relation to marine flora and fauna, on pollution etc. This information will be recorded by divers and GPS equipment will be used applying GIS techniques. The aim is to produce draft maps in order to compare sea turtle feeding habits with geographical formations, using GIS techniques. Potential monk seal shelters will also be identified and mapped.

The volunteer is required for a total of 7 weeks. The first two weeks (1- 14/10/05) he/she will be accommodated (free of charge) at MEDASSET headquarters offices in the centre of Athens. The remaining five weeks (15-20/11/05) she/he will join the research team on board the expedition’s 46 feet boat.

The participant will have to cover his/her own return flight expenses to Athens and meals during their two weeks stay in Athens, as well as travel insurance.

If you are interested, please email your details and photo, the earliest possible.

For more information about the project please visit: http://www.medasset.org/albanianMoE.htm

MEDASSET