M.E.E.R. field course, autumn 2007

The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce its next
field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands:

"Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera"

from 30 September - 14 October 2007

The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions
between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The
participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into
the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating
off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be
identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known
species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted
from this project is given below.

The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of
behavioural research will be learned and profound background information
on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained
includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo
identification and others.

The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the
Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna
(Austria).

Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the
preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of
cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off
La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the
international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is
granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and
Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project
"realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an
exemplary and innovative way".

For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and
a booking form) please visit

http://www.m-e-e-r.de/praktikum.0.html

One course is offered during the 2007 autumn field season:
30 September - 14 October 2007.

The price is 875.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions,
accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation
to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance
and one year MEER e.V. membership
(The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.)

Early bookings are accepted until 01 July 2007 at a price of 814.- €

For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to
newsletter@m-e-e-r.de

_____________________________________
The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin.
The objectives of the association are conservation, research and
education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our
work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to
present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way.
Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe"
(Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine"
(Munich/Germany), " and the "Club de Mar" (whale watching operator/La
Gomera).