Azor drift-cam training workshop: 5-8 June 2023, Azores

Monday 5 June – Thursday 8 June 2023
Escola do Mar dos Açores, Horta, Portugal

An iAtlantic capacity building workshop on the technology and methods for operation and use of the Azor drift-cam, a cost-effective video system for a rapid appraisal of deep-sea benthic habitats.

Workshop overview

The Azor drift-cam is an affordable and easy-to-use underwater video system designed for a rapid appraisal of benthic habitats down to 1,000 m depth. It should be regarded as a modular, light and easy-to-assemble video platform for the recording of high-quality underwater video images of the deep seabed, with all its components currently available for purchase in the retail market (i.e., off-the-shelf). The system aims to be cost-effective, cover large areas in short periods of time, perform well over rough seafloors, be operational from small vessels and have high chances of escaping lost long-lines, the most common fishing gear in the region. The system was designed to be operable in the Azores seascapes and with the locally available vessels, and hence it may need to be adapted to fit other realities.

The main objective of the workshop is to demonstrate and provide training on how to build, operate, and troubleshoot the Azor drift-cam. It will combine a general overview of the system and hands-on training, both in the warehouse and at sea. The topics to be addressed in the workshop include:

Problems and challenges in deep-sea exploration
General introduction to the Azor drift-cam: principles, limitations, components, and operation
Setting up the system (hands on)
Getting the system ready to work at sea (cameras, GPS, loggers, data sheets)
Surveys at sea
Data management and processing
Video analyses
Troubleshooting
Limitations and future

Logistics

The workshop is organised and hosted by IMAR University of the Azores at the Escola do Mar (EMA) facilities in Horta harbour, Horta (HOR airport code), Faial Island, Azores, Portugal.

The workshop will take place both in the main Escola do Mar building (classroom activities) and in the harbour (at-sea activities). Note that part of this course will take place on a vessel at sea (daytime sailing only; no overnight stays on board).

Course organisers and trainers are: Telmo Morato, Carlos Dominguez-Carrió, Sérgio Gomes, Luís Rodrigues, and others

Isabel Areosa is the main contact point at IMAR for this workshop, feel free to contact her if you need further assistance: isabel.cm.ribeiro@uac.pt

Participation in the workshop

Who is eligible?
This workshop is aimed at iAtlantic project researchers of all career stages, but priority will be given to researchers from iAtlantic partner organisations in the South Atlantic. This workshop is for in-person attendance only.

What is the cost?
The workshop itself is free of charge, and lunches and coffee break refreshments will be provided during the workshop days. Participants need to organise and fund their own travel to and from the workshop in the Azores, as well as their accommodation, evening meals and any other expenses during the workshop. A list of nearby hotels is provided below.

Insurance cover whilst participating in the workshop (particularly whilst on the vessel) is provided by IMAR. However, participants are responsible for arranging their own travel/medical insurance.

Registration and application
Participation in this workshop is free but there is a limited number of spaces available. If you are interested in participating in this workshop you must submit an application.

Applications should include a CV and a short statement (<200 words) of why you want to participate in the workshop and how you and your organisation will benefit from the training.
Applications should be emailed to Vikki Gunn (vikki.gunn@seascapeconsultants.co.uk)
The deadline for applications is 17:00 GMT on 14 April 2023
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2023

Travel to Horta (HOR)

International flights from Brazil and South Africa arrive at Lisbon (LIS) on the Portuguese mainland. You must then take a flight from Lisbon to Horta (HOR), on the island of Faial. Depending on the day of the week you might have to do a quick stop in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island) before landing in Horta.

Airlines serving Horta include SATA International (the Azores company) and TAP Portugal. If you need to stay overnight in Lisbon, there are plenty of options via the usual travel booking websites.

Once you arrive in Horta airport, the only way to get to town is by taxi. It’s a 10km ride that will cost you 10-14 Euros depending on the day and how much luggage you have.

Accommodation options in Horta

Here is a list of places to stay located close to the workshop venue:

Estrela do Atlântico (Guest house) a very charming guest house with a nice host, gardens and atmosphere. 25 minutes walking distance to the harbour and 20 to the EMA building. Contact Ruth Bartenschlager, tel: 00351 292 943 003; e-mail: info@edatlantico.com

Hotel Horta 4* hotel, 5 mins walk to EMA building and 15 minutes walking distance to the harbour. Tel: 00351 292 208 200; e-mail: reservas@hotelhorta.com

Faial Resort Hotel 4* hotel, 5 mins walking distance to EMA building and 5 minutes walking distance to the Harbour. Tel: 00351 292 207 400

Casa da Baía – very central and close to the harbour and Escola do Mar (7 minus walking distance to EMA and 2 minutes to the harbour). Email: geral@casadabaia.com

Hotel do Canal 4* hotel located in front of the harbour and 10 minutes walking distance to EMA building. Tel: 00351 292 202 120; email: hoteldocanal@bensaude.pt

H18 – really nice and new guest house, 10 minutes walk from the city centre.

More local accommodation options can be found at: http://agoralocal.pt/unidades. You may also find options on AirBnB.