SOSSA, the Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association, has been hosting expeditions on the MV Banks for the past three years, attracting visitors, photographers, film makers and researchers from as far as Japan, Spain and America.

They are now offering places to local residents who are keen to learn more about sea birds and marine mammals.

SOSSA researchers Lindsay Smith OAM and Janice Jenkin-Smith OAM are based in Wollongong and are keen to step up their Ulladulla operations.

Lindsay told the Times the ocean off Ulladulla offers a diverse and exciting range of sea creatures, from rare birds to massive sperm whales.

The association is conducting the only at-sea banding studies of albatross anywhere in the world.

“Almost nothing is known about their lives at sea and their distribution and movements,” Janice said.

”SOSSA's studies are giving us an insight into where the birds visiting our waters are coming from, how long they live and what dangers that they are facing.”

She said by coming on board the MV Banks expeditions and supporting SOSSA locals can assist in gathering hands on research into our magnificent seabirds.

Two full-day trips are planned for March, July and October next year, with all meals and bedding included, plus guides with more than 60 years combined marine animal experience.

Janice said the ship offers stability and plenty of room to move and take photos.

The expedition leaves late on Saturday night and steams out to sea, with passengers spending all day Sunday and Monday bird watching before arriving back into the harbour on Monday night.

Janice said in addition to survey counts the group will be establishing a new deep water study zone off Ulladulla.

“As part of our banding studies we will attempt capture and band several species of seabirds including giomedea (great) albatrosses, thalassarche albatrosses (smaller albatrosses also know as mollmawks) petrels and shearwaters.