MPSC is holding a training course in Galveston, TX which provides
Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer)
certification on September 28-29. This class will include a tour of the
Texas A&M University at Galveston's Sea Life Facility, a marine research
and sea turtle rehabilitation laboratory, and also a private vessel
trip. During the tour of the Sea Life Facility, we will discuss care of
sea turtles and identifying traits of the different species of sea
turtles found in the Gulf. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to
practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques
discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual
settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will
learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles. This training
is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
(BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in
coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide
Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf
of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often
accepted in various other regions or industries (such as renewable
energy, construction, dredging) where monitoring and mitigation for
protected species is needed.
The course examines the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts
to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify
the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for
reporting to regulatory agencies. A discounted rate is available for
students/recent graduates, members of non-profit organizations and
government/veterans. Lunch is provided each day, along with various
identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice
on applying to PSO positions, the tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation
facility, the vessel trip, and the professional certification.
MPSC is also holding a PSO Certification course in Newport, Oregon on
October 5th-6th. Additional information may be found on the MPSC
website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me
at [email protected], or by phone at 832-523-2402.
Thank you,
Angela Bostwick
Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting
ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com
https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/
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