MPSC is holding a training course which provides Protected Species
Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification in
Clearwater, FL on February 29 - March 1, 2020. This class will include
a vessel trip and admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the
course will be taking place. 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 (cameras and
binoculars provided for use). 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, dredging, construction,
blasting, and pile driving) where monitoring and mitigation for
protected species is needed.
The course examines the regulations for reducing 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. Discounts are available for students/recent
graduates, government, and members of non-profit organizations. Lunch
is provided each day, along with various identification guides and
regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice on applying to PSO
positions, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the
professional certification.
Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at
http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at
abostw...@psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402.
Angela Bostwick
Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting
ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com
https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/
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