MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected
Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on
December 4-5, 2021. 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 other regions
or industries where monitoring for protected species and mitigation of
impacts is required (such as renewable energy construction and
monitoring). Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying
to PSO positions, the professional certification, and various regulatory
documents and supplementary identification guides.
PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs
complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry
operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the
animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun,
but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job
requires patience and persistence. The course examines the regulations
for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected
species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, effective
communication, and objective documentation of animal behavior for
reporting to regulatory agencies. We also discuss etiquette offshore,
life at sea, and the tools and materials needed for a successful
rotation.
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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