MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected
Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on
September 25-26, 2021. This training in 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. 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, persistence, and discipline. 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, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to
regulatory agencies.
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.
Thank you,
Angela Bostwick
Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting
ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com
https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/
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