MPSC is holding a training course in Monterey, CA that provides
Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer)
certification on June 1st-2nd. This class will include a private vessel
trip to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! The Sanctuary hosts an
incredible diversity of marine mammals, and is one of the best places to
see marine mammals year-round. Currently, transient killer whales are
active in the Sanctuary, in addition to superpods of dolphins, and
various species of large whales, pinnipeds, etc. The vessel trip will
provide opportunity to practice the skills discussed in class regarding
locating and identifying marine mammals and sea turtles, and attendees
will also be able to practice wildlife photography using manual settings
on digital SLR cameras, and estimating distance using binoculars with
reticles. This course will also host a special guest speaker from the
US Antarctic Program, whom will discuss life at sea and working in
remote settings.
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 may
often be accepted in various other regions or industries 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. Student/recent graduate and government or
non-profit discounts are available. Lunch is provided each day, along
with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to
keep), advice on applying to PSO positions, the vessel trip, and the
professional certification.
MPSC will also be holding PSO Training in Boston, MA on June 8-9.
Additional information for either course may be found online 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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