Marine Mammal Observer
Many of our staff members are experienced Marine Mammal Observers (MMO’s). More correctly, they are protected species observers as their work involves a wide range of species, not just marine mammals. Marine Mammal Observers are professional biologists, ecologists, and naturalists who provide species detection and regulatory compliance monitoring for a wide range of industries.
Marine Mammal Observers must successfully complete training courses in detection and identification of species; MMS, NMFS, DEP, and JNCC regulation and compliance, in-house passive acoustic monitoring, PamGuard Software; and safety training. All Marine Mammal Observers receive a minimum of 6 weeks hands-on training under an experienced Marine Mammal Observer. Many of our Marine Mammal Observers also take short courses in seismic, blasting and other operations, to insure a full knowledge and understanding of the work environment.
We are involved in a wide range of industries and provide all necessary observation for any application. MMOs are versed in standard visual monitoring, passive and active acoustic monitoring, night time monitoring, aerial surveys, dirigable and ROV surveys. Most of our MMOs are long term, permanent employees insuring the client of consistency in both personnel and experience.
Duties of a Marine Mammal Observer while aboard vessels are three-fold:
- Species Detection and Identification
- Compliance Monitoring
- Reporting
MMOs do not make nor enforce regulations; rather, with their biological knowledge and firm grasp of the regulations, they are a resource for the operators and work with the crews to assist them in remaining in compliance. Our mission is as facilitators, not inhibitors.
Data collection and reporting are of the highest standard: 100% factual and unbiased; capable of scientific and legal scrutiny. Our MMOs have the integrity, knowledge and professionalism to meet these collection and reporting standards. This is a key link between operators and regulators. All GeoCet MMOs are able to give presentations about species, regulations or other educational topic.
MMOs are available 24hrs/day, 7 days a week with rapid response capabilities in any world-wide location. We are available for consultation to advise on or implement appropriate mitigation measures in areas where regulations are not yet in place but where operators want to use a “best practices” approach to their operations.
Our Marine Mammal Observer standards are among the highest in the industry.