Welcome to Protected Species Observer
Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are professionals who provide a range of environmental consulting services dealing with regulatory compliance for a wide range of industries (Geophysical, Dredging, Construction, Telecommunications, Research, etc.). PSOs are involved in a wide range of monitoring activities such as standard visual monitoring, passive and active acoustic monitoring, aerial surveys, dirigible and ROV surveys among others. Many terms are used for observers (e.g. Marine Mammal Observers [MMO], Marine Mammal & Seabird Observers [MMSO], Endangered Species Observers [ESO], Dredge Observers, Marine Fauna Observers [MFO], Monitors, etc…) but duties and responsibilities are in general fairly similar across-the-board.
The main role of the Protected Species Observer is to enable compliance in accordance with the stipulated mitigation measures of the project, to document and report regarding the compliance aspects and to act as a source of information on marine wildlife and other environmental matters associated with the project. They are responsible, impartial and unbiased during operations that require mitigation efforts and reporting.
Although the majority of the PSO focus revolves around Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles PSOs often deal with a number of other wildlife groups including most commonly birds and fish and at times even associated cultural issues depending on the type of industry, project and location.
The main role of the Protected Species Observer is to enable compliance in accordance with the stipulated mitigation measures of the project, to document and report regarding the compliance aspects and to act as a source of information on marine wildlife and other environmental matters associated with the project. They are responsible, impartial and unbiased during operations that require mitigation efforts and reporting.
Although the majority of the PSO focus revolves around Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles PSOs often deal with a number of other wildlife groups including most commonly birds and fish and at times even associated cultural issues depending on the type of industry, project and location.
In recent years there has been increased concern over the effects of anthropogenic noise pollution and other activities in the world’s oceans. This, in turn, has brought increased scrutiny and oversight by regulatory bodies on industries considered to have the potential for deleterious effects on these environments. As both development and public awareness of these issues continues to grow, it is expected that such regulatory oversight will continue to increase the environmental demands on industries and protections of potentially affected wildlife which will subsequently lead to an increased demand for PSO professionals.
Although the overall PSO responsibilities are fairly straightforward, the actual application of such duties largely depends on the regional requirements, which can vary greatly from one area to another. The intent of this site is to act as a reference, and to provide an accessible platform for this section of the consulting industry, which has historically mostly operated through word of mouth or through somewhat obscured channels.
Although the overall PSO responsibilities are fairly straightforward, the actual application of such duties largely depends on the regional requirements, which can vary greatly from one area to another. The intent of this site is to act as a reference, and to provide an accessible platform for this section of the consulting industry, which has historically mostly operated through word of mouth or through somewhat obscured channels.
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