[MARMAM] Protected Species Observer Training in Charleston, SC June 6 - 7, 2020

[Angela Bostwick]

MPSC is offering a training course in Charleston, SC which provides 
Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) 
certification on June 6th-7th, 2020.  This class will include a tour of 
the sea turtle rehabilitation facilities at the South Carolina Aquarium, 
where we will discuss key identifying traits and behaviors of the 
animals while viewing them in person.  This training is approved by the 
federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau 
of Safety & 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 
often accepted in various industries and regions where mitigation for 
protected species is needed.  PSOs monitor for marine mammals and sea 
turtles and also advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to 
the animals worldwide.  PSO Certification is a long-standing industry 
standard which is often accepted in various regions or industries (such 
as renewable energy, dredging, construction, blasting, and pile driving) 
where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed.

The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine 
mammals and sea turtles, locating and identify the animals, and 
objective documentation of behavior for reporting to regulatory 
agencies. Attendees will also be able to practice manual settings for 
professional wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will 
practice distance estimation using binoculars with reticles (cameras and 
binoculars provided for use).  Discounts are available for 
students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and members of 
non-profit organizations.  Lunch is provided each day along with various 
identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice 
on applying to PSO positions, the tour of the Sea Turtle Care Center, 
admission to the aquarium, and the professional certification.

We are also offering a PSO Certification Course in Clearwater, FL on 
February 29 - March 1, 2020.
  Additional information for either course may be found on the MPSC 
website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting us 
at ABostwick at PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402.

Thank you,

Angela Bostwick
Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting
ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com
https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/