February 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: North Atlantic right whale legislation in the US
by Erin Meyer-Gutbrod 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Dear Marmam Community, Please check out our recent article in Marine Policy examining North Atlantic right whale-related legislation at the US state and federal levels: Title: North Atlantic right whale Unusual Mortality Event prompts increased legislation and partisan variation at state and federal levels Abstract: North Atlantic right whales are a critically endangered species of baleen whale facing threats from vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and anthropogenic climate change. Following the declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event in 2017, there has been a push for increased conservation efforts propelled through policy activity in the United States and Canada. Policy diffusion literature suggests that a policy window opens after a focusing event occurs, like an Unusual Mortality Event, and that policy networks between states will facilitate the spread of legislation. This study examines databases of proposed legislation related to North Atlantic right whales from the United States Congress from 1993 to 2024, and 14 East Coast state legislatures bordering the Atlantic Ocean from 2000 to 2024. There were 49 bills introduced in Congress and 56 bills introduced in 5 East Coast state legislatures over the assessed time period. Both federal and state legislative data indicated that a policy window opened in 2017. However, text analysis of identified bills indicated no evidence of policy diffusion between states or from states to the federal government. Instead, we find that states with Democratic-controlled legislatures propose more action-oriented policies while states with Republican-controlled legislatures propose signaling policies. This suggests that under federalism, states react to policy windows in a variety of ways based on the goals of their constituents, informing how stakeholders should lobby for conservation policies in the future. The article is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2026.107033 Cheers, Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod -- Dr. Erin L. Meyer-Gutbrod (she/her) Assistant Professor School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment University of South Carolina https://meyer-gutbrod.weebly.com/ emgutbrod(a)seoe.sc.edu 216-548-9082

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NAMMCO Marine Mammal Student Symposium - Abstract submission reminder
by Ricardo, Intern NAMMCO 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

Dear MARMAM community, We are ONE WEEK away from the deadline for registering as a presenter for the 8th Marine Mammal Student Symposium. The Symposium is co-organised by the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, the Norwegian Centre for Law of the Sea, and the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, from the University of Tromsø. This year's symposium will be in a hybrid format, with the theme: “Navigating human impacts on marine mammals: Challenges, mitigation and conservation opportunities”. The event aims to connect students and early-career researchers in marine biology and the Law of the Sea, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the intersection of technology, conservation, and policy-making. The symposium offers a platform for students from diverse fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and legal studies, to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences that highlight challenges and pathways toward sustainable coexistence between human activities and marine mammal conservation. We are inviting students and early-career professionals to join us, either as presenters or attendees. The symposium will feature keynote speakers, student presentations, and opportunities for networking and collaboration across disciplines. You can register through the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoI7rSnVkeaFC2QFX_fL6CvEfzcq4ZvSa… You can visit the symposium´s webpage here: https://nammco.no/marine-mammal-student-symposium/ We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your students, colleagues, and networks. For further information or materials, please feel free to contact me directly at intern(a)nammco.org Thank you for helping us spread the word, and we hope to see many of you at the symposium! Best regards, Ricardo de Almeida Mendes Intern NAMMCO – North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Visitors: Sykehusveien 21-23, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Post: POB 6400, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway

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Diseases of Marine Mammals UAB Summer School - Enrolment open now
by Laura 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

I am glad to inform you about the sixth edition of the course Diseases of Marine Mammals. This international Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB) summer school course is fully presential, from 13-30 July 2026. Registration is now open. Participants, with a limit of 26 students (13 from UAB and 13 out of UAB), will learn about the main diseases and threats that affect wild cetaceans and pinnipeds (bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, as well as anthropogenic influences and other non-infectious problems). The course will also pay attention to the methodologies of disease detection and investigation. As part of the practical training, a full necropsy of a dolphin (frozen and thawed for the course) will be performed. The course will be presential, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and students are expected to spend between two and three hours per day on self-guided learning. A total of 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) will be certified once the course has been satisfactorily completed. The course is preferentially directed to veterinary and marine biology students in the last years of training, and to postgraduate students and those working in stranding networks willing to get a comprehensive view of marine mammal diseases. For registration and further details visit the UAB web site through this link Diseases of Marine Mammals <https://www.uab.cat/web/courses/cursos-de-ciencies-de-la-salut-134584408450…> For questions related to the contents of the course, mail to: mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat or laura.martino(a)uab.cat Best regards, Mariano Domingo and Laura Martino

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ECS Workshop: 20AM3: Enhancing Marine Mammal Conservation through the Integration of Animal Welfare Science
by Rebecca Boys 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a workshop “20AM3: Enhancing Marine Mammal Conservation through the Integration of Animal Welfare Science” during the 37th European Cetacean Society conference in Dundee. We would like to invite those actively involved in running/managing marine mammal research studies. If you are interested in attending, please follow the sign-up instructions on the ECS conference website https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37. Following sign up you will receive a link to complete a pre-workshop questionnaire. The results from the surveys, alongside discussions in our workshop, will be used to inform a published paper and set of recommendations. This interactive workshop is designed to advance the practical assessment of animal welfare in free-ranging marine mammals by bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and on-the-ground application. We will showcase several recently developed welfare assessment frameworks, followed by brief case studies to demonstrate their real-world use. The core of our session will address a central, practical question: how can we leverage existing data streams and methodologies—on behaviour, health, physiology, and the environment—to evaluate welfare? To ensure focused and relevant discussions, a pre-workshop questionnaire will catalogue the types of data participants routinely collect and the methods employed. Through collaborative brainstorming, we aim to develop strategies for integrating welfare assessments into existing monitoring and conservation programs. Our ultimate goals are to identify opportunities for standardizing methods, repurposing existing data, and fostering a collaborative community to improve the global understanding of how robust welfare assessment can complement and enhance marine mammal conservation efforts. This workshop is aimed at attendees that have experience in and regularly undertake cetacean fieldwork, data collection and analyses, as the workshop will focus on such data that can be used in welfare assessments. Thank you, Rebecca M Boys On behalf of all workshop organisers Agathe Serres (Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Rebecca M. Boys (Cetacean Ecology Research Group, Massey University), Laetitia Nunny (OceanCare), Mark P. Simmonds (Bristol Veterinary School & OceanCare), Madison Miketa (Humane World for Animals), Karen Stockin (Cetacean Ecology Research Group & Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University) ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Affiliate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand Check out our Research Topic that is open for submissions! https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75704/advancing-marine-mammal-w… [cid:517068aa-1887-490b-af58-a31d8c804431]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:3a2c8651-0e0f-491c-9774-da54b83915d6] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:3206f1e4-3bd7-4d47-b7f7-51baf1b1e23e] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:97264816-69d6-4963-b634-c4c32f906f88] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:84de5d13-6593-4728-9343-5243f9ae915e] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:cbee16b0-1462-425f-950b-5e3a3db5ffe3] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:4b9bca24-5c24-44c2-ba06-9c0c303a559a]

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2026 Spring Rehabilitation Internship at CWC
by Heather Henderson 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

2026 Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Spring Internship - 1 spot available California Wildlife Center is in Calabasas, California, and responds to reports of stranded marine mammals 365 days a year along the Malibu Coastline. Our pinniped rehabilitation facility is active during the region’s period of highest strandings, which is January through July. Spring Session (window) = March 16th through June 21st [Minimum 10 weeks @ 5 (8 hour) days / week - up to 12 weeks @ 4 (8 hour) days / week] Time Commitment: 32-40 hours per week Summary/Program Description The California Wildlife Center (CWC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal rehabilitation field. Working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff, individuals are exposed to various aspects of pinniped stranding response and rehabilitation, including logistics, assessment, capture, restraint, transportation, husbandry, data collection, and public relations. On-site we provide care for young California sea lions and Northern elephant seal pups. Intern Responsibilities Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, experiences will include: * Assessing stranded marine mammals on the beach * Assisting or lead responder teams in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals requiring rescue. * Providing appropriate transport conditions for stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility. * Maintaining detailed records of daily activity reports of stranding, human interaction, and patient health status * Performing daily husbandry tasks for pinniped patients admitted to the rehabilitation facility. * Working closely with Marine Mammal department staff to provide patient-specific rehabilitative care. * Adhering to all safety guidelines set forth by California Wildlife Center and the Marine Mammal Department. * Participating in releases of healthy marine mammal patients back to their Pacific Ocean home. * Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies, as well as members of the public. * Learning to identify native species of Marine Mammals and Marine Birds and explore their life history. * Rescue injured native marine birds. * Assisting with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection. Spring Session focus is primarily on rescue and in-house rehabilitation of Northern elephant seal pups. During the spring months, all rescues above our capacity are stabilized then transported to partner centers for continued care. *Spring stranding months are the busiest and most demanding. Qualifications This internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If an intern intends to receive academic credit, they will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous marine mammal experience is not required. Housing and transportation are the sole responsibility of the intern. The applicant must have their own transportation and current drivers’ license. To apply - Submit the following items via email to: Heather Henderson / hhenderson(a)cawildlife.org * Letter of intent * Resume * Proof of COVID Vaccination Your letter of intent should include when you are able to start (in March or April) and confirm that you can fulfill a 10-12 week session. Also detail your specific areas of interest. Please visit our website for more information about the programs at CWC: : http://cawildlife.org/volunteer/internshipsexternshipspreceptorships/ [cid:d7f3badb-e08d-4951-bc3d-c399e694b711] Heather Henderson Marine Program Manager California Wildlife Center P.O. Box 2022 Malibu CA 90265 310/458-WILD (9453) cawildlife.org<https://cawildlife.org/> |[cid:05c9b6bc-8d4d-42e9-b218-fcb7effd5314]<https://www.instagram.com/cawildlife/>|[cid:9fec8ead-d6fc-4d26-bac9-abb87ecc4f23]<https://www.facebook.com/californiawildlifecenter>

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NAMMCO Scientific Publications - Call for papers
by Maria Garagouni 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

Dear MARMAMers, The call for papers for Volume 15 of NAMMCO Scientific Publications<https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index> is now open! The volume will comprise two issues: * Issue 1: "Marine mammal abundance: estimates and surveys" is a special topic issue, accepting manuscripts related to abundance estimation for marine mammals. Papers can describe survey results for cetaceans and pinnipeds in the North Atlantic, or technical descriptions/pilot studies focusing on survey design and analytical methodology, which could be applied to North Atlantic marine mammal populations. * Issue 2: "Marine mammals in the North Atlantic" is a general issue, accepting work from any discipline with relevance to the conservation and management of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Submissions can be in the form of original Research Articles, Literature Reviews, Technical or Policy Notes, or Workshop Reports. Research Articles and Literature Reviews always undergo a peer-review process. Submissions received by May 15th are likely to be published in Volume 15, dependent on the length of the review process. Submissions received through the end of calendar year 2026 will be considered for publication in subsequent volumes. Interested in submitting a manuscript? Check out the author guidelines (https://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/about/submissions) or feel free to reach out to nsp(a)nammco.org<mailto:nsp@nammco.org> with any queries. Best wishes, Maria Dr Maria Garagouni (she/her) Deputy Secretary NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Visitors: Sykehusveien 21-23, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Post: POB 6400, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Mob.: +47 939 56 283

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. Our Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support the on-going projects, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. Team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira region, South of Portugal *WHEN:* The 2026 field season lasts from 17th May to end of November 2026. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos and commercial dolphin watching boats. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but always fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect scientific data on species, behavior, group structure and reaction to presence of vessel, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification methodology, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Use of UAV’s for marine mammals research. - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you, so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running fieldwork. For more information on internship fees for the 2026 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina during your stay; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork (5 days per week); - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from our Field Station in your arriving and departure days; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and work mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English (mandatory); - Participate for a minimum of 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience; - Working experience on research vessels; - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms; - Experience in photo-identification; - Availability to stay for longer periods of time. *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are short videos about AIMM <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbKlGL0XBEk>, the internship <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TmOp98hyX8> and also a testimonial <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kiMO8yRfd8> from a participant: *Get in touch*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Instagram @aimmportugal_org <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> Thank you, The AIMM team

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 15 Feb '26

15 Feb '26

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organization in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to at least one month. We conduct our work year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply any time. Longer-term applicants are encouraged to apply. We are looking for people to join as soon as possible, as we have current *openings from March 2026 onwards*. *What to expect?* Internships are customized to each intern based on personal and academic skills and interests, and interns are encouraged to specialize in targeted areas of conservation including social media management and ecological research. We are open to collaborations with universities for the completion of a thesis or associated report. You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set, and length of stay. Our work is multifaceted and extends into multiple areas of conservation. While a large part of our project activities and intern training involves data collection, we prioritize internal and external capacity building for our team members and the local community. Prioritizing the empowerment of community members allows us to engage with conservation work in a variety of ways and become immersed in science and local life. Project activities: · Ecological surveys (weather dependent!) with a basis in animal behaviour and anthropogenic impact monitoring: - Boat surveys in collaboration with local fishing communities - Land surveys · Post fieldwork activities: - Photo-identification - Data entry and proofing · Community involvement and capacity building - Responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events - Social media and content creation - Education and outreach in local schools - Beach clean-ups - Monthly team outings e.g. visiting a local waterfall or mangrove planting - Citizen science training for community members · Current Projects: - Depending on your length of stay and project stage there may be the opportunity to become involved with the following: - Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) - Bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) - Ghost net removal - Acoustic deterrent device implementation - University collaboration - Partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Internship training includes: · Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · Marine mammal identification and behaviour training · Marine vessel identification training · Field data collection and data entry training · Grant writing workshop · Weekly Khmer language lessons Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.co <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>m

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MARMAM -Applied Marine Acoustic & Signal Processing Training
by Zoe Wright 15 Feb '26

15 Feb '26

Applied Marine Acoustic & Signal Processing Training Course- STRONG FOCUS ON NOISE-BASED EIA. 2026 Course dates 24th April and 01st May (2 days) Delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams. Acoustics in the marine domain encompasses physics, biology, chemistry, and geology. Understanding and processing relevant data from a variety of sensors helps in making regulatory and financial decisions. There is a strong need to employ an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach when working with acoustic datasets. A unique opportunity to understand the marine acoustic environment to enhance knowledge and opportunity relating to further understanding for future marine mammal research and conservation. Developed with a strong focus on the physical principles, coupled with practical signal processing techniques, this training aims to equip delegates with the real skills and tools they can use immediately. The transferable skills are proven in both commercial and research fields. Cost £1540 exclusive VAT To book this training course or to find out more, please email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Who should attend Biologists - Environmental Consultants – Contractors – Engineers – Enthusiasts – Managers - Regulators also Students and young Scientists. Certification A Seiche Training Certificate will be issued on completion of the training. Zoe Wright Marketing & Training Communications Officer Seiche Ltd E:z.wright@seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 03475558. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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PSO Certification Course on March 21-22, 2026
by Angela Bostwick 14 Feb '26

14 Feb '26

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on March 21-22, 2026. 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 geological and geophysical survey exploration for oil and gas or other resources in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is required for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and the monitoring and objective reporting that is required for submission to regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of the different protected species, as well as the key visual cues which can enable location of protected species in a dynamic and rapidly-changing environment. The course also includes discussions on how to prepare and pack for life offshore. The live, interactive discussions for this course provide a personalized approach to learning as we discuss how to identify protected species and how to document impacts to the animals. The interactive discussion in this course will also include best practice methods for living and working with other PSOs and vessel crew within a collaborative team environment, in order to effectively advise on the regulatory measures required to document and reduce impacts to protected species. By monitoring for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, advising on the mitigation measures that are required, and documenting impacts through impartial and unbiased reporting, PSOs serve a crucial role in the conservation of protected species during industry operations. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder & CEO Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com BOEM/BSEE/NMFS-Compliant Provider of Protected Species Observer Certification

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