MPSC is offering a training course in South Padre Island, Texas which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 24-25, 2018. This course will include a two-hour sailing trip aboard the UTRGV Research Vessel Ridley, providing experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea. We will also tour the rehabilitation facilities at Sea Turtle Inc, where we can further 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 and the Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is often accepted in various other industries and regions where mitigation for protected species is needed. PSOs monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. The course covers the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objectively documenting animal behavior. We will also discuss and practice different manual settings for professional wildlife photography. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), the vessel trip, tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, advice on applying to PSO positions, and the professional certification. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting us at ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com <mailto:ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com> , or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/