MPSC is holding a training course in Newport, Oregon which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on October 5th and 6th, 2019. This class will include a vessel trip and admission to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where the course will be taking place. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). This course will also include a special guest speaker from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), who will discuss life as an observer and different types of wildlife observer work. 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 NMFS to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other 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, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. A discounted rate is available for students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and 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, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the professional certification. MPSC will also be holding a PSO course in Galveston, TX on September 28-29, which will include a vessel trip and a tour of the TAMUG sea turtle care facility. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/