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@PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/