MPSC is holding a training course in Long Beach, CA which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on October 6-7. This class will include a whale-watching trip with the Aquarium of the Pacific in southern California, an area which hosts an incredible diversity of marine mammals. Potential sightings include fin whales, gray whales, mink whales, sea lions, and Risso's, common, bottlenose, and Pacific white-sided dolphins. This will provide experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea, as well as practice in methods for professional wildlife photography. 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 examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objectively documenting animal behavior. Course cost includes various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), lunch each day, advice on applying to PSO positions, the cruise to the marine sanctuary, and the professional certification. 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/