Greetings, The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources, is pleased to announce the availability of the technical memorandum (tech memo) titled "National Standards for a Protected Species Observer and Data Management Program: A Model Using Geological and Geophysical Surveys." The tech memo is now available online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/publications/techmemos.htm. The tech memo recommends the establishment of national standards for data collection and Protected Species Observer (PSO) qualifications for geological and geophysical (i.e., seismic) surveys. Solutions to existing issues in PSO programs are recommended, when possible. Actions requiring further consideration are noted in the last section of the tech memo. The PSO standards and recommendations were developed by a working group of federal partners including NMFS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). PSOs are required for energy-related activities on the Outer Continental Shelf during seismic surveys and other specified activities that may adversely affect, or “take”, species listed under the Endangered Species Act or marine mammals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The core standards outlined in the tech memo are critical for the development of national standards and establish the foundation necessary for the successful management of a PSO monitoring and data collection program. National standards will provide consistency in the training, performance, and qualifications of PSOs required for seismic surveys operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and international waters. A standardized approach will also yield more useful data to better inform decision makers on the effectiveness of monitoring and mitigation measures for protected species. Improvements to PSO programs for seismic surveys would also benefit stakeholders (NMFS, BOEM, BSEE, Industry, and PSOs). The tech memo outlines distinct responsibilities of NMFS, BOEM, and BSEE, and non-Federal stakeholders in implementing PSO requirements. It provides a framework for developing a program that can function in an effective way to meet the needs of all affected stakeholders. The contents of the tech memo are recommendations and are subject to the future decisions, implementation, and policies of NMFS. Thank you for your interest in the tech memo. Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon@noaa.gov *Webwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr>Facebookwww.facebook.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.facebook.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>Twitterwww.twitter.com/noaafisherie <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>sYouTubewww.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov> *