The expansion of oil and gas exploration by seismic propagation has led to the requirement of regulations to protect marine mammals from excessive acoustic disturbance. The JNCC (Joint Nature Conservancy Committee) in the UK, and the MMS (Minerals Management Service) in the USA, state that all vessels involved in seismic exploration carry a dedicated Marine Mammal Observer (MMO).

 

In addition to carrying out a visual watch for mammals, the MMO ensures that all marine mammal mitigation procedures are followed correctly.  The position also provides a unique opportunity to collect valuable data on the distribution and occurrence of marine mammals around the globe.

 

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is a method of marine mammal detection using a hydrophone which is usually linked through a PC to a spectrogram and recording equipment. PAM is becoming increasingly more relevant as a mitigation tool in it’s own right.

 

Eco Observation consultants are trained and experienced MMOs and PAM operators who are qualified to JNCC and MMS standards.