Abstract
Protected Species Observers are trained professionals who monitor for protected species, or animals federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and/or Marine Mammal Protection Act, to help a wide range of industries meet their regulatory compliance needs.
NOAA Fisheries reviews the qualifications of Protected Species Observers to ensure they have the expertise to support specific projects. Projects that may require Protected Species Observers includes dredging and spoil disposal, construction and demolition, pile driving, explosive blasting, and geophysical (seismic) surveys including but not limited to the use of airguns. Although much of the work focuses on detection of marine mammals (such as whales or dolphins) and sea turtles, observers may often encounter a number of other observable protected marine species, such as manta rays, sharks, salmonids, and sturgeon swimming near the water’s surface.