Alterseas - Marine Mammal Observers

Marine Mammal Observers, Naturalist Guides & Researchers

Who use MMO services?

In recent years there has been an increased concern on the effects of marine noise pollution caused by man, and especially its effect on cetaceans, which are extremely sensitive to sound and who depend on their auditory system to survive. As a result, environmental regulations have been implemented to try to reduce the negative influence of anthropogenic noise on marine life. Most of these guidelines have focused on seismic surveys or exploration, a method used principally by the oil industry to define the structure of the sea floor.

The MMO or PSO is responsible for implementing these regulations, basically by observing and identifying the species susceptible to these impacts, assuring and reporting compliance with the guidelines under which they work.

Today the oil industry is constantly more frequently taking a “best practices” approach towards their commitment to the environment, voluntarily using MMOs as independent observers even in areas where there are no environmental regulations in this respect. On the other hand occasionally situations occur which do not specifically fall under legal guidelines. In this case it is the MMO who will provide the solution necessary to comply with the mitigation protocol.

However MMO services are not important just for marine seismic exploration. Their skills are also required in disabling and breaking down offshore oil platforms, especially when explosives are used in the process, as well as in marine construction projects and for testing military sonar systems. Their expertise is also well appreciated as naturalist guides for ecotourism activities, as well as scientific researchers in both research centers and NGOs.