What Is A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)?

A marine mammal observer (MMO) is a professional in environmental consulting who specialises in marine mammals; this includes whales, dolphins, pinnipeds and sireinans. MMO refers to an observer who conducts visual watches whereas a PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitor) detects cetaceans by listening for them through hydrophones.

Over the years there has been increased concern for the effect of man-made noise pollution in the ocean, which is likely to become a bigger issue in future years, particularly upon cetaceans. Some cetaceans are known to be sensitive to sound. As a result of these sensitivities, environmental regulations have been introduced attempting to minimise the negative impacts on marine life.
The offshore seismic exploration industry, government agencies, military, environmental and academic organisations continue to develop measures to protect whale and dolphin habitats from its effects. The guidelines have been mainly focused on the oil industry's seismic exploration for offshore oil. The guidelines focus on the practice of delaying or shutting down the use of air-guns if a whale or dolphin is sighted nearby. A MMO or a Marine Mammal Consultant (MMC), one of the same, will implement these regulations in the field. MMOs usually have a strong interest or background in marine biology and extensive field experience. The primary focus is seismic exploration for offshore oil and gas but similar management is required for oil rig decommissioning, military active sonar and marine construction projects, such as offshore wind farms. These monitoring and management measures may be set out by a responsible authority or follow industry best practice. Increasingly, the oil industry is employing a 'best practice' attitude to environmental commitment and voluntarily taking on MMOs as independent observers in areas where no government regulations exist. In some circumstances guidelines may be open to interpretation or the environmental conditions unique and the MMO will be called upon to advise on a sensible mitigation protocol. The MMO will work with the client and contractor to ensure requirements are adhered to and provide clarification advice.

As a minimum, a professional MMO/MMC is expected to have:

The ability and personal motivation to detect and identify marine life and accurately assess their range and movements.
The ability to work for long and short periods of time offshore, often as the lone environment representative, and work positively with the project crew.
An understanding of the underlying principle behind management procedures.
A clear understanding of the project's operation.
A sound knowledge of marine wildlife behaviour and biology – specifically on the acoustic sensitive species.
A sound understanding and knowledge of the scientific importance of precise and accurate data recording.

When onboard a seismic vessel, the MMO's job is:

Conduct a visual watch for sensitive species
Ensure adherence to the guidelines and work with the crew to ensure all protocols are followed

Spotting and identifying animals involves long hours of visual surveys, which sometimes leads to a few, none or many sightings. Visual surveys can continue throughout all daylight hours and inclement conditions. Monitoring is fundamental to the work of an MMO and long hours of dedicated watching need to comprise rigorous spotting and accurate range identification together with assessment of behaviour and comprehensive recording of data (determined by relevant protocols). The professional integrity (high importance) of MMOs depends on these activities and knowledge being consistently applied to procedures. MMOs must ensure that the appropriate action is taken, with the MMO also having good communication skills and having established a rapport with project operators.

In addition, an MMO may be required to:

Provide on the spot advice regarding local environmental management.
Attend and present information at pre or post operational meetings.
contribute to the given project's ecological impact assessment (EIA)
Liaise with environmental regulatory bodies, industry and Non government organisations (NGOs).
Raise environmental awareness amongst crew and motivate other MMOs

With some projects in designated environmentally sensitive areas, more extensive experience and proven depth of knowledge may also be required of MMOs.

MMOs are now moving forwards learning how to detect cetaceans with hydrophones, this is known as Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), and this is an increasingly common technique used in addition to visual surveys. The PAM systems assist in ensuring adherence to guidelines. It is a technique of listening to underwater sounds, including engine noise, echo-sounders, military sonar, drilling operations, seismic airgun shots and the vocalisations of whales and dolphins. The job of a PAM is essentially the same as an MMO but acoustic rather than visual.

Passive acoustic monitoring can be a requirement or recommendation within the guidelines of a region for commercial developments. PAMs are becoming more widely used and an increasingly important complimentary monitoring method. Passive acoustic monitoring is effective at detecting certain vocalising cetacean species that are difficult to observe visually. For instance, sperm whales are highly vocal and produce distinct calls. With sperm whales diving for long periods they are more effectively detected by PAMs than MMOs. PAM can be used during darkness and in periods of low visibility. However, it is not a perfect solution, with many species remaining undetectable. In a bid to improve accuracy and efficacy, equipment, deployment methods and software are in development.