Nmfs marine monitoring programs

Contact U. Customs and Border Protection for any questions on selecting codes. Seafood Import Monitoring Program The Seafood Import Monitoring Program, a risk-based traceability program, requires importers to provide and report key data from the point of harvest to entry into U.

Resources form. Publications document. Recent News Leadership Message. Leadership Message , National. A right whale breaching. Feature Story. Feature Story , National. Feature Story , Southeast. Photo credit: Kristen Marhaver. Implement the following measures during pile driving to help prevent acoustic effects on ESA-listed marine mammals: The marine mammal observer s will be on site at all times during pile driving. Each observer must meet a list of qualifications for marine mammal observers to be considered qualified, or undergo training to meet the qualifications before the start of pile driving.

Monitor the area of potential sound effects for marine mammals during pile driving. Figure 1 identifies observer position s ; their positions are designed to provide full observer coverage of this area. Use a hand-held or boat-mounted GPS device or rangefinder to verify the required monitoring distance from the project site. Scan the waters within the area of potential sound effects using binoculars 10X42 or similar or spotting scopes zoom or equivalent , and by making visual observations.

Scan the waters for 30 minutes before and during all pile driving. If ESA-listed marine mammals enter or are observed within the area of potential sound effects during or 20 minutes before pile driving, the observer s will immediately notify the on-site supervisor or inspector, and require that pile driving either not be initiated or temporarily cease until the animals have moved outside of the area of potential sound effects on its own.

Conduct pile driving activities only during daylight hours when observers can visually monitor for marine mammals. Use a marine mammal observation sheet to record the species, date, and time of any marine mammal sightings.

Record marine mammal behavior and any communication between the observer and the contractor during pile driving. If you observe any dead or dying marine mammal species in the action area, regardless of known cause: Record the species type if known , date, time, and location of the observation.

Take a photograph of the specimen. Minimum Qualifications for Marine Mammal Observers Visual acuity in both eyes correction is permissible sufficient to discern moving targets at the water's surface with ability to estimate target size and distance. Use of binoculars or spotting scope may be necessary to correctly identify the target.

Advanced education in biological science, wildlife management, mammalogy or related fields Bachelor's degree or higher is preferred , or equivalent Alaska Native traditional knowledge.

Experience and ability to conduct field observations and collect data according to assigned protocols this may include academic experience. Experience or training in the field identification of marine mammals cetaceans and pinnipeds. Sufficient training, orientation or experience with vessel operation and pile driving operations to provide for personal safety during observations.