Mitigation professionals, such as marine mammal observers (MMO), protected species observers (PSO), marine fauna observers (MFO) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) operators, play a vital role in reducing the potential impact of underwater noise on marine species during offshore industrial operations. These professionals work on-site or remotely to implement mitigation measures that help protect species of concern, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, and other sensitive fauna, primarily from acoustic disturbance.
Concerns around underwater noise pollution have grown with the expansion of offshore industries. MMOs and PAM Operators are deployed during activities such as:
- Geophysical and geotechnical surveys
- Offshore wind farm and tidal turbine construction
- Pile driving, dredging, and drilling
- Platform decommissioning using explosives
- Hydrographic surveys using multibeam echosounders
- Military sonar exercises
- Explosive clearance operations
Their presence ensures that operations follow environmental regulations or best practice guidelines to prevent harm to marine life.
The Role in Practice
Mitigation professionals monitor designated exclusion zones before, during and sometimes after noise-generating activities. If protected species are detected within these zones, they will recommend delaying or halting operations until it is safe to proceed, following the issued guidance.
- Visual monitoring involves trained observers scanning the sea surface using binoculars or range-finding equipment from elevated observation points.
- Acoustic monitoring (PAM) complements visual efforts, especially at night or in poor visibility, by using underwater hydrophones and real-time software (e.g. PAMGuard) to detect vocalising marine mammals below the surface.
Together, visual and acoustic approaches provide robust coverage and improve the chances of early detection and effective mitigation.
Professional Expectations
Mitigation professionals are expected to have a background in marine biology or environmental science, alongside practical field skills and offshore readiness. A professional mitigation specialist should:
- Accurately identify marine wildlife and assess range and behaviour
- Understand mitigation protocols and acoustic sensitivities of marine species
- Maintain objectivity and integrity while working independently in offshore environments
- Understand project operations and communicate effectively with project teams and regulatory stakeholders
- Keep rigorous records in line with reporting standards and data protocols
- For work in protected or sensitive areas, more advanced knowledge and experience are often required.
Monitoring is fundamental to the work and long hours of dedicated watching needed to comprise rigorous spotting, accurate range identification, assessment of behaviour and comprehensive recording of data (as determined by relevant protocols). The professional integrity of mitigation personnel depends on these activities and knowledge being consistently applied to procedures. To ensure that the appropriate action is taken, the mitigation professional must also have good communication skills and have established a rapport with project operators.
Additional responsibilities may include participating in project planning, supporting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), attending or leading operational briefings, and raising environmental awareness among crew.
For more information on the above, please read our Position Statements. They can be viewed online or downloaded as a single consolidated document.
