These roles are crucial in monitoring and mitigating the impact of industrial activities (such as seismic surveys, piling, or offshore construction) on marine wildlife, particularly marine mammals. While pathways into the profession can vary by country and employer, most positions require:

A background in marine biology, ecology, or a related environmental science.

• Completion of an accredited MMO/PSO training course, often recognised by regulatory authorities.

• Field experience—particularly in offshore or remote environments—is highly valued and, in many cases, essential.

• Strong skills in observation, data recording, and understanding of mitigation protocols for protected species.

• PAM Operators also require familiarity with acoustic monitoring equipment, data processing software, and an understanding of underwater sound propagation.

• Offshore tickets such as medical and offshore sea survival.

Professional conduct, ongoing training, and familiarity with regional mitigation guidelines (e.g. JNCC in the UK, BOEM in the US) are essential for maintaining standards in these roles.

If you’re interested, the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) provides guidance on entry routes, standards, and professional development for those pursuing careers in this field for our members, please log in and look in the Information Directory or contact us using the form below for more information.

The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) does not directly act as an employment agency, but we provide guidance on best practice for hiring qualified mitigation professionals. If you're looking to hire a mitigation professional, such as a marine mammal observer (MMO), protected species observer (PSO), marine fauna observer (MFO) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) operator, we strongly encourage you to review our Position Statements, which outline the minimum standards and qualifications we recommend for these roles. This includes guidance on:

• Appropriate training and field experience

• Professional conduct and independence

• Operator qualifications beyond certification

• Ethical and scientific standards in data collection

These resources will help you make informed hiring decisions that support both regulatory compliance and effective mitigation. You can view and download all MMOA Position Statements here:

MMOA Position Statements