This Code of Conduct outlines the professional standards expected of all members of the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA). It serves as a guiding framework to ensure that marine mammal mitigation is carried out with integrity, competence, and environmental responsibility. By adhering to these principles, individual and corporate members demonstrate their commitment to advancing the field, protecting marine biodiversity, and supporting sustainable offshore operations. The Code promotes transparency, scientific rigour, and ethical conduct, and reflects the MMOA's role as a trusted voice in marine environmental stewardship.
Our Shared Objectives
As members of the Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA), we are committed to:
- Advancing high standards of education, qualification, and professional conduct for marine fauna mitigation.
- Promoting the responsible practice of marine fauna observation for the public good.
- Supporting the conservation of marine mammals, biodiversity, and the marine ecosystems on which they depend.
- Enabling environmentally sustainable development through science-informed decision-making.
All Full Members of MMOA are expected to:
- Actively support MMOA’s mission and uphold its professional reputation.
- Conduct their duties independently, transparently, and with scientific integrity.
- Apply the precautionary principle and maintain a high standard of ecological awareness and best practice.
- Prioritise the health of marine environments and the welfare of human communities above private or commercial interest.
- Recognise the need to collaborate with suitably qualified professionals where applicable.
- Inform employers of their adherence to this Code and encourage integration of its principles into contractual terms.
- Ensure that no action on their part is inconsistent with or harmful to the objectives of the MMOA or brings discredit to MMOA members and the wider environment profession.
Reporting and Data Responsibility:
- Provide clear, accurate, and honest reporting, including acknowledgment of data limitations and sources.
- Credit the work and contributions of others and discourage any form of misrepresentation or misuse of work. Actively discourage misrepresentation or misuse of work the member has performed or that which was performed under the member’s direction;
- Where permitted, support open access to scientific data and contribute to broader ecological knowledge.
- Avoid and discourage dissemination of misleading, biased, or exaggerated environmental claims.
Professional Limitations & Accountability
MMOA Members shall not:
- Cite MMOA membership as a professional qualification or claim it confers specific technical credentials.
- Speak or act on behalf of the MMOA without explicit authorisation.
- Solicit or accept financial inducement, favours or preferential treatment that could compromise professional integrity.
If a member is personally responsible for providing environmental mitigation advice (e.g. consultancy, agency, directors, department leads), they are expected to:
- Be accountable for the integrity and accuracy of all advice, analyses, or plans they produce.
- Maintain appropriate professional affiliation with a recognised body (e.g. CIEEM, EIANZ, IPEP).
- Ensure ongoing CPD and maintain valid professional indemnity insurance.
Corporate Members are expected to:
- Uphold the MMOA’s mission and actively promote professional standards in mitigation delivery.
- Ensure that no action on their part is inconsistent with or harmful to the objectives of the MMOA or brings discredit to MMOA members and the wider environmental profession.
- Ensure that all mitigation personnel are appropriately qualified, experienced, and supported in the field.
- Integrate the MMOA’s Code of Conduct into staff training, contractual obligations, and operational frameworks.
- Remain informed on developments in mitigation science and carry out duties with professionalism, objectivity, and ethical commitment.
- Encourage collaboration, transparency, and evidence-based practices in all offshore mitigation activities.
If you have any questions about the Code of Conduct outlined above, please contact us here.
