Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook

Exactly what I was looking for!

Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook represents an instruction manual of mitigation measures to minimize acoustical and physical disturbances to marine mammals from industrial and military activities, and is based on some two decades of offshore experience and a decade of supplying commercial and scientific services.Until now, there's been little written in the way of world standards for various marine operations that impact mammals; but as drilling, dredging, pumping and more take place increasingly on and under the world's waters, the need for this book becomes much more acute.Suppliers, recruitment agencies, businesses, contractors, regulators and more will find the Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook pairs scientific research with advice and tested solutions to common problems, educating readers about the increased need for monitoring operations and routine adjustments to reduce noise and disturbance.From PAM theories to best practices and devices, this is no light coverage, but a technical guide that pulls together data and projects from various disciplines and pairs them with charts, graphs, and scientific discussions key to making decisions about modifications. No marine operator or marine science collection should be without this detailed, in-depth technical reference.

Once the province of academics and conservation agencies, the field of marine mammal data collection by professional visual and acoustic monitoring has exploded in the last 15-20 years to include literally hundreds of opportunities. Both mandatory and opportunistic monitoring activities now occur aboard military vessels, offshore oil and gas activities, offshore renewable energy activities, commercial shipping and more. A flood of organizations have emerged in response to this growing need, offering observer training or observer services. As might be expected, the quality of training and the quality of visual and acoustic observing services can vary. The Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (MMOPAM Handbook) appears at a time when quality and consistency are desperately needed and it fills that need very well. The power of observer data, both visual and acoustic, depends on confidence in the quality of the data and of the people and technology employed to obtain those data. Both newcomers to this field and seasoned professionals can benefit from the depth and breadth of expert advice offered in this handbook. The authors have done their community and the marine ecosystem a great service in launching us all on a path toward ever higher professional standards and metrics of quality for marine mammal visual and acoustic observers.

Excellent, informative guide for novice and experienced observers, alike. It is always good to have a reminder of how to do things, or simply a second perspective, even if you feel you know it all. Highly recommended for any MMO or PAMO out there. A 'must-pack' item when going to sea.

The Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Handbook provides the reader with a comprehensive yet concise guide to all aspects of the discipline within a single easily accessible and reasonably priced resource.The handbook has been invaluable in my own career development and I would highly recommend it to not only those wishing to pursue a career in marine mammal mitigation, but also to representatives of offshore industry, consultancies, regulatory bodies, scientists, academia and recruitment agencies to inform, educate and advise those with influence to strive for the attainment of highest possible standards moving forward.Edward Lavallin – Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator

This book has been written by experienced professionals with clarity, it is very detailed and pleasant to read, with great figures.If you are not in the acoustics or marine world, this book is the perfect interface for you. It is also a perfect complement for MMO and PAM courses. There are no similar handbooks, making this indispensable in your collection if you want to jump into the industry.Acoustics is a very complex and wide field, which can be extremely complicated for those who have no previous experience or knowledge, but the PAM theory in the book is written in a way anyone can understand, leaving aside the complicated mathematics involved in acoustics.This handbook has been invaluable in my own career development and I 100% recommend it to any person interested in marine mammal mitigation, as well as offshore industry, academia, etc.This handbook will be your best friend offshore!

This book is perfect if you are looking to pursue a career or research in the world of marine mammal monitoring. It contains everything from who to expect on board a vessel/rig to the intricacies of setting up your passive acoustic monitoring equipment. Well-worth a read prior to going offshore and taking with you as a guide whilst you are there...it covers it all!!

An absolute must-have for anyone pursuing a career as an MMO/PAMO or even suitable for those who have been in the industry for 10+years. The book really reiterates the lifestyle you will have in this line of work, and with full honesty, which alone makes it a selling point, by the end of it you will either be like this is 100% a career for me or you will learn it might not be the right path but either way you will have an answer! The level of detail is second to none, people who have clearly worked out in the field have written this book, not just written by people who sit's at a desk. The detail about the MMO and PAMO operations helps everytime as a refresher before going back out on a project and if in doubt when in the field I always consult my handbook before anything else, and 99% of the time you can guarantee it will be in there!

TRULY A MUST-HAVE. This publication is essential for any Marine Mammal Observer or Passive Acoustic Monitoring operator. It contains a wealth of information relating to the identification and detection of marine mammals as well as comprehensive details on operation and maintenance of PAM equipment. The book is a comprehensive guide from beginning to end so that even a novice MMO or PAM operator will have the confidence and knowhow to fulfil their role to the best of their abilities.

This book helped me immensely when I was starting out as a green MMO. Even before I even stepped foot on my first project, I knew what to expect as the book covers everything. Since then I have been on many projects but still have the book with me and refer to it often.