Speakers
Mitigation & Monitoring
Marine mammal observers (MMOs) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) operators routinely collect data on operations, their watches and sightings/acoustic detections using standard recording forms. Drawing from experience with data from UK waters, this talk examines what data are gathered and how they are used. Some key findings, and how these feed back into guideline revisions, are highlighted. Data quality is considered, highlighting some common errors that are made when recording data. The importance of checking data is highlighted, with tips for checking.
Following a PhD on barnacles, Carolyn spent 5 years with the JNCC's Seabirds at Sea Team but has spent the last 25+ years working in MMO-related areas. She has substantial experience working as an MMO covering seismic surveys, drilling, dredging and pile-driving operations. She has been an accredited MMO trainer since 1996 and has trained over 3000 MMOs. Carolyn has also been involved in the development of mitigation measures and data recording protocols. She has created and analysed JNCC's database of MMO data from UK waters, including analysis of a 25-year dataset to examine the effects of geophysical surveys on marine mammals and compliance with the JNCC guidelines. Carolyn recognises the importance of maintaining professional standards and is pleased to have served on the MMOA committee since 2007.