Standardizing protected species observer requirements in the United States.

Currently, there is considerable geographic variation in the data-collection requirements and procedures for US-permitted seismic surveys conducted for energy and research purposes. The development of standards to train PSOs, standardization of data collection, submission standards, and development of quality assurance and quality control standards will make data analysis more efficient and robust. The implementation of national standards for the Seismic Survey PSO Programs will increase the integrity of data collected and reported for more effective protected species management.

United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement: filling data gaps to better understand the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine life.

Protecting the environment while ensuring the safe development of our Nation's offshore energy(from both renewable and traditional sources) and marine mineral resources is a critical part of the mission of the BOEMRE. The BOEMRE, as with all federal agencies, must consider the potential environmental impacts for every decision made. This includes understanding the potential for and degree of adverse effects that may result from the introduction of anthropogenic noise into the marine environment from BOEMRE-regulated industry sources.