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.