LNG Canada Marine Mammal Observer – Responsibilities & Overview

What is a trained Marine Mammal Observer? 

A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) is a person trained to spot and identify marine mammals visually. Their primary role is to act as a dedicated observer onboard a vessel and to keep a vigilant watch for marine mammals.

An MMO can also be trained in recording additional information during the survey, such as weather conditions and marine mammal behaviour. Marine mammal surveys will provide information about:

(1) Which species are found in the area,

(2) How many individuals use the area during different times of the year, and

(3) If marine mammals highly use any particular areas.

The data that you collect as an MMO will provide important information that will be used to assess the potential effects of this and future projects on marine life, and it will also contribute to the scientific understanding of marine mammals in this area.

What do MMOs do?

MMOs monitor and collect data on marine mammals in the study area. MMO responsibilities will include:

• Attending daily Health and Safety meetings

• Consistently scanning the water with binoculars and the naked eye to detect and identify marine mammals

• Recording distance and angle to the marine mammal sighting

• Communicating sighting information to the data recorder

• Reporting on daily activities.

Specific information about these responsibilities will be explained in more detail during the training that you will receive before the survey. No previous vessel or marine mammal experience is necessary, just a positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team.

MMOs work at sea for lengthy periods in all weather; this is part of the job. Surveys will each last roughly 15 days, but that time may be longer if rough weather is encountered during the trip. Except in an emergency, there is no option to leave the trip early.

Standard working days will cover all daylight hours—approximately 9 to 10 hours of observation per day (up to 12 hours in the summer) —and there are no days off during the survey. MMOs will rotate positions throughout the day to allow for regular breaks while still ensuring constant observation during all daylight hours.

Life at Sea on a Marine Mammal Survey Vessel

Living at sea for a period of time is an exciting and often enjoyable experience, though it comes with some challenges.

A ship is a confined environment (with limited space) that you will share with several people, and some rules and procedures are needed. Additional details will be provided as part of survey training, but for now, the following outlines some of the conditions that you can expect to face during your time at sea as an MMO.

Transportation to and from the vessel, ship-based accommodation, and all meals will be provided.

The following personal gear/PPE is typically required:

• Appropriate footwear (must be closed-toe with a strong-grip sole)

• Pants and long-sleeve shirts (non-cotton fabrics are better)

• Rain gear, cold weather gear, sunglasses (polarized are better), sunhats, sunscreen.

Accommodation is in a shared cabin.

Each cabin is usually equipped with bunk beds, pillows and linens, and some space to store your belongings. Other shared facilities on the vessels that will become your temporary home include:

• Mess/Lounge (area where meals are served and where you can socialize and relax during breaks)

• Head (the bathroom on a vessel; there will be three bathrooms to be shared by 12 people, with short showers required to conserve water).

MMOs are part of the team on a vessel, and we all help with daily life, such as keeping personal spaces tidy or assisting with mealtime dishes.

No alcohol, drugs, or smoking are allowed. Communications home (i.e., by phone, text, or email) can be unreliable; emergency communication equipment exists, but is not for personal use.

The surveys will operate throughout the year and travel from confined channels to open waters. All manner of weather may be encountered. Seasickness is very common, and you may feel seasick at some point while you are on the vessel. It is essential to plan for this and bring seasickness tablets and any other regular medications you need.

After successfully finishing the training program, MMOs will be assigned to a survey shift. Others may be designated as a backup crew. To participate in the program, you must commit to completing at least three surveys within 1 year.

Your experience on the marine mammal survey will largely depend on your attitude and what you make of the experience. It is usually an excellent opportunity to explore a unique area, observe fascinating wildlife, and develop relationships in the close community on board the vessel.

We look forward to having you on board!