Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Mitigation Training
Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Mitigation Training completed at UHI Shetland, in Partnership with ESB and Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade.
This week, UHI Shetland was pleased to welcome specialist trainer Carolyn Barton to conduct Marine Mammal Observer Mitigation training in Scalloway on the 24th and 25th of September 2024. Funded by ESB, the training brought together 12 participants, including UHI Shetland staff, marine science graduates, and local community members, providing them with key skills for marine mammal monitoring.
This training program has received formal endorsement from the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), highlighting its vital role in promoting ocean sustainability. For more information on the endorsement, please visit UN Ocean Decade.
The role of a Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) is to monitoring marine mammal activity during offshore development activities, such as geophysical surveys and turbine installation. MMOs help to ensure compliance with environmental regulations designed to mitigate disturbances. MMOs provide real-time observations and data collection, which are crucial for making informed decisions about project operations. MMOs will play a key role during the development of offshore wind projects and this training will help to ensure that this need can be met by the local work force.
Objectives of the MMO Training Course include:
- Introducing UHI staff, local Shetland Island students and graduates to the role of MMO consultancy in monitoring marine mammals during offshore activities and renewable development.
- Promote compliance with relevant guidelines to minimise the risk of injury or disturbance to marine mammals during geophysical surveys and construction activities for offshore renewable development.
- Promote potential environmental employment avenues within the marine renewables sector in the Highlands and Islands regions.
- Contribute positively to species protection efforts as Scotland develops offshore renewable wind energy.
By focusing on sustainable practices and protecting marine biodiversity, the MMO training supports Shetland's sustainable marine management goals and aligns with the broader goals of the UN Ocean Decade. This collaboration illustrates UHI Shetland's commitment to ocean stewardship.