MARINE ENDANGERED SPECIES OBSERVER PROGRAM

Oftentimes, certain projects require marine endangered species observers to monitor the project impacts on listed species, including any potential takes of listed species. These project activities may include dredging, dredge disposal, pipe laying or blasting operations. The species for which an endangered species observer is needed include any listed species such as marine mammals, sea turtles, and shortnose sturgeon.

NMFS does not have a formal training program for marine endangered species observers, but NMFS does conduct an approval process for observer candidates who may be qualified to perform these duties. Once NMFS approval as an endangered species observer is obtained, it is valid for projects in the NMFS’ Northeast and Southeast Regions (Maine to Texas) requiring endangered species observers.

Please note that this approval is different than that of a fisheries observer. The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program is run out of NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

How To Become An Endangered Species Observer

Endangered species observers should have a variety of experiences with listed species, enabling them to perform the required duties with necessary skill and familiarity. Endangered Species Observer Guidelines were developed to identify some of the qualifications and experiences NMFS looks for when reviewing each candidate.

If you are interested in becoming an marine endangered species observer, please forward your resume and a cover letter to the NMFS Northeast Region at the address listed below. In your application package, NMFS recommends including all relevant experience in detail (e.g., dates of employment, names of supervisors, specific duties related to sea turtles and marine mammals, number of sea turtles worked with, number of dredges worked on, etc.). After the NMFS Northeast Region has reviewed your credentials, NMFS will send you a letter stating the outcome of the review process.

Send Any Requests For Approval To: 

Protected Resources Division NMFS/NERO
One Blackburn Drive 
Gloucester, MA 01930 
Attn: Julie.Crocker@Noaa.Gov

There are several contractors who employ and train endangered species observers. These contractors periodically submit individual resumes to NMFS for consideration of potential endangered species observers. NMFS does not approve these contractors and their training process; NMFS only reviews the credentials of the applicants submitted for endangered species approval. Please contact the contractors directly for more information on their program.