When your project takes place in or around marine environments, protecting wildlife isn’t just good practice: it’s required. Our marine mammal and protected species observing services help you stay compliant with environmental regulations while keeping your work on schedule and on budget.
At Fathom Resources, we provide NOAA-approved Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Protected Species Observers (PSOs) who understand the unique challenges of inshore, nearshore, and offshore operations.
Whether you’re working on a dock, a barge, or a vessel miles from shore, we help ensure your project meets federal and state requirements for environmental protection.
Comprehensive Monitoring & Observation Services
Every project is different, which is why we tailor our monitoring approach to your specific site and permitting conditions.
Our team supports compliance with agencies such as NOAA, BOEM, USACE, and USFW, ensuring all data collection, reporting, and mitigation activities meet the latest standards.
You can rely on us for:
- Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Protected Species Observers (PSOs) certified for field deployment.
- Visual monitoring from vessels, docks, and platforms.
- Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) for underwater detection and behavioral tracking.
- Hydroacoustic monitoring to measure sound source levels and minimize noise impact.
Our observers act as your eyes and ears in the field — ensuring that marine mammals and protected species are monitored safely, accurately, and in real time.
Pre-Project Planning & Marine Mammal Mitigation Plans
Fathom Resources can staff and support inshore survey vessels with qualified, experienced captains for marine mammal monitoring projects. Our teams are accustomed to typical deployment configurations, including pier-based and vessel-based operations, with 2–4 Marine Mammal Observers working simultaneously to ensure full coverage. Whether you need dedicated inshore MMO support or integrated vessel + observer teams, we provide reliable, field-ready crews to meet your inshore monitoring requirements.
Before your project begins, we help you prepare by developing Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plans customized for your site and permitting needs.
We’ll work closely with you to:
- Identify species of concern that may be present within the project area.
- Determine monitoring zones and sound thresholds.
- Establish mitigation procedures
- Coordinate with governing agencies to align your plan with permit conditions.
This proactive planning helps you avoid costly delays and ensures a smooth permitting process with full regulatory compliance.
Real-Time Observation During Active Projects
During your project, our team provides on-site, real-time observation and reporting to support environmental compliance.
Our observers collect and record detailed behavioral data, track species interactions, and communicate instantly with project managers to guide operational decisions.
Monitoring methods include:
- Visual observation from vessels and structures.
- Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) to detect marine mammals underwater.
- Hydroacoustic monitoring for sound level measurements and impact assessment.
We understand how critical timing is on active worksites. Our goal is to help you stay compliant without interrupting your workflow — providing accurate data and actionable insights every step of the way.
Post-Project Reporting And Documentation
After your project is complete, we assist with Annual and Final Reporting to meet all agency submission requirements.
Our reports include:
- Data summaries and observation logs.
- Sound source level analysis (where applicable).
- Species interaction analysis
- Supporting documentation for permit and compliance audits.
With our experience preparing reports for NOAA, BOEM, USACE, and USFW, you can trust that your documentation will be complete, accurate, and ready for review.
Types Of Projects Supported
Our marine mammal and protected species observing services support a wide range of marine and coastal projects, including:
- Dredging and dredge material disposal
- Pile driving and blasting
- Demolition and marine construction
- Infrastructure and port development
Client And Agency Partnerships
We work with private companies, government agencies, and academic institutions, supporting projects from local dock repairs to offshore construction.
Our team maintains close coordination with NOAA, BOEM, USACE, and USFW to ensure all activities meet regulatory and environmental standards.
Work Environments: Nearshore To Offshore Operations
Our observers are experienced in diverse field conditions. Whether the job site is:
- A nearshore dock or pier,
- An inshore vessel close to the coast, or
- An offshore platform or vessel operating miles from land,
We’re equipped to monitor safely and effectively — even in challenging marine environments.
Why Choose Our Marine Mammal And Protected Species Observers
Choosing the right monitoring partner means choosing reliability, experience, and communication. Here’s what sets us apart:
We’re more than observers — we’re your compliance and data partners, dedicated to protecting marine life while keeping your project moving forward. LEARN ABOUT US |
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Request A Consultation Or Proposal
Every project has unique challenges, and we’re here to help you navigate them confidently. Whether you need a Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, real-time monitoring, or full project reporting support, our team is ready to assist.
Contact us today to discuss your monitoring needs or request a proposal. We’ll help you meet your compliance goals — while safeguarding the marine environments we all depend on.