Fathom Resources provides marine observer services and offshore monitoring support for government agencies, construction contractors, energy developers, and research institutions operating in New England waters and beyond. Our in-house team of trained observers, marine biologists, and acoustic technicians delivers the field personnel, monitoring capability, and defensible data that regulated projects require. From protected species monitoring during in-water construction to at-sea fisheries observers for federal programs, we support the full scope of marine monitoring operations with locally based staff, program management, and vessel support.
Core Service Lines:
- Marine mammal observer services and visual monitoring (shore-based and vessel-based)
- Fisheries observer services for federal and state programs
- Hydroacoustic monitoring during pile driving and in-water construction
- Turbidity monitoring from pre-construction through post-construction phases
- Electronic monitoring hardware, software, data review, and 24/7 technician support
- Survey vessel and captain support for monitoring deployments
What We Do
Fathom Resources deploys trained observers and monitoring personnel for projects where regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and data quality determine project success. Our work spans in-water construction monitoring, offshore energy development, commercial fisheries programs, and marine research operations.
We provide monitoring personnel and technical support for:
- In-water construction requiring protected species monitoring under NOAA and USACE approved monitoring plans
- Offshore deployments where visual observers, acoustic technicians, or environmental monitors are required
- Federal fisheries programs requiring certified at-sea observers, dockside monitors, and electronic monitoring support
- Research and survey operations requiring trained field personnel and vessel support
Our program management team coordinates observer deployments, manages scheduling, maintains communication with clients and regulators, and ensures data meets program requirements. All monitoring personnel are Fathom employees based in New England, not subcontracted from distant locations.
Services Provided
Protected Species and Visual Monitoring
- Marine mammal observer services for construction, dredging, and offshore energy projects
- Shore-based visual monitoring from fixed observation points
- Vessel-based visual monitoring from Fathom-operated survey vessels
- Exclusion zone monitoring during pile driving, blasting, and other noise-generating activities
- Transit observation for marine mammals and protected species entering work zones
- Real-time communication with construction teams for shutdown and clearance protocols
Fisheries and At-Sea Monitoring
- At-sea fisheries observers for federal and state sampling programs
- Observer deployments for the Northeast Groundfish fisheries and related programs
- Dockside monitors and portside samplers for catch verification
- Electronic monitoring (EM) hardware installation and configuration
- EM software support and video data review
- Local 24/7 technicians for EM system troubleshooting and maintenance
Acoustic and Environmental Monitoring
- Hydroacoustic monitoring of sound source levels during pile driving and in-water construction
- Measurement and documentation of underwater noise for regulatory compliance
- Turbidity monitoring from pre-construction baseline through active construction and post-construction verification
- Water quality sampling and documentation as required by permit conditions
Operational Support
- Survey vessel and captain support for monitoring operations
- Program management and deployment coordination
- Observer scheduling, logistics, and field supervision
- Data management, quality control, and reporting
- Coordination with regulatory agencies and project teams
Programs and Compliance Alignment
Fathom Resources is a NOAA approved service provider for the At-Sea Monitor Groundfish Observer Program (ASM). We have managed observer deployments for this program since 2011, completing tens of thousands of observer days at sea.
For construction and energy projects, our monitoring is delivered based on NOAA and USACE approved monitoring plans where required. We work within the regulatory frameworks established for each project, ensuring our observers understand permit conditions, exclusion zone requirements, shutdown protocols, and reporting obligations.
Our approach to program execution reflects over two decades of experience in regulated marine environments.. We employ locally based, full-time observers rather than relying on transient contractors. Our program management team maintains direct communication with clients, coordinates deployments, and focuses on delivering high-quality, defensible data that withstands regulatory review.
Example Projects
Newport, RI
Bulkhead Replacement and Repairs, Naval Station Newport, RI
Replacement and repairs of bulkhead at Naval Station Newport, RI. Fathom completed Marine Mammal and Turbidity Monitoring during in-water construction at Naval Station Newport adhering to NOAA and USACE approved Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan. A team of Marine Mammal observers completed visual monitoring from shore and a Fathom manned survey vessel, completing visual monitoring for marine mammal interaction within or transiting into the noted exclusion zones during in-water construction. A team of acoustic technicians completed hydroacoustic monitoring of sound source levels during in-water constructions. Fathom provided Turbidity monitoring from pre to post in-water construction.
Services provided:
- Marine Mammal Observer, Visual Observing
- Fisheries Observer, Hydroacoustic Monitoring
- Turbidity Monitoring
- Survey vessel and Captain
New Bedford, MA
Northeast ASM Groundfish Observer Program
Fathom Resources is a NOAA approved Service Provider for the At-Sea Monitor Groundfish Observer Program (ASM). Fisheries Observers complete sampling requirements onboard commercial fishing vessels taking part in the Northeast Groundfish fisheries. Fathom has managed deployments of observers since 2011, completing tens of thousands of days at sea within the program.
Fathom employs locally based, full time observers and Program Management Team to meet clients’ needs and provide high quality data.
Services provided:
- ASM Program at-sea Fisheries Observers
- ASM Program Electronic Monitoring Hardware and Software
- ASM Program Electronic Monitoring Data Review
- ASM Program Electronic Monitoring local 24/7 Technicians
- ASM Program Dockside Monitors and Portside Samplers
Woods Hole, MA
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Offshore Marine Safety Training
Fathom Resources completed a US Coast Guard approved Marine Safety training for researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. This class included live drills onboard a research vessel, culminating in a hands on abandon ship drill into an inflated life raft.
Fathom marine safety trainings are tailored to each client’s needs, preparing students to be calm and ready for any marine disaster. Classes focus on the topics of: firefighting, emergency flares, EPIRB activation and use, and life raft deployment and boarding, with hands on activities and in-water skills.
Services provided:
- USCG 46 CFR 28.270 Approved Offshore Marine Safety Course
- Course certificate at completion of class
- Live firefighting and flare lighting under supervision of trainers
- Live packed life raft activation and in water immersion suit skills
- Hypothermia treatment and prevention
- Lifesaving equipment function and hands on use
To learn more about our training programs, visit our offshore marine safety training page. To view recent projects, see our full project portfolio.
Service Area
Fathom Resources is headquartered in Middletown, Rhode Island. Our primary service area covers New England waters, including Rhode Island Sound, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Shoals, Georges Bank, and the Gulf of Maine.
For offshore monitoring support beyond New England, we evaluate projects based on scope, duration, and operational requirements. Contact our program team to discuss your project location and monitoring needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects require marine mammal observers or protected species monitors?
In-water construction projects involving pile driving, dredging, blasting, or other activities that generate underwater noise often require protected species monitoring under NOAA and USACE permits. Offshore energy development, port construction, bridge work, and coastal infrastructure projects commonly require marine mammal observers to monitor exclusion zones and implement shutdown protocols when protected species are present.
Do you provide shore-based and vessel-based visual monitoring?
Yes. We deploy observers from fixed shore-based observation points and from Fathom-operated survey vessels, depending on project requirements and monitoring plan specifications. Many projects require both methods to achieve adequate coverage of exclusion zones and transit areas.
Can you provide hydroacoustic monitoring during in-water construction?
Yes. Our acoustic technicians conduct hydroacoustic monitoring to measure and document sound source levels during pile driving and other noise-generating activities. This data supports compliance with permitted sound thresholds and provides documentation for regulatory reporting.
What does turbidity monitoring include, and when is it required?
Turbidity monitoring measures suspended sediment levels in the water column before, during, and after in-water construction. It is typically required by USACE permits for dredging, pile driving, and other activities that disturb bottom sediments. We collect baseline measurements prior to construction, monitor during active work, and verify post-construction conditions.
How do you staff and manage observer deployments?
We employ locally based, full-time observers across New England. Our program management team handles scheduling, deployment logistics, field supervision, and client communication. This model provides consistent staffing, local knowledge, and responsive support throughout the project duration.
Are you a NOAA approved provider for the ASM groundfish observer program?
Yes. Fathom Resources is a NOAA approved service provider for the At-Sea Monitor Groundfish Observer Program. We have managed observer deployments for this program since 2011 and have completed tens of thousands of observer days at sea.
Do you support electronic monitoring hardware, software, and data review?
Yes. Fathom Resources is a NOAA-approved Electronic Monitoring Service Provider. We provide electronic monitoring (EM) system installation, software configuration, video data review, and 24/7 local technician support for EM system maintenance and troubleshooting. This includes support for the ASM Program and other fisheries monitoring applications.
Where do you operate, and can you support offshore projects?
Our primary coverage area is New England, including waters off Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the broader Northeast region. We can support offshore monitoring projects in other regions depending on scope and requirements. Contact our team to discuss your project.
Discuss Your Project
Whether you need marine mammal observers for an upcoming construction project, fisheries observers for state or federal program compliance, or hydroacoustic and turbidity monitoring support, our program team is ready to discuss your requirements.
Request project support or talk to our program management team:
- Contact Fathom Resources
- Phone: 401.619.0278
- Email: office@fathomresources.com
Interested in marine observer work? Join our observer team and work with experienced professionals on projects throughout New England.