Development of a national database and standards for protected species observer data in the United States.

Many noise-producing activities such as naval sonar, seismic surveys, and coastal and offshore development have the potential to be harmful to marine species protected under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under MMPA, ESA, and Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCLSA) requirements, protected species observers (PSOs) are commonly required to monitor protected species and the offshore activities, follow mitigation protocols, collect data, and report to government agencies responsible for managing natural resources and regulating many noise-producing activities.