Services

1.  INTRODUCTION

The AES Marine Mammal Observer database was developed to address some of the uncertainty associated with how Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) collect data, to satisfy the full range of statutory and policy requirements placed on seismic operators. AES still provides onshore and in situ training for its MMOs but the database provides a vehicle for collecting, viewing and quality checking marine mammal data minute by minute. Standard outputs also enable a land-based project manager to rapidly view and quality check outputs on a weekly basis, to ensure MMO staff and contractors are acting in accordance with the project's environmental management plan. Potentially costly problems can then be identified and resolved quickly. Finally, the database forms an integral part of the post-project auditing process. 

The MMO database integrates with a GPS receiver data providing real time data entry for marine mammal sightings made during seismic operation, as well as records of seismic operational activity. 

1. job information;
2. periodic observer activity (number of observers, start and end times etc.);
3. operational activity (status of the airguns); and
4. environment and visibility data (hourly). 

Sightings are recorded as they happen. The location of the whale / pod is illustrated on the chart, relative to the position of the airguns, based on readings taken using binoculars with internal graticles, video-ranging or a simple 'estimate by eye', in the case of close encounters. As each resighting is done, the position is replotted so the observer can readily tell if the animal is moving towards or away from the shutdown area. 

When a shutdown is needed, this is logged by the observer and depending on whether the animals continue to be seen within the shutdown distance, additional buttons tell the observer how long they have until firing can resume. 

If necessary, more than one sighting at a time can be entered and all information is completely editable, so data entry problems can be fixed at the time. 

A number of basic reports can be presented, including:

1. An excel spreadsheet in the standard DEH sighting data format;
2. Individual cetacean observation forms in the DEH sighting data format;
3. The daily order of activities (e.g. pre shoot searches, soft starts, full power etc.) date and time-stamped; and
4. the duration of soft starts.

Swim paths relative to the vessel can be presented in a final report along with a detailed account of actions taken and their times and locations. 

It can also demonstrate the amount of time spent observing. In the following example, independent MMOs and crew shared the time 50:50. The amount of time MMOs observe is expected to be equivalent to the amount of daylight, in this case 12 hours per day.