Marine Mammal Impact Assessment (MMIA) and Marine Mammal Mitigation Plan (MMMP)

OSC’s MMMPs are always tailor made to suit regulatory requirements anywhere in the world. Marine Mammal Mitigation Plans should be agreed upon, and submitted to the appropriate regulator, at least four months prior to commencement of works.

Marine Mammal Mitigation Plans are always region specific, but at minimum should comprise:

• Identification of a Marine Mammal Mitigation Zone (MMMZ);
• Appointment of an appropriate number of suitable qualified MMO(s) and PAM Operators;
• Methods for detection of marine mammals within the MMMZ whether visually (by the MMO(s)) or acoustically using PAM equipment or other means of detection;
• A reporting methodology to enable efficient communication between the MMO(s) or PAM Operators and the person responsible for approving commencement of sound source (seismic, piling, ROV, sonar, explosives, etc.);
• An appropriate soft start procedure whereby noise activities do not commence until an agreed time has elapsed, and during which marine mammals have not been detected within the MMMZ; and,
• Where appropriate, methods for the applications of Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs).