Cetaceans (MMO/PAM/FLO)

Protecting Marine Biodiversity During Energy Operations

Seafinds Energy's Cetacean Services division is one of the leading providers of Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators, and Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLOs) in West Africa. We ensure that offshore energy projects meet environmental compliance requirements while safeguarding marine mammal populations.

Marine Mammal Observation (MMO)

Our certified MMOs are deployed on vessels during seismic surveys, piling, drilling, and other noise-generating activities. They maintain a continuous visual watch for cetaceans and implement agreed-upon mitigation measures including soft-starts, power-downs, and shutdowns to minimize disturbance to marine mammals.

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)

PAM operators use specialized hydrophone equipment to detect the vocalizations of marine mammals in real-time, particularly during periods of poor visibility or darkness. This allows mitigation to continue around the clock, complementing visual MMO observations.

Fisheries Liaison Officers (FLO)

Our FLOs facilitate communication between project operators and local fishing communities, managing potential conflicts, coordinating vessel movements, and ensuring that operational activities do not unduly impact artisanal and commercial fishing activities.

Compliance & Standards

• JNCC Guidelines — All MMO and PAM operations follow Joint Nature Conservation Committee protocols
• Nigerian Content Act — Full compliance with local content requirements
• NOSDRA Regulations — Adherence to National Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency standards
• IFC Performance Standards — Environmental and social safeguards for international projects

Project Track Record

We have successfully provided cetacean mitigation services for major operators across Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and the broader Gulf of Guinea, supporting projects including 3D/4D seismic surveys, deep water drilling campaigns, and subsea construction operations for companies like TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron, Eni, and others.