CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA), a marine environmental consulting firm specializing in spatial data collection, analysis, and management, recently held a training course in Israel to certify a pool of Protected Species Observers (PSOs). This course certified PSOs to support regional oil and gas industries and additional offshore and nearshore operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The course is National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) approved. Course content includes regulations for the state of Israel and the Mediterranean Sea (according to the Agreement of the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area [ACCOBAMS]) and cetacean species identification focused on the Eastern Mediterranean. This certification will contribute to capacity building in Israel’s marine industries and strengthen the local workforce's strategic planning for years to come.

The last iteration of this course, offered in 2021, involved officials from the Israeli Ministry of Energy (MoE) and Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) who spoke about PSO's work in the Israeli marine environment.

“The certification of Israeli PSOs furthers CSA’s support of oil and gas companies offshore and nearshore in the Eastern Mediterranean and reaffirms CSA’s position as a leading marine environmental consulting firm in Israel,” said Mr. Elad Mills, Managing Director of CSA’s Israel office. “We are excited and privileged to, yet again, have this opportunity to support the offshore industry in Israel and serve our clients in an important marine business line that requires regional expertise and proficiency.”

The newly certified Israeli PSOs are planned to become engaged in upcoming jobs in both nearshore and offshore Israeli waters. CSA invites Israeli operators, stakeholders, and parties of interest to find out more about PSO availability and other related complementary services by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..