Two marine environmental consulting groups launched a training initiative in Israel to certify protected species observers (PSOs) who will work with onshore and nearshore oil and gas operations in the eastern Mediterranean.

Course content taught by Stuart, Fla.-based CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) and Marine Ventures International Inc. (MVI) is approved by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. It includes regulations for the Gulf of Mexico, the State of Israel and the Mediterranean Sea, and cetacean species identification focused on the Mediterranean. This certification will contribute to capacity building in Israel’s marine industries and strengthen the local workforce’s strategic planning.

“We are excited and privileged to 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,” said Elad Mills, managing director of MVI in Israel. “The certification of Israeli PSOs will further position CSA and MVI jointly as the leading marine environmental consulting firm in Israel and will help open up new opportunities for companies in the Levantine basin and greater Mediterranean,” Mr. Mills said. “We consider local Israeli content as a key to a sustainable industry in Israel, and we are pleased to see that MoE and MoEP support our initiative.”