Philip Cash recently completed a Marine Protected Species Observer (PSO) course. Completion of the course earned Philip a Marine PSO Consulting Certification. Philip was the only tribal member to participate in the program. The Tribal Historic Preservation Department hopes that additional Tribal citizens will consider taking advantage of future training opportunities.

Philip participated in the program on June 9 and 10 in Boston. The class included a cruise to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. While there, Philip gained experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea, as well as practice in methods for professional wildlife photography.

The course examined the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objectivity documenting animal behavior. Course materials included various identification guides and regulatory documents and provided advice on applying to open positions.