batch_auto_20260713 202607131256465730 BOEM ESP geoESPIS ESPIS@boem.gov Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Efficacy of Thermal Detection Technology for Nighttime Protected Species Observer Surveys APTIM FEDERAL SERVICES, LLC APTIM FEDERAL SERVICES, LLC Sound produced by marine surveys requires mitigation to protect vulnerable marine species, because the frequencies of these sounds are in the detectable threshold of those species, such as sea turtles and some cetaceans, and could qualify as harassment of those species. Current protocols have been defined by BOEM to mitigate harassment, including the use of protective species observers (PSO) to monitor the behavior of protected species in areas that may be affected by frequencies produces in high resolution geophysical (HRG) surveys. This report provides an analysis of different thermal detection technology that are best to use for mitigation monitoring of protected species during low visibility and low light surveys, such as nighttime surveys. Detection of protected species decreases during low visibility and low light conditions, but the implementation of thermal cameras can provide more consistent detections. Sea turtle detections are more difficult to identify and record due to their smaller size and brief appearance on the surface. Further research is needed to confirm and test the use of thermal imaging cameras to determine the accuracy of detecting sea turtles. 603300 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program https://doi.org/10.13039/100012475 M0123F0024 10.67297/9A1EE4 https://boem.gov/awardpages/100452