Courtney Friday, Protected Species Observer Services Manager at Marine Ventures International, Inc. (MVI), recently attended the Bradenton Area River Regatta, an event for Formula-2 and SST-45 powerboat racing. Aerial, land, and boat based protected species observers (PSO) surveyed the waters for marine mammals and sea turtles during an exciting boat race in the Manatee River in Manatee County, Florida.

Courtney gained aerial observation experience and helped train new observers at the event. MVI’s management team continuously works to gain experience to meet the mandates set forth by permit conditions and requirements for mitigating impacts to marine animals for a wide range of industries.

Courtney was very happy to participate in this event, and with the help from the PSO team there were no impacts to local marine wildlife.