ANNE SOUTHAM | FOUNDER & CEO | anne@eco49.com | 907-903-9714 | Bend, Oregon

Anne specializes in compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) and impact assessment following NEPA, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines, and IFC Standards. For 20 years, Anne has been managing and preparing Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), cumulative impact studies, programmatic assessments, and environmental reports for national and international clients in government and private industry. She serves as a trusted advisor to clients on MMPA and has prepared applications for both IHA and LOA authorizations, with specific expertise in calculating marine mammal “takes” for a range pf projects such as construction, natural resource exploration and development, fisheries research, and endangered species protection. Anne has conducted Section 7 consultations and prepared Biological Assessments under ESA, and evaluated the effects of scientific research under Section 10. Anne is particularly knowledgeable in NEPA case law and policy, and applies those insights to help develop practical approaches to resource management and development projects. Since 2003, Anne has designed and conducted NEPA training courses for the U.S. government and led private groups through CIA protocols in the U.S. and abroad. She is an expert in all aspects of NEPA, MMPA and ESA and has successfully led dozens of high-profile projects involving oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, marine mammals, endangered species, aquaculture, fisheries, construction and transportation.  

MICHAEL PAYNE | PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT | michael@eco49.com | 301-787-8743 |Wilmington, NC

Mike has worked to conserve and manage marine protected species for nearly 37 years as both a researcher and a manager with NMFS Office of Protected Resources. As former Chief of NMFS Permits, Conservation and Education Division (from 2006-2014), he oversaw the issuance of scientific permits and authorizations that allow the direct and indirect take of marine mammals under MMPA and ESA. Through his experience, he has gained a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the policies and provisions of MMPA, ESA, NEPA, and other relevant statutes necessary for developing national policies on conservation of marine species. Mike is specifically skilled at strategic planning and research efforts for management and conservation of protected species. Mike has served several key roles within NOAA NMFS throughout his career. Some of his key positions included: Marine Mammal Conservation Program Coordinator, Office of Protected Resources (1991; 1996); Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division (1997-1999; 2003-2006); and Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources, NMFS Alaska Regional Office (1999-2003). In these positions, Mike was responsible for providing guidance to NMFS for protected species under NMFS jurisdiction. Most of these activities were high-profile, involving litigation or political and stakeholder criticism. As such, Mike was responsible for ensuring that conservation and management actions were consistent with appropriate environmental legislation, implementing regulations and department policies and procedures.

SUE BAN | PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT |sueban@eco49.com | 907-301-7185 | Anchorage, AK

Sue is a marine biologist and environmental scientist with 33 years of experience working with government and industry clients both in the U.S. and internationally. She is an Alaska resident. Much of her work has focused on interpretation and implementation of the requirements of NEPA. She has managed and authored EAs and EISs for projects throughout the State of Alaska, Lower 48 (states), and Hawaii. Sue has extensive experience as a 3rd party EIS contractor for linear and non-linear development projects, in both onshore and offshore environments. She has developed methods to assess cumulative impacts of many of these projects following CEQ guidelines. Sue has prepared applications for authorizations under the MMPA including both IHAs and LOAs and also has practical knowledge of the requirements of MSA. Sue has conducted consultation processes and prepared Biological Assessments under Section 7 of the ESA and also completed consultations under Section 106 of the National Historical Preservation Act. EFH assessments are also part of Sue’s expertise.