A fisheries observer is an independent specialist who serves on board commercial fishingvessels, or in fish processing plants and other platforms, and is employed by a fisheries observer program, either directly by a government agency or by a third party contractor. Observers spend anywhere from 1 day to 3 months out at sea before returning to be “debriefed”. A debriefing consists of reviewing any unusual occurrences or observations, violations observed, and any safety problems or other hardships they endured during the trip. These data are then integrated into the regional agency’s database used to monitor fish quotas.
Observers are usually the only independent data collection source for some types of at-sea information, such as bycatch, catch composition, and gear configuration data. Independent data collection in this context refers to data that is not potentially biased by the fishermen. Creel surveys, trip reports, and other data obtained directly from fishermen can have some dependent bias associated with it. Fisheries-dependent information is critical for the responsible management and conservation of living marine resources, and many worldwide marine resource management regimes utilize fisheries observers for the collection of this data.
The integrity of a fisheries observer program is a function of the conduct, morale, and performance of its employees. Moreover, the stature and stability of a program has direct bearing on the quality of its data products and on the level of confidence that scientists, managers, and policy makers are able to ascribe to the use of this data.
A fisheries observer program is responsible for providing the training and support necessary for deploying observers on board fishing vessels in order to collect the fisheries-dependent information essential to achieving the management objectives of the programme. Generally, fisheries observers are required to have an educational background in the biological sciences and a proven ability to handle life at sea. Specific programs have additional or less requirements. Also required is an independent attitude, an ability to get along with people in tight quarters and strong personal integrity. "Hang Loose" and "Stand By" are the general mottos for observers because conditions, boats and circumstances often change at the last minute.
Observer training
ObjectivesEdit
Fisheries observer programmes vary according to the management objective. The three main objectives are
Scientific: including stock (targeted and / or bycatch species) assessments and predictions of future fisheries exploitation of stocks. Observer duties include collection of catch composition and environmental / ecological information, and biological sampling of catch
Monitoring control and surveillance (MCS): including assessments of fishing and / or transhipment activities to ensure fisheries management measures are followed. Observer duties include verification of logbooks with fishing and / or transhipment activities and registering compliance with all regulations.
Fisheries: including the objectives found in both scientific and MCS observer programmes. Observer duties also include the observer duties found in both scientific and MCS observer programs.
The International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference develops, promotes and enhances effective fishery monitoring programs to ensure sustainable resource management throughout the world’s oceans. Their mission is to improve fishery monitoring and observing programs worldwide through sharing practices and development of data collection and analysis. Since many observing entities are contracted, this conference allows dialog between agencies and between those that rely upon the data collected by observers.
NOAA National Observer Program (United States)Edit
MissionEdit
The mission of the National Observer Program is to provide a support system for observers ensuring that they are fully supported. The policies must reflect the diverse needs of regional observer programs while enhancing data quality and achieving consistency in key areas of national importance. Observers are fully assisted by the National Observer Program. Most gear is provided to observers for safety and sampling. Travel mileage, hotels, and expenses are paid while traveling to and from docks. Observers are also supported by extremely strict repercussions against any fisherman impeding or endangering them at the docks or while at sea.
ObjectivesEdit
Coordinate the National Observer Program Advisory Team.
Communicate and advocate the mission of the National Observer Program and each regional observer program.
Develop and support national standards and policies to create high quality, cost effective, efficient, and productive observer programs.
Characterize and qualify the activities and resources of NOAA Fisheries observer programs and advocate for full support
ActivitiesEdit
Enhancements to Data Quality and Data Collection Procedures
To develop and evaluate Agency initiatives
To evaluate the procedures for collection of observer data
To develop technological and methodological improvements to data collection
To enhance the quality of observer data
To integrate observer data with other data collection programs
To update a national by catch report
Policy Development
To identify amendments in legislation to support observer program activities
To develop national continuity with regard to hiring, training, safety and health, and data confidentiality
Observer Support
To support observers to they are able to collect high quality data
To communicate NOP activities to observer community
Program Enhancements
To identify and make recommendations on NOAA’s priorities and how observers can help
To review regional observer programs and suggest improvements
To review cost efficiency and effectiveness of observer program
Outreach and Education
To communicate the goals and objective of NOAA at a national level
To design and implement outreach activities
To formalize working relationships
International
To support and participate in the International Fisheries Observer Conference
To maintain awareness of observer programs worldwide
Observer ProvidersEdit
Name
Fisheries Covered
A.I.S., Inc.
New England and Mid-Atlantic Gillnet and Trawl
Atlantic Scallop Dredge
North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut - Partial Coverage
Northeast Groundfish
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery
Heard Island and McDonald Island Fishery
Northern Prawn Fishery
Macquarie Island Fishery
Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery
Alaskan Observers, Inc.
At-Sea Hake
North Pacific Groundfish
West Coast Groundfish
East West Technical Services LLC
Atlantic Scallop Dredge
Northeast Groundfish
Fathom Research LLC.
Atlantic Scallop Dredge
Northeast Groundfish
Frank Orth & Associates
California/Oregon Driftnet
California Longline
IAP World Service
Atlantic Longline
Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern Atlantic Shrimp Trawl
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish
MRAG Americas Inc.
North Pacific Groundfish
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
West Coast Groundfish
Saltwater Inc.
Alaska Crab
Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program (AMMOP)
Alaska Scallops
At-Sea Hake
North Pacific Groundfish
West Coast Groundfish
TechSea International
At-Sea Hake
North Pacific Groundfish
Lynker Technologies
Pacific Island Region longline, including Hawaii and America Samoa
Data UsageEdit
Scientific data are the foundation of fisheries management. To manage fisheries, data are needed not only for species targeted by a fishery, but for all species in the ecosystem. Observers are the only source of independent data collection for some types of at-sea information. Bycatch, catch composition, and gear configuration cannot be seen otherwise. This data are used to support the National Marine Fisheries Service in their effort for conservation and management activities. These include: Bycatch Reduction, Stock Assessment, Protected Species, Gear Research, and Fisheries Regulations.
Fisheries inspection programmes, conducted by officials with enforcement powers are not to be considered observer programmes. Though observers may be tasked to register compliance with fisheries regulations, observers do not have enforcement powers and are not to be considered enforcement agents.
In the United States, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration oversees the Domestic Observer program.
ReferencesEdit
Wider readingEdit
Davies, S L and Reynolds, J E (2003) Guidelines for developing an at-sea fishery observer programmeFAO Tech paper T414. ISBN92-5-104871-1
van Helvoort, Gus (1986) Observer Program Operations ManualFAO Tech paper T275. ISBN92-5-102461-8
Anon. 2001. Proceedings of the Canada - US Fisheries Observer Program Workshop, June 26–29, 2000, St. John's Newfoundland. U.S. Dep. Commerce, Silver Spring, MD.
Cornish, V; Didier, Alysius; Nance J; Tork M; Lafargue, J. ; Toner, M; Turk, T; Donahue, B; Rogers, B and Kulka, E David (eds.). 2004. Proceedings of the Third International Fisheries Observer Conference.NOAA Tech. Memo NMFS-F/SPO-64, U.S. Dep. Commerce, Silver Spring, MD.
McElderry, H; Karp, W A; Twomey, J; Merklein, M; Cornish, V and Saunders, M. (1999) Proceedings of the first biennial Canada/U.S. observer program workshop, 113 p. NTIS No. PB99-146482.
McVea, T A and Kennelly, S J (eds) (2005) Proceedings of the 4th International Fisheries Observer Conference, Sydney Australia, 8–11 November 2004. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence, Cronulla, Australia.
McVea, T A, and Kennelly, S J (eds) 2007. Proceedings of the 5th International Fisheries Observer Conference, 15–18 May 2007, Victoria, BC Canada. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence, Cronulla, Australia.
Davis K G and Quelch G D (2008) Observer Professionalism Working Group (OPWG) 5th International Fisheries Observer Conference (IFOC) Report. 87pp.
National Marine Fisheries Service: National Observer Program
(FOC)
October 15, 2023
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This article includes a list of references related reading or external links but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations January 2022 Learn how and when to remove this template message A fisheries observer is an independent specialist who serves on board commercial fishing vessels or in fish processing plants and other platforms and is employed by a fisheries observer program either directly by a government agency or by a third party contractor Observers spend anywhere from 1 day to 3 months out at sea before returning to be debriefed A debriefing consists of reviewing any unusual occurrences or observations violations observed and any safety problems or other hardships they endured during the trip These data are then integrated into the regional agency s database used to monitor fish quotas Observers are usually the only independent data collection source for some types of at sea information such as bycatch catch composition and gear configuration data Independent data collection in this context refers to data that is not potentially biased by the fishermen Creel surveys trip reports and other data obtained directly from fishermen can have some dependent bias associated with it Fisheries dependent information is critical for the responsible management and conservation of living marine resources and many worldwide marine resource management regimes utilize fisheries observers for the collection of this data The integrity of a fisheries observer program is a function of the conduct morale and performance of its employees Moreover the stature and stability of a program has direct bearing on the quality of its data products and on the level of confidence that scientists managers and policy makers are able to ascribe to the use of this data Contents 1 Fisheries observer program 1 1 Hiring Requirements 1 2 Objectives 2 NOAA National Observer Program United States 2 1 Mission 2 2 Objectives 2 3 Activities 2 4 Observer Providers 2 5 Data Usage 3 References 3 1 Wider reading 4 External linksFisheries observer program EditHiring Requirements Edit A fisheries observer program is responsible for providing the training and support necessary for deploying observers on board fishing vessels in order to collect the fisheries dependent information essential to achieving the management objectives of the programme Generally fisheries observers are required to have an educational background in the biological sciences and a proven ability to handle life at sea Specific programs have additional or less requirements Also required is an independent attitude an ability to get along with people in tight quarters and strong personal integrity Hang Loose and Stand By are the general mottos for observers because conditions boats and circumstances often change at the last minute nbsp Observer trainingObjectives Edit Fisheries observer programmes vary according to the management objective The three main objectives are Scientific including stock targeted and or bycatch species assessments and predictions of future fisheries exploitation of stocks Observer duties include collection of catch composition and environmental ecological information and biological sampling of catch Monitoring control and surveillance MCS including assessments of fishing and or transhipment activities to ensure fisheries management measures are followed Observer duties include verification of logbooks with fishing and or transhipment activities and registering compliance with all regulations Fisheries including the objectives found in both scientific and MCS observer programmes Observer duties also include the observer duties found in both scientific and MCS observer programs The International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference develops promotes and enhances effective fishery monitoring programs to ensure sustainable resource management throughout the world s oceans Their mission is to improve fishery monitoring and observing programs worldwide through sharing practices and development of data collection and analysis Since many observing entities are contracted this conference allows dialog between agencies and between those that rely upon the data collected by observers http www apo observers org programs gives a list of observer programs around the world NOAA National Observer Program United States EditMission Edit The mission of the National Observer Program is to provide a support system for observers ensuring that they are fully supported The policies must reflect the diverse needs of regional observer programs while enhancing data quality and achieving consistency in key areas of national importance Observers are fully assisted by the National Observer Program Most gear is provided to observers for safety and sampling Travel mileage hotels and expenses are paid while traveling to and from docks Observers are also supported by extremely strict repercussions against any fisherman impeding or endangering them at the docks or while at sea Objectives Edit Coordinate the National Observer Program Advisory Team Communicate and advocate the mission of the National Observer Program and each regional observer program Develop and support national standards and policies to create high quality cost effective efficient and productive observer programs Characterize and qualify the activities and resources of NOAA Fisheries observer programs and advocate for full supportActivities Edit Enhancements to Data Quality and Data Collection Procedures To develop and evaluate Agency initiatives To evaluate the procedures for collection of observer data To develop technological and methodological improvements to data collection To enhance the quality of observer data To integrate observer data with other data collection programs To update a national by catch reportPolicy Development To identify amendments in legislation to support observer program activities To develop national continuity with regard to hiring training safety and health and data confidentialityObserver Support To support observers to they are able to collect high quality data To communicate NOP activities to observer communityProgram Enhancements To identify and make recommendations on NOAA s priorities and how observers can help To review regional observer programs and suggest improvements To review cost efficiency and effectiveness of observer programOutreach and Education To communicate the goals and objective of NOAA at a national level To design and implement outreach activities To formalize working relationshipsInternational To support and participate in the International Fisheries Observer Conference To maintain awareness of observer programs worldwideObserver Providers Edit Name Fisheries CoveredA I S Inc New England and Mid Atlantic Gillnet and Trawl Atlantic Scallop Dredge North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Partial Coverage Northeast GroundfishAustralian Fisheries Management Authority Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Heard Island and McDonald Island Fishery Northern Prawn Fishery Macquarie Island Fishery Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark FisheryAlaskan Observers Inc At Sea Hake North Pacific Groundfish West Coast GroundfishEast West Technical Services LLC Atlantic Scallop Dredge Northeast GroundfishFathom Research LLC Atlantic Scallop Dredge Northeast GroundfishFrank Orth amp Associates California Oregon Driftnet California LonglineIAP World Service Atlantic Longline Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern Atlantic Shrimp Trawl Gulf of Mexico Reef FishMRAG Americas Inc North Pacific GroundfishPacific States Marine Fisheries Commission West Coast GroundfishSaltwater Inc Alaska Crab Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program AMMOP Alaska Scallops At Sea Hake North Pacific Groundfish West Coast GroundfishTechSea International At Sea Hake North Pacific GroundfishLynker Technologies Pacific Island Region longline including Hawaii and America SamoaData Usage Edit Scientific data are the foundation of fisheries management To manage fisheries data are needed not only for species targeted by a fishery but for all species in the ecosystem Observers are the only source of independent data collection for some types of at sea information Bycatch catch composition and gear configuration cannot be seen otherwise This data are used to support the National Marine Fisheries Service in their effort for conservation and management activities These include Bycatch Reduction Stock Assessment Protected Species Gear Research and Fisheries Regulations Fisheries inspection programmes conducted by officials with enforcement powers are not to be considered observer programmes Though observers may be tasked to register compliance with fisheries regulations observers do not have enforcement powers and are not to be considered enforcement agents In the United States the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration oversees the Domestic Observer program References EditWider reading Edit Davies S L and Reynolds J E 2003 Guidelines for developing an at sea fishery observer programme FAO Tech paper T414 ISBN 92 5 104871 1 van Helvoort Gus 1986 Observer Program Operations Manual FAO Tech paper T275 ISBN 92 5 102461 8 http www apo observers org home http www st nmfs noaa gov st4 nop index html http www ifomc com Anon 2001 Proceedings of the Canada US Fisheries Observer Program Workshop June 26 29 2000 St John s Newfoundland U S Dep Commerce Silver Spring MD Cornish V Didier Alysius Nance J Tork M Lafargue J Toner M Turk T Donahue B Rogers B and Kulka E David eds 2004 Proceedings of the Third International Fisheries Observer Conference NOAA Tech Memo NMFS F SPO 64 U S Dep Commerce Silver Spring MD McElderry H Karp W A Twomey J Merklein M Cornish V and Saunders M 1999 Proceedings of the first biennial Canada U S observer program workshop 113 p NTIS No PB99 146482 McVea T A and Kennelly S J eds 2005 Proceedings of the 4th International Fisheries Observer Conference Sydney Australia 8 11 November 2004 NSW Department of Primary Industries Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence Cronulla Australia McVea T A and Kennelly S J eds 2007 Proceedings of the 5th International Fisheries Observer Conference 15 18 May 2007 Victoria BC Canada NSW Department of Primary Industries Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence Cronulla Australia Davis K G and Quelch G D 2008 Observer Professionalism Working Group OPWG 5th International Fisheries Observer Conference IFOC Report 87pp External links EditAssociation for Professional Observers Association for Professional Observers National Marine Fisheries Service National Observer Program Fisheries Observer Conference FOC Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Fisheries observer amp oldid 1142630523, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
