California Longline Observer Data

This data set contains catch, effort, bycatch, and biological data collected by NMFS observers aboard California-based drift longline vessels fishing in the North Pacific outside the U.S. west coast EEZ.

The NMFS West Coast Regional Office operates the observer program; training and placing observers on nearly 100% of longline vessels.

The longline observer program was established to monitor marine mammal interactions and mortality in the fishery as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Information on catch, effort, and biological data are also used to monitor and manage the fishery and to contribute to stock assessments of billfish and tunas.

This data set contains catch, effort, bycatch, and biological data collected by NMFS observers aboard California-based drift longline vessels fishing in the North Pacific outside the U.S. west coast EEZ.

The data are confidential and can only be presented in summarized form to the public. Researchers with appropriate clearance can access the more detailed data.