A Day in the Life: Fisheries Observer Profiles & Blogs
Fishery observers are NOAA Fisheries' eyes and ears on the water. What does a typical day looks like for an observer, and how do their experiences shape their career paths? Find out by reading profiles and blogs of current and former observers below!
Fisheries observers are professionally trained biological technicians whose work helps to ensure sustainable fisheries in U.S. waters. While their work is intense, their days can also be filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences observing remarkable ecosystems and rare species.
Check out the observer profiles and blogs below to learn more about what a day in the life of an observer looks like in each region!
Northeast Region
Observing—Not Your Typical Job
Kathleen Mager, Groundfish At-Sea Monitor
Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab: An Observer's Perspective
Robert Bland, Northeast Fisheries Observer
Conch Fishing: An Observer's Perspective
Jessica (JT) Tyrell, Northeast Fisheries Observer (Conch)
Every Day is Different: An Observer's Perspective
Nichole Nigrin, Northeast Fisheries Observer
A Day in the Life of a Northeast Fisheries Observer
Beth Nelson, Northeast Fisheries Observer
Meet Fisheries Observer Denise Craft
Denise Craft, Northeast Fisheries Observer (Gillnet)
Meet Fisheries Observer Andrew D'Agostine
Andrew D'Agostine, Northeast Fisheries Observer
Meet Fisheries Observer Camille Smith
Camille Smith, Northeast Fisheries Observer (Gillnet & Longline)
Meet Fisheries Observer Brandon Raguz
Brandon Raguz, Northeast Fisheries Observer (Bottom Trawl, Gillnet, & Clam)
Meet Fisheries Observer Julaina Bennett
Julaina Bennett, Northeast Fisheries Observer & At-Sea Monitor
Southeast Region
Meet Observer Coordinator Kate Walter
Kate Walter, Reef Fish and Shrimp Observer Program Coordinator
On the Water: A Look at Life as an Observer
Keenan Carpenter, Southeast Pelagic Fisheries Observer
West Coast Region
“There is No Typical”: Life as a West Coast Groundfish Observer
Woody Venard, West Coast Groundfish Observer
Pacific Islands
My Sea Kit
Erin Smeltzer, Pacific Islands Fisheries Observer
Observing for the Long Haul
Mario Esera, Pacific Islands Fisheries Observer
Observations of Fish, Birds, and Life at Sea in the Pacific Islands
Holly Ann Naholowaa, Hawai'i Longline Observer
Alaska
Meet Jennifer Shultes, Fisheries Observer
Jennifer Shultes, North Pacific Fisheries Observer
“Taking a Big Picture of a Big Industry”: Observing Fisheries in Alaska
Sarah Williamson, North Pacific Fisheries Observer
Winter Observing on a Commercial Longline Vessel
Rory Morgan, North Pacific Fisheries Observer (Alaska Longline)
Day in the Life of a Fisheries Observer
Bobbie Buzzell, North Pacific Fisheries Observer (Alaska Groundfish & Halibut)