Biological Port Sampling

On October 1, 2025 the Biological Port Sampling Program will be integrated into the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program to increase the collection of biological samples of commercially landed species in the region. Combining these monitoring programs is an opportunity for greater efficiency and will allow the science center to better support research efforts in our local fisheries.

Program Goals

Biological Port Sampling supports sustainable fisheries management by collecting biological data from commercially landed catch in the Northeast region. These data are essential for:

• Characterizing the size and age of fish populations
• Supporting accurate stock assessments
• Informing quotas and management measures
• Enhancing understanding of fishery-dependent removals

The program is a supplemental yet integral part of the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program and contributes to a comprehensive approach to fisheries monitoring.

Instrumentation

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Samplers use a range of tools and methods to collect biological data both at sea and in port, including:

• Electronic measuring boards and digital calipers for length measurements
• Bluetooth scales for individual and subsample weights
• Otolith extraction tools for aging studies
• Vials and barcoded envelopes for storing samples for lab analysis

Data collection is guided by species specific protocols and quality control standards to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Professionally trained port samplers, employed through a NOAA-approved service provider, conduct the sampling. These individuals are trained to handle, measure, and process biological samples accurately and efficiently, often working under tight time constraints during offloading operations.

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Sampling takes place:

• At sea aboard commercial fishing vessels, in coordination with Northeast fisheries observers
• In port, at offloading sites including commercial docks,dealer and processor facilities, and fish houses

Samplers coordinate with vessel captains, dealers, and processors to access landings in accordance with federal guidelines and permits.

Partnering with the Fishing Community

The success of the Biological Port Sampling Program relies on strong collaboration with the fishing industry. Samplers coordinate with:

• Vessel captains and crew at sea and during offloads
• Dealers and processing facilities at fish houses and docks
• Industry representatives to plan sampling schedules and gain access to target landings

These partnerships are built on transparency, communication, and mutual commitment to the long-term sustainability of Northeast marine fisheries.

Program History

The Biological Port Sampling program was managed by the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office for more than 30 years. We developed a new approach in 2025 to adopt this program as a complementary component to the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program. This will allow us to streamline the program, expand the scope of data collection to include portside sampling of landed catch, and increase the number of samples we collect. The new program will be implemented on October 1, 2025. Over time, the program has evolved to meet increasing data needs for:

• Age and growth studies
• Market category analysis
• Fisheries management council priorities
• Ecosystem-based fisheries management efforts

The program continues to adapt to meet emerging needs, species targets, and regulatory frameworks in the region.

NOAA Fisheries has partnered with other agencies to support this effort, including:

• Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
• New England Fishery Management Council
• Northeast Region Coordinating Council
• Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
• Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
• The Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program

Contact

For more information about the Biological Port Sampling Program, please contact:

Charles Keith, Fisheries Monitoring and Operations Branch Chief

(401) 366-4851