Alaska Observer Program Coverage Requests and Reporting System

The Observer Program provides the regulatory framework for NOAA Fisheries certified observers to collect data on groundfish and halibut fisheries. The information collected by observers provides the best scientific information to manage the fisheries and to develop measures to minimize bycatch. Observers collect biological samples and fishery-dependent information on total catch and interactions with protected species. Managers use data collected by observers to monitor quotas, manage groundfish and prohibited species catch, and document and reduce fishery interactions with protected resources. Division staff process data and make it available to the Sustainable Fisheries Division of the Alaska Regional Office for quota monitoring, to scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center for stock assessment, ecosystem investigations, and an array of research investigations, as well as the fishing industry itself which relies on observer data to monitor quotas and prohibited species catch (PSC).