North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program 2014 Annual Report

This annual report provides information, analysis, and recommendations based on the first year of the restructuring of the North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program. The Observer Program provides the regulatory framework for NOAA Fisheries observers to obtain information necessary to conserve and manage the groundfish and halibut fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management areas. Data collected by well-trained, independent observers are a cornerstone of management of the Federal fisheries off Alaska. These data are needed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other applicable Federal laws and treaties.