One Random Room Assignment
When I graduated from college and entered the workforce, I never imagined my path would lead me to becoming a fisheries observer. It wasn't exactly a career I had planned, but looking back, I'm so glad it found me.
Before the month-long training began, I was assigned a random roommate. Like anyone would be, I was hoping she'd be nice and maybe, if I was lucky, I'd walk away with a new friend.
The first time I met Jada at the hotel, we both looked a little overwhelmed. I remember blurting out, "I'm so nervous and scared."
Without missing a beat, she smiled and said, "I feel the same exact way."
At that moment, all the uncertainty seemed a little less intimidating. We were both stepping into something completely new, and knowing someone else felt the same made all the difference. From that day on, I knew I'd found a friend I could lean on, laugh with, and confide in throughout this incredible journey. And lean on her I did.
My First Trip as an Observer
The day finally came to put everything I'd learned into practice, and I was terrified.
Training had prepared us well—maybe a little too well. We constantly heard, "Keep your head on a swivel," and, "Make sure you're observing everything." By the time my first trip arrived, my mind was racing. What if I miss something? What should I do if I realize I made a mistake?
As I stood on the dock before boarding, my nerves were impossible to hide. Thankfully, I was met by one of my mentors. We sat in her car for a few minutes while I unloaded every fear running through my head.
She listened, smiled, and gave me advice I'll never forget.
"Sophie, you have to observe with your heart. This is your time to take everything you learned from training and apply it to what you’re actually seeing. As long as you're honest, work hard, and observe with your heart, you are doing the job of a fisheries observer."
Those words have stayed with me ever since.
Even now, I still have moments when I am initially overwhelmed with the catch or wonder if I used the best calculation method. When those thoughts creep in, I think back to that conversation in the parking lot. It reminds me that this job isn't easy and there will be tough moments, but I need to focus on remaining present, honest, and doing my best every single day.
A Year of Fisheries Observing
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I stepped onto my first fishing vessel as a fisheries observer. Looking back, I know I wouldn’t have made it this far without the friends I’ve met along the way.
People often think this job is physically demanding and they're right. There are long days, heavy baskets of fish and invertebrates, and other bycatch to sort through. But what surprised me most wasn't the physical work— it was the mental challenge.
As an observer, you spend weeks at sea with captains and crews you've often never met before. You're the only observer on board, responsible for your own work and decisions. Even though you're surrounded by people, the job can feel incredibly isolating. It's a kind of solitude that's hard to explain unless you've experienced it.
That's why the observer community means so much.
No matter what kind of trip you've had, chances are another observer has been through something similar. Whether it's navigating a challenging situation, working through rough weather, or simply needing someone who understands what it's like to live and work at sea, there's comfort in knowing you're not alone.
Being able to talk with others who truly understand this job makes all the difference. Whether it’s sharing advice, debriefing a tough trip, or just checking in, those connections help turn challenging experiences into manageable ones.
In Loving Memory of Jada Samitt, whose friendship made every voyage brighter.
