Overview of observer data collection, quality control, debriefing, and evaluation processes. Training requirements, dates, and current observer sampling manuals for West Coast Groundfish and At-Sea Hake observer programs.
Fisheries observers are professional field biologists who monitor commercial fishing activities by collecting and recording at-sea catch and discard data. Observers must adhere to a high standard of conduct while maintaining an unbiased and neutral role onboard assigned fishing vessels.
The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires observer data to be confidential. This requirement means we can only share observers' raw data with observer program staff, designated enforcement agents, and vessel permit owners.
Data collected by the observers on a trip basis include:
Data collected by the observers on a tow/set basis include:
We use the following procedures to maintain the quality of data we collect:
Knowledgeable staff, including biologists and former observers, train our observers. A combination of lectures, hands-on activities, in-class exercises, and homework assignments prepare observers for the challenges of sampling at-sea.
Observes collect data at sea following protocols in the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual and At-sea Hake Observer Program Manual.
Observers keep logbooks detailing the events of each trip. The logbook includes basic deck schematics, communication logs, Vessel Safety and Equipment Test checklists, and Observer Safety Surveys. There is also a Daily Notes section outlining the day-to-day activities aboard each vessel. Observers document any tows/sets during which sampling problems occurred.
Observers provide detailed accounts of the sampling methods used at-sea by completing the Sampling Verification or Sample Design form. Debriefers use these forms to identify errors in sampling methodology and provide guidance on more effective sampling strategies.
Observers use Species Identification forms to verify the accuracy of species identification. Observers must complete identification forms for every new species they encounter. Debriefers then use these forms to identify and correct any species misidentification errors.
We run automated trip error reports during the initial data entry and after the observer uploads a trip into the secure database system.
Observers periodically undergo debriefing during or after a deployment. Debriefing consists of an interview with our staff to discuss sampling methods and resolve data errors. The debriefing process includes:
Database Quality Control Queries - We run quality control queries to detect data that fall outside specified ranges and identify other inconsistencies between data elements. These database quality control queries are run regularly on all data collected during a specified period.
To maintain deployment status and receive satisfactory performance assessments, observers must demonstrate proficiency during each trip and follow standardized sampling protocols found in the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual or At-Sea Hake Observer Program Manual.
Observers are employed by observer providers (see list below), who coordinate with the observer program for training enrollment. Training for new and returning observers covers safety at-sea, species identification, protected species, sampling protocols, biological specimen collection, sampling gear, data entry, and conflict resolution.
Annual Training for Certified Observers in good standing (4 days)
Minimum class size: 5
Maximum class size: 25
August 24-27, 2021 (virtual)
September 20-23, 2021 (virtual)
New Observer Training (15 days minimum, two weeks are virtual)
Minimum class size: 6
Maximum class size: 24
All training classes are tentative pending approval from NOAA
February 8-26, 2021
March start 8th, length TBD, 2021
May TBD
Annual Briefing for Eligible Returning Observers (2 days virtual)
No minimum or maximum class size
December 15-16, 2020
January 12-13, 2021
January 26-27, 2021 (tentative)
For information regarding training or briefing please contact christa.colway@noaa.gov.
For information on Catch Monitor Training, please contact Lori Jesse at the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission at (503) 595-3282 or ljesse@psmfc.org.
A NOAA aerial survey crew gathers in front of a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft during a stop in Astoria, Oregon in 2014. From left: Lt. Michael Sandor Silagi, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; Joel Schumacher, Scott Benson, and Tomoharu Eguchi, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Camryn Allen, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center; Dan Prosperi, Southwest Fisheries Science Center; and Lt. Shanae Coker, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
