Observer Program

Observers are highly trained biologists that work independently aboard vessels to quantify total catch. They estimate bycatch, collect biological samples, and monitor for fishery interactions with marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Observers focus on scientific data collection at sea and they play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of the fishery.

The trawl catch share program requires that vessels participating in the shorebased Individual Fishing Quota program have observer coverage at all times the vessel is at sea. Observers participating in this program are employed by private third-party companies. Please contact the observer program for a list of current providers. The Northwest Fisheries Science Center oversees the observer program and trains, certifies, and equips catch share observers; ensures data quality; and stores, maintains, and analyzes data collected by observers.

For More Information

Overview of Observers 574kb

Overview of Electronic Monitoring 554kb

The Northwest Fisheries Science Center oversees the observer program. For additional information please visit the observer program website or contact the observer program office at 206.302.1777.