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# Fishery Observers 

Overview
Become an Observer
Beyond Observing
Observer Providers
Resources for Observers
For Vessel Owners

## Fishery Observers 

### Who Are Fishery Observers?

Fishery observers are NOAA Fisheries’ eyes and ears on the water. They are professionally trained biological technicians who gather data on what’s caught and what’s discarded by U.S. commercial fishing vessels. They also support compliance with fishing and safety regulations and track protected species bycatch.

The data gathered by observers are vital components of federal fisheries science and management. Observers collect data from U.S. commercial fishing and processing vessels as well as from shoreside processing plants and receiving vessels known as “motherships.” These high-quality, first-hand data that observers collect are used to assess fish populations, set fishing quotas, and inform sustainable fisheries management.

### Become an Observer

Observers may spend days, weeks, and even months at sea. Their work takes them to nearly every part of U.S. waters, from the Hawaiian Islands to the Gulf of Mexico. The job is intense, but few other career opportunities offer the same level of hands-on experience working with such geographically diverse ecosystems. Do you have what it takes to be an observer?

### Meet Our Observers

Our fisheries observers come from all different backgrounds and from across the country. They may have become an observer because they’re passionate about sustainable fisheries, or because they love spending their days on the water. Whatever their story, they all have unique perspectives to share. Meet our fisheries observers and read firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work as an observer.

### Observer Providers & Programs

NOAA Fisheries contracts with or certifies private observer provider companies to recruit, hire, and deploy observers in various regions. If you’re interested in becoming an observer, start by reaching out to or applying to jobs with these companies.

### Beyond Observing

Where will observing take *you*? Many fishery observers go on to successful careers in biology, marine policy, fisheries science, wildlife management, and similar fields. Meet some former fisheries observers and learn about what they’re up to now.

### Resources for Observers

Find safety and training manuals, reports, and other observer-related resources.

### Resources for Vessel Owners

Read rules, notices, and other information for vessel owners.

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## Featured News

NMML harbor seal researcher Dave Withrow conducts a seal count during a harbor seal pupping survey. (Image credit: Aleria Jensen)

### Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA to Provide $600,000 for Citizen Science

National

Black-footed albatross. Credit: Robert Pitman

### NOAA Fisheries Wins 2023 Presidential Migratory Bird Federal Stewardship Award

Pacific Islands

National

Kuleana Coral Reef’s NOAA-sponsored training program instructs how to apply adhesive to a substrate to attach a rescued coral of opportunity (one that has detached from the reef). Credit: Blake Nowack/Kuleana Coral Reefs

### Must-Read Pacific Islands Stories of 2023

Pacific Islands

A NOAA Enforcement officer meets with a fisherman. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

### Advancing Transparency in Fisheries Monitoring and Enforcement 

Alaska

View More News

## More Information 

                          -  National Observer Program Fact Sheet (PDF, 1 page) 
                          -  National Observer Program Advisory Team and Safety Advisory Committee 
                          -  National Observer Program Advisory Team Directory 
                          -  FY22 National Observer Program Annual Report (PDF, 40 pages) 
                          -  National Observer Program Reports 
                          -  Electronic Technologies Program 

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## Notices & Rules

#### 2025 Observer Coverage Rate for the Hawai‘i Deep-Set Longline Fishery

Pacific Islands

Pacific Islands

#### North Pacific Observer Program - Federal Register Rules and Notices

Alaska

Alaska

#### Fish Aggregating Device Design and Reporting Requirements in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

West Coast

West Coast

#### North Pacific Observer Program Standard Ex-Vessel Prices for Groundfish and Halibut - Federal Register Rules and Notices

Alaska

Alaska

#### Interim Final Rule and Temporary Specifications for Extension of Period to Implement Decisions of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pacific Islands

Pacific Islands

More Fisheries Notices & Rules

## Upcoming Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

More Events

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FACT

## 891 observers

Observers and at-sea monitors are professionally trained biological scientists, with a bachelor's degree in natural sciences and rigorous training.

FACT

## 53 fisheries monitored

Observers work in U.S. waters, including the vast Alaska fisheries in the North Pacific and Bering Sea, the Mid-Atlantic shark gill net fishery, the Georges Bank scallop and lobster fisheries, and many more.

FACT

## 73,743 total annual days at sea

Observers may spend days, weeks, or even months aboard commercial fishing and receiving vessels gathering first-hand data on what's caught and thrown back by U.S. commercial fishing vessels.

Show me another fact

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### Using Observer Data 

To manage fisheries, data are needed not only for species targeted by a fishery, but for all species making up the impacted ecosystem. Observers are the only independent data collection source for some types of at-sea information, such as bycatch, catch composition, protected species interactions, and gear configuration.

Learn more about how we use observer data

### Bycatch 

Bycatch or incidental catch is a complex, global issue that threatens the sustainability and resiliency of our fishing communities, economies, and ocean ecosystems. We are committed to minimizing bycatch in U.S. fisheries to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable and that protected species are given the best chance to recover. Observer programs are the only independent (and most common) source for many types of information about fishing operations, including catch and bycatch data. 

Learn more about bycatch

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### Electronic Monitoring 

In fisheries where it is too dangerous or otherwise not feasible to have observers, other data collection methods are used to track catch, including logbooks, surveys, and electronic monitoring and reporting. Electronic monitoring is an important technological advancement that supplements the work fishery observers and at-sea monitors do, while keeping them as safe as possible.

Learn more about electronic monitoring

### Safety

Ensuring observer safety and a professional working environment is a top concern of NOAA Fisheries. We have developed and implemented world-class safety and training programs. Preparing observers for safe deployments requires an active partnership between NOAA Fisheries (including our Office of Law Enforcement), observers, observer providers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the fishing industry.

Learn more about how we are working to ensure observer safety

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### Protected Species 

Data collected on fishery interactions with protected species (marine mammals, sea turtles, certain populations of fish, and endangered seabirds) aid scientists in developing measures to reduce the risk of fisheries interactions.

Learn more about how we use data on fishery interactions with protected species

### International Observer Activities 

Sustainable fisheries is a global issue that calls for sharing critical issues among international fishery observer programs, emerging monitoring technologies, and other approaches to fishery-dependent data collection and analyses.

Learn more about international observer activities

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Fishery Observers

Learn how fisheries observers collect data vital to the sustainable management of our nation's fisheries.

Read More

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## Multimedia

### NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery

A Petrale sole flatfish. Photo courtesy of Positively Groundfish. 

### From Collapse to Sustainability: West Coast Groundfish Are Back

West Coast

### Industry-Funded Monitoring in the Atlantic Herring Fishery

New England/Mid-Atlantic

## Become a Fishery Observer

### Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Fishery Observer?

Fishery observers are professionally trained biological technicians who help ensure sustainable fisheries in U.S. waters by:
                            -  Collecting data on what’s caught and what’s discarded by U.S. commercial fishing vessels and operators
                            - Tracking bycatch of marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species
                            - Gathering critical biological and ecological information on catch and  bycatch
                            - Supporting fisheries safety and compliance regulations.

Observers may spend days, weeks, and even months at sea. Their work takes them to nearly every part of U.S. waters (and beyond), from the Hawaiian Islands to the Gulf of Maine. The job is intense, but few other career opportunities offer the same level of hands-on experience working with such geographically diverse ecosystems. 

### Why Become a Fishery Observer?

There are many reasons why people choose to become a fishery observer. Whether making it a career or a stepping stone on your career path, observing provides many exciting opportunities, such as the chance to:
                            - Gain valuable, hands-on experience in marine species identification and handling
                            - Advance conservation by collecting critical data on protected species bycatch
                            - Travel the world and experience beautiful and remote ocean ecosystems, like the Bering Sea
                            - Observe interesting species, such as ocean sunfish, beaked whales, and  Atlantic wolffish
                            - Advance into data and fisheries management positions supporting NOAA Fisheries and other agencies
                            - Contribute to a larger mission of ensuring healthy, sustainable U.S. fisheries for generations to come
                            - Develop demonstrable and transferable skills including cultural awareness, problem solving, conflict resolution, verbal and written communication, and working under pressure

### How Do I Become a Fishery Observer?

Observers for NOAA Fisheries are employed by private observer provider companies. These companies hold contracts with or are certified by NOAA Fisheries to recruit, hire, and deploy observers. **To become a fishery observer, you must apply through one of these private ****observer provider companies****.**

All fishery observers are based out of one of five regions:
                            - Greater Atlantic
                            - North Pacific
                            - Pacific Islands
                            - Southeast
                            - West Coast

Each region certifies or contracts with their own different private observer companies. Some regions also have specialized programs that focus on particular species or fisheries, such as swordfish or tuna.

You can view the full list of private observer companies for each region, find their contact information, and obtain applications for employment.

### Application Process

The time between a candidate submitting an application for a position as a fishery observer and stepping onto a fishing vessel for their first trip can be weeks or months. Keep this in mind as you navigate the application and training processes. While requirements vary among programs, most successful observer candidates must complete the following steps before they are deployed on a vessel:
                            - Complete the job application process
                            - Get fingerprinted
                            - Pass a background check
                            - Successfully complete data collection training
                            - Pass marine safety training

### Eligibility Criteria

Necessary skills vary by job and region, so check with your region of interest for more specific information. General eligibility criteria usually include:
                            - Marine species identification
                            - Data collection for biological specimens
                            - Proper handling of protected species
                            - Ability to manage motion- and seasickness
                            - Ability to work long and irregular hours
                            - Strong interpersonal skills

#### Education

Training is provided to build upon the foundational knowledge that an applicant possesses. Observer candidates typically have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the natural sciences. The degree should include at least 30 hours in the biological sciences.

Specialized work experience can also help you to prepare for a career as a fishery observer, such as participating in fisheries research cruises, identifying and recording marine mammal sightings, and entering data into a database.

#### Physical and Medical Condition

Observer candidates must provide a physician’s certification that they do not have health or vision problems that would jeopardize their safety or the safety of others while at sea. They must have the capacity to perform strenuous physical labor, at times under arduous conditions.

#### Additional Requirements for Fishery Observers

Individual programs may have additional requirements such as swimming skills, calculator and computer skills, CPR and first aid certification, minimum physical condition standards, and U.S. citizenship.

Certain regional programs may have specific requirements. These requirements can be reviewed online or by contacting those programs directly.

### Observer Training and Safety

The health and safety of our observers and at-sea monitors is a top priority for the agency. Since the inception of NOAA’s  observer programs in the 1970s, NOAA has continually worked to develop and institute world-class training and safety protocols.

NOAA Fisheries—including NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and Office of General Counsel—works with observers, observer providers, the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA’s Workplace Violence Prevention and Response Program, and the fishing industry to prepare observers for safe deployments.

#### Fishery Observer Job Training

Observer candidates must demonstrate their potential to collect accurate field data, react to unfamiliar situations at sea in a professional manner, and successfully complete safety drills. Once they have proven their proficiency in these areas, candidates can become new observers. 

Prior to their first deployment, new observers will develop and hone essential skills, such as species identification, during an intensive 2- to 3-week training program. This program prepares new observers with comprehensive training in the areas of biology and species identification, data collection, fishing and safety regulations, and at-sea survival skills.

Experienced observers also attend regular safety briefings and professional development to keep their knowledge current.

## More Information 

                          -  Meet Our Observers 
                          -  National Minimum Eligibility Standards for Fisheries Observers (PDF, 7 pages) 
                          -  Video: Observing in Northeast Fisheries 

## Beyond Observing

### Where Can the Observer Program Take Me?

Are you curious about how a position as a fishery observer can launch a career in fisheries science, marine policy, wildlife management, or a similar field? Meet some former NOAA fishery observers whose experience helped them soar to new professional heights.

### Profiles

#### Gwynne Schnaittacher

**Current Position:** Fisheries Biologist/Observer Program Liaison at NOAA Fisheries

**Former Observer Position:** Northeast fisheries observer

“As an observer, one acquires a highly valuable skill set that can be applied across so many different professions, not just in fisheries. I had a friend once tell me that when they were looking to hire staff, if an applicant was an observer at any point in their career for more than 6 months, they knew that applicant could handle just about anything and would prioritize them in the hiring selection.”

----

#### Mike Pol

**Current Position: **Research Director at the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance

**Former Observer Position: **Northeast fisheries observer

“The observer skill set was very similar to the field skills I needed to have for my first post-observer program job at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, where I worked for more than 20 years and continued to develop my skill set, until I left there and became the Research Director at the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance.”

----

#### Sam Betances

**Current Position: **Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Ecological Services Program)

**Former Observer Position:** North Pacific groundfish observer

“Observing is a special mix of science and adventure—you’ll get to see things you’ve only dreamed of while also helping to sustain and maintain vitally important fisheries. Working alongside commercial fishers helped me learn how to listen and understand resource stakeholder perspectives and that translated to being able to work more collaboratively with other managers, stakeholders, and the public later in my career.”

----

#### Lesley Jantz Hawn

**Current Position: **Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Administrator at NOAA Fisheries (Pacific Islands Sustainable Fisheries Observer Program)

**Former Observer Position: **Pacific Islands longline observer

“My experience as an observer bolstered my confidence, especially my ability to communicate cross-culturally. Observing in the Pacific Islands is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and experience life at sea in the middle of the ocean, with massive marine life such as bigeye tuna, swordfish, cetaceans, and sharks.”

----

#### John Peschon

**Current Position: **Fisheries Biologist/Regional Seabird Liaison - NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Sustainable Fisheries Observer Program

**Former Observer Position: **Pacific Islands longline observer

“Working as a fisheries observer truly provides a high seas adventure, where you are paid well to experience life on a commercial fishing vessel, and see things which most people only dream about. The observer program was my foot in the door with the Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program and NOAA Fisheries. I’ve wanted to work for NOAA Fisheries since high school and observing allowed me to do so.”

## More Information 

                          -  Meet Our Observers 

## Fishery Observer Providers

NOAA Fisheries contracts with or certifies private companies called observer service providers to recruit, hire, deploy, and compensate observers. If you’re interested in becoming an observer, start by reaching out to these companies and searching for opportunities on their websites.

### Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (Greater Atlantic)

**Observer programs in this region include:**
                            - New England Groundfish
                            - Small Mesh Trawl
                            - Mid-Atlantic Squid Trawl
                            - New England Gillnet
                            - Mid-Atlantic Gillnet
                            - Atlantic Scallop Dredge

**Providers in this region include:**
                            - A.I.S., Inc.

Email: info@aisobservers.com
                            - East West Technical Services

Email: ewtsct@ewts.com
                            - Fathom Resources, LLC

Email: office@fathomresources.com 
                            - New England Marine Monitoring 

Email: info@nemarinemonitoring.com 
                            - Saltwater, Inc.

Email: info@saltwaterinc.com

### North Pacific Observer Program (Alaska)

**Fisheries in this region include:**
                            - North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut
                            - Alaska Marine Mammal Program

**Providers in this region include:**
                            - A.I.S., Inc.

Email: info@aisobservers.com
                            - Alaskan Observers, Inc.

Email: aoistaff@alaskanobservers.com
                            - Saltwater, Inc.

Email: info@saltwaterinc.com

### Pacific Islands Region Observer Program

**Observer Programs in this region include:**
                            - Swordfish Shallow-Set Pelagic Longline
                            - Tuna Deep-Set Pelagic Longline
                            - American Samoa Pelagic Longline

**Providers in this region include:**
                            - Lynker Technologies, LLC

Email: chawkins@lynker.com
                            - FISH Inc.

Email: gofish@fishinc.com

### Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs

**Fisheries in this region include:**
                            - Southeast Shrimp Trawl
                            - Shark Bottom Longline
                            - Southeast Coastal Gillnet
                            - Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish
                            - Atlantic Pelagic Longline

**Providers in this region include:**
                            - A.I.S., Inc.

Email: info@aisobservers.com

### West Coast Fisheries Observation Science

Fisheries in this region include:

#### Northwest:

                            - At-Sea Hake
                            - West Coast Groundfish

#### Southwest:

                            - Deep-Set Pelagic Longline
                            - Deep-Set Buoy Gear
                            - California Large Mesh Drift Gillnet

**Providers in this region include:**
                            - Alaskan Observers, Inc.

Email: aoistaff@alaskanobservers.com
                            - Frank Orth & Associates

Email: seagoat98@hotmail.com
                            - Saltwater, Inc.

Email: info@saltwaterinc.com

## More Information 

                          -  Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (Greater Atlantic) 
                          -  North Pacific Observer Program (Alaska) 
                          -  Pacific Islands Region Observer Program 
                          -  Southeast Fisheries Observer Programs 
                          -  West Coast Fisheries Observation Science 

## Resources for Fishery Observers

### Observer Training Manuals and Resources

#### National

                            - Observer Safety Training Standards  (PDF, 33 pages)
                            - National Minimum Eligibility Standards for Marine Fisheries Observers  (PDF, 7 pages)
                            - Observer Safety
                            - Marine Safety Instructor Training

#### Greater Atlantic

                            - Northeast Fisheries Observer Program, Handbook for Fisheries Observers and Providers
                            - Request Form for Observer Manual

#### North Pacific (Alaska)

                            - North Pacific Observer Sampling Manual
                            - Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program Manuals

#### Pacific Islands

                            - Hawai'i and American Samoa Observer Resources

#### Southeast

                            - Southeast Otter Trawl and Reef Fish Fisheries Observer Manual

#### West Coast

                            - Southwest Regional Observer Program Manual  (PDF, 217 pages)
                            - Southwest Regional Observer Program Field Manual  (PDF, 187 pages)
                            - West Coast Groundfish Observer Training Manual
                            - At-Sea Hake Observer Program Sampling Manual  (PDF, 58 pages)

### Fact Sheets

                            - Satellite Communication Devices Fact Sheet  (PDF, 2 pages)
                            - Career Fact Sheet  (PDF, 1 page)
                            - Proper Lifting Techniques Fact Sheet  (PDF, 1 page)
                            - Safe Boarding of Vessels Fact Sheet  (PDF, 2 pages)
                            - Immersion Suit Fact Sheet  (PDF, 1 page)
                            - PLB and EPIRB Fact Sheet  (PDF, 2 pages)
                            - Electrical and Fire Safety Fact Sheet  (PDF, 2 pages)
                            - Bed Bugs Fact Sheet  (PDF, 1 page)
                            - Marine Pollution and MARPOL Fact Sheet  (PDF, 2 pages)
                            - Observer Know-How: Reporting Banded Seabirds  (PDF, 1 page)

### Reports

                            - National Observer Program FY21 Annual Report  (PDF, 42 pages)
                            - National Review of Observer Programs, Policies, and Procedures (2014)  (PDF, 45 pages)
                            - Cost Analysis of Applying the Longshare and Harbor Workers Act to Fisheries Observers  (PDF, 43 pages)

### National Safety Review

The health and safety of our observers and at-sea monitors is a top priority for the agency. In 2016, NOAA Fisheries launched a comprehensive review of all aspects of fishery observer and at-sea monitor safety and health. Led by a team of outside auditors, the review focused on seven key areas:
                            - Safety reporting
                            - Communications
                            - Practices and policies
                            - Training
                            - Regulations
                            - Equipment
                            - International issues

The safety review consisted of gathering and assessing information from stakeholders and partners, recommending improvements, and developing continuing self-evaluation tools. The final report was released in 2018.
                            - Action Plan for implementing the Observer Safety Report Review recommendation

## Resources for Vessel Owners

### **Greater Atlantic**

#### **Vessels/Processors**

                            - Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Handbook for the Fishing Industry  (PDF, 44 pages)

### **Alaska**

#### **Vessels/Processors**

                            - Electronic Monitoring
                            - Annual Deployment Plans
                            - Annual Reports
                            - Vessel / Plant Operator FAQ
                            - Vessel / Plant Operator Comment Form
                            - Observer Deploy and Declare System (ODDS) 
                            - Observer Fee Collection and Payment
                            - Observer Harassment Warning  (PDF, 1 page)
                            - Federal Register - Rules and Notices
                            - FMP Amendments - Rules and Notices
                            - Regulatory Analyses