Part II:

Observer Program Descriptions

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

UNITED STATES OBSERVER PROGRAM

SUMMARIES

NORTH PACIFIC & BERING SEA GROUNDFISH, TRAWL & FIXED GEAR FISHERY .........................................

OFFSHORE PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY ...............................................................................................................,... 70

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING CRAB POT FISHERY......................................................................................................

BERING SEA KOREAN HORSEHAIR CRAB POT FISHERY......................................................................................

BERING SEA KING CRAB AND TANNER CRAB POT FISHERIES...........................................................................

STATEWIDE SCALLOPS DREDGE FISHERY (EXCEPT COOK INLET)...................................................................

ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP DREDGE FISHERY...........................................................................................................

GIANT ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA PURSE SEINE FISHERY ..................................................................................

LARGE PELAGIC DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY .............................................................................................................

LOBSTER POT FISHERY.... ..... 

............... ........ ............. .................. ................... ........ 

NEW ENGLAND AND MID-ATLANTIC GILLNET FISHERIES ................................................................................. 76

NORTHWEST ATLANTIC TRAWL FISHERIES ...........................................................................................................

NORTH PUGET SOUND NON-TREATY SOCKEYE AND CHUM GILLNET FISHERIES .......................................

WEST COAST LIMITED ENTRY GROUNDFISH TRA WL FISHERY.........................................................................

SHORESIDE LANDINGS OF PACIFIC WHITING """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""..........................................

SOUTHEASTERN SHRIMP OTTER TRAWL FISHERY ...............................................................................................

SEFSC PELAGIC LONGLINE OBSERVER PROGRAM ..................................,............................................................

CALIFORNIA/OREGON DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY..................................... ........ 

HAWAII PELAGIC LONGLINE FISHERY .....................................................................................................................

NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LOBSTER FISHERY ................................................................................

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NORTH PACIFIC & BERING SEA GROUNDFISH, TRAWL & FIXED

GEAR FISHERY

Bill Kmp, Task Leader, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way

, Seattle, W 98115

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collect data on catch and bycatch quantity, composition, and biological characteristics, document fishery interactions with

marine mammals and seabirds, monitor compliance with federal fisheries regulations.

Fishery management: Federal

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act (amendments to the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish andBering Seal Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fishery Management Plans),

Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Volunteer or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding sources: Direct observer costs - industry funded; NMFS operational

costs - govt. funded.

Program duration: 1973 to present. Originally monitored foreign and joint venture fishing, 100% domestic since 1991.Annual program costs: ($U. ) Costs to industry $8- 10 million; Agency costs $2

million.

Fishery Description (1997)Target species: All major groundfish species harvested in U.S. Federal waters of

the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Seal Aleutian Islands.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Bycatch: Bycatch of halibut, salmon, king and Tanner crab, marine mammals

(several species), and seabirds (several species) occurs and is designated as prohibited or protected species bycatch. Bycatch of groundfish also occurs in the groundfish fisheries.

Fleet size: 350 vessels and 20 shore plants.

Season of operation: Year-round (closures subject to target and bycatch quota

limits).

Total annual catch of target species: Total Groundfish = 2 million t (pollock =

2 million t, Pacific cod = 326 000 t, yellowfin sole = 181 000 t)

Total number of fishing days per year: Unknown; observer coverage days

000 - 35 000.

Observer Program ManagementBrief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared among

NMFS, the North Pacific Observer Training Center of the University of

Alaska Anchorage (OTC), the fishing industry and five independent observer

contractors (who are certified by NMFS). The contractors hired and deployed over 500 observers in 1997. NMFS and OTC train and brief observers. NMFS provides other observer support services (debriefmg, observer

gear, training documents, enforcement support), maintains field offices in

Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, and is responsible for maintaining information

systems for scientific and operational data, and administrative support.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for funding

and overall administration of the program including observer training (in

partnership with OTC), debriefmg and data management. The fishing industry is responsible for making arrangements with NMFS-certified contractors for placement of NMFS-certified observers aboard their vessels or at

their processing facilities for and paying contractors for direct observer

costs. The observer contractors are responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, insurance/benefits and delivery of observer data to

NMFS.

Other participating agencies: North Pacific Observer Training Center of the University of Alaska Anchorage (see above).Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage:

Fishing day = a day in which fishing gear is retrieved and groundfish retained.Processing day = a day in which groundfish is received or processed.

Fraction of fishing activity observed:

Vessels 125 ft. or longer = 100% coverage of fishing days.Vessels 60 - 124 ft. = 30% coverage of fishing days.

Shore plants processing ::::-1 000 t/mo. = 100% coverage of processing days.

Shore plants processing ::::-500 t/mo. = 30% coverage of processing

days.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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OFFSHORE PACIFIC WHITING FISHERY

Bill Karp, Task Leader, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way

, Seattle, WA 98115

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collect catch and biological data; characterize marine

mammal and salmon bycatch; monitor compliance with federal fisheries regulations.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Voluntary.

Funding sources: Direct observer costs - industry funded; NMFS operational

costs - government funded.

Program duration: 1975 to present. Originally monitored foreign and joint venture fishing, 100% domestic since 1991.

Annual program costs: Costs to industry approx. $100 000. Government costs

(see North Pacific Groundfish Program summary).

Fishery Description (1997)Target species: Pacific whiting.Other commercially landed species: None.

Bycatch: Salmon, marine mammals (several species), seabirds (several species).Fleet size: 16 processing vessels.

Season of operation: May - June (closures subject to target quota limits).

Total annual catch of target species: 120 000 t.

Total number of fishing days per year: 425.Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared among

the fishing industry and five independent observer contractors (who arecertified by NMFS). The contractors hire and deploy observers. NMFS

trains and briefs observers. NMFS provides other observer support

services (debriefing, observer gear, training documents, enforcement

support) and is responsible for maintaining information systems forscientific and operational data and administrative support.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for

funding and overall administration of the program (including observer

training), debriefing and data management. The fishing industry is responsible for making arrangements with NMFS-certified contractors

for placement of NMFS-certified observers aboard their vessels and

paying contractors for direct observer costs. The observer contractors are responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, insurance/benefits

and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: None.Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage:

Fishing day = a day in which Pacific whiting is received or processed.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%.ALEUTIAN ISLANDS KING CRAB POT FISHERYLarry Boyle, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Shellfish Observer Program, PO

Box 920587 Dutch Harbor, AK 99692

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collecting essential biological and fishery management data

including quantifying species composition, bycatch, harvest, biological and

legal crab carapace size distributions, the reproductive status of female crab

and monitor regulation compliance.

Fishery management: State.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Fishery Management Plan for Bering Seal Aleutian Islands King

and Tanner Crab); Alaska Statutes - 16.05.05 and 16.05.251; Alaska Board

of Fisheries; Alaska Administrative Code - 5 AAC 39. 141 and 5 AAC

39. 645.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding sources: Direct observer costs - industry funded; Alaska Department of Fish

and Game (ADF&G) operational costs from - State general fund.

Program duration: 1988 to present.

Annual progr~m costs: Please refer to Bering Sea red and blue king crab program

summary for overall crab observer program costs.

Fishery Description

Target species: Golden king crab, red king crab. (Red king crab fishery has been

closed since 1996).

Other commercially landed species: Lith 0 des couesi

Bycatch: Female and sublegal golden king crab, Pacific cod, snails, sculpins and red

king crab, Steller sea lion, gray whale, Pacific whitesided dolphin, northern

elephant seal, Dall's porpoise, Harbor seal, California sea lion, northern fulmar, unidentified dark shearwater, unidentified storm-petrel, unidentified

puffin, unidentified seabirds.

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Fleet size: 15 - 24.

Season of operation: Golden king crab: September 1 until closed by Emergency

Order when GHL is reached.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 7.8 million pounds.

Number of fishing days in 1997: 1,446.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: ADF&G, the five certified independent

contractors and the fishing industry share responsibilities for the Shellfish Observer Program.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: ADF&G is responsible for

establishing observer and contractor qualifications, certification and

decertification, conflict of interest standards, and observer sampling

procedures. ADF&G is also charged with review of observer training

programs, observer testing, briefings, debriefings, analysis of observer

data and reporting. The contractors hire, train and deploy observers

provide all logistic support (food, lodging, transportation and sampling

equipment), salary/benefits, and secure contracts directly with the vessels. The responsibility of the fishing industry is to procure and pay for

observer coverage through a certified contractor, provide the observer

food and accommodations while on board, catch information and theopportunity to sample the catch according to department requirements.

Other participating agencies: The North Pacific Observer Training Center

(OTC), University of Alaska -Anchorage has provided observer training for the five certified contractors since 1991 and has trained allshellfish observers since 1994. The Alaska Department of PublicSafety, Fish & Wildlife Protection Division, investigates observer

documentation of violations.

Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: All

catcher/processor and floating processor vessels that process shellfishat-sea. Since 1995 , observer coverage has also been required on all

vessels that catch king crab in the Aleutian Islands registration area.

Observer coverage in 1997 - three catcher/processor and 12 catcher

vessels.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%.

BERING SEA KOREAN HORSEHAIR CRAB POT FISHERY

Larry Boyle, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Shellfish Observer Program, PO

Box 920587 Dutch Harbor, AK 99692

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To collect essential biologi~al and fishery management data

including quantifying species composition, bycatch, harvest, biological and

legal crab carapace size distributions, the reproductive status of female craband to monitor regulation compliance.

Fishery management: State.

Authority to place observers: Alaska Statutes - 16.05. 05 and 16.05.251; Alaska Board

of Fisheries, Alaska Administrative Code - 5 AAC 39. 141 , 5 AAC 39.210

and 5 AAC 39.645.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding sources: Direct observer costs - industry funded; ADF&G operational costs -

State' general fund.

Program duration: 1993 to present.Annual program costs: Please see Bering Sea red and blue king crab fisheries program summary.

Fishery Description

Target species: Korean horsehair crab.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Bycatch: Female, sublegal, and legal but not retained male Korean horsehair crab; 

bairdi C. opilio red and blue king crab, sculpin and snails.

Fleet size: 25 (moritorium on new participants).

Season of operation: November 1 until closed by Emergency Order when GHL is

reached.A vg. annual catch of target species: 1.3 million pounds.Number of fishing days, 1997: 232.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: ADF&G, the five certified independent contractors' and the fishing industry share responsibilities for the Shellfish Observer Program.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: ADF&G is responsible for establishing observer and contractor qualifications, certification and decertification, conflict of interest standards, and observer sampling procedures.

ADF&G is also charged with review of observer training programs, observertesting, briefings, debriefings, analysis of observer data and reporting. The

contractors hire, train and deploy observers, provide all logistic supp0l1(food, lodging, transportation, sampling equipment and insurance), salCANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Other

arylbenefits, and secure contracts directly with the vessels. The responsibility of the fishing industry is to procure and pay for observer

coverage through a certified contractor, provide the observer food andaccommodations while on board, catch information and the opportunity

to sample the catch according to department requirements.

participating agencies: The North Pacific Observer Training Center

(OTC), University of Alaska Anchorage (OTC) has provided observer

training for the five certified contractors since 1991 and has trained all

shellfish observers since 1994. The Alaska Department of Public

Safety, Fish & Wildlife Protection Division, investigates observer

documentation of violations.

Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: All vessels over 44 feet that catch Korean horsehair crab in the Bering Sea, as

a condition of their fishing permit. In 1997, 18 catcher vessels carried

observers.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%.BERING SEA KING CRAB AND TANNER CRAB POT FISHERIES

Larry Boyle, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Shellfish Observer Program, PO Box 920587 Dutch Harbor, AK 99692

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collecting essential biological and fishery management

data including quantifying species composition, bycatch, harvests

biological and legal crab carapace size distributions, the reproductive

status of female crab, and monitor regulation compliance.

Fishery management: State.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act (Fishery Management Plan for Bering Seal Aleutian

Islands King and Tanner Crab); Alaska Statutes - 16. 05.05 and

16.05.251; Alaska Board of Fisheries; Alaska Administrative Code - 5

AAC 39. 141 and 5 AAC 39. 645.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding sources: Direct observer costs - industry funded; ADF&G operational

costs - State general fund, Observer training practicums - test-fish

authority .

Program duration: 1988 to present.

Annual program costs: Industry costs: $1.2 - $1.7 million (U. ) (est.); ADF&G:

$215 000 Observer Program administration; Data entry and analysis -

$225 000, Observer training practicum - $30 000.

Fishery Description

Target species: Red and blue king crab and Tanner and Snow crab , C. bairdi and C.opilio.

Other commercially landed species: None.Bycatch: Female and sub legal male crab of the target species, non-targeted crab, Pacific cod, sculpin and snails.

Fleet size: 280+

Season of operation: September 15 through spring (fisheries are closed by regulatory

date or by Emergency Order (EO) when GHL is reached).

A vg. annual catch of target species:

red king crab: Pribilof fishery - 1.2 million pounds; Bristol Bay fishery -

2 million pounds.

blue king crab: Pribilof fishery - 0.6 million pounds; St. Matthew fishery -

6 million pounds.

C. bairdi - 4.5 million pounds (however, no fishery in 1997).

C. opilio - 102 million pounds.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: 13 500 est.

Observer days of coverage, 1997: 1 923.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: ADF&G, the five certified independent contractors and the fishing industry share responsibilities for the Shellfish Observer Program.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: ADF&G is responsible for establishing observer and contractor qualifications, certification and decertification, conflict of interest standards, and observer sampling procedures.

ADF&G is also charged with review of observer training programs, observer

testing, briefmgs and debriefings, analysis of observer data and reporting.

The contractors hire, train and deploy observers, provide all logistic support

(food, lodging, transportation, sampling equipment and insurance), salarylbenefits, and secure contracts directly with the vessels. The responsibility of the fishing industry is to procure and pay for observer coverage

through a certified contractor, provide the observer food and accommodations while on board, catch information and the opportunity to sample the

catch according to department requirements.

Other participating agencies: The North Pacific Observer Training Center (OTC),

University of Alaska Anchorage has provided observer training for the five 

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certified contractors since 1991 and has trained all shellfish observers

since 1994 The Alaska Department of Public Safety, Fish & Wildlife

Protection Division, investigates observer s documentation of violations.

Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: All

catcher/processor and floating processor vessels that process king 

Tanner crab at-sea. Observed vessels, 1997 - 16 catcher/processor and

11 floating processor vessels.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 0- 14%.

STATEWIDE SCALLOPS DREDGE FISHERY (EXCEPT COOK INLET)

Larry Boyle, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Shellfish Observer Program

PO Box 920587 Dutch Harbor, AK 99692

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collecting essential biological and fishery management

data including quantifying species composition and distribution, bycatch, harvest, scallop size distributions, and monitor regulation compliance.

Fishery management: Joint State and Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act (Fishery Management Plan for Scallop Fishery off

Alaska); Alaska Statutes - 16.05.05 and 16.05.251; Alaska Board of

Fisheries; Alaska Administrative Code - 5 AAC 38.076, 5 AAC

39. 141 , 5 AAC 39.210 and 5 AAC 39.645.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory, at the department' s discretion.Funding source: Direct observer costs - industry funded; ADF&G - state general

funds; Federal -AkFIN.

Program duration: 1993 to presentAnnual program costs ($U. ) (1997): Industry - $164 000 (est); ADF&G -

$53 000; Federal- $32 000.

Fishery Description (1997)

Target species: Weathervane scallop

Other commercially landed species: None.

Bycatch: C. bairdi sole, skates, starfish, plus C. opilio in the Bering Sea.

Fleet size: 6.

Season of operation: January, February, July - December (Closure subject to

scallop GHL or crab bycatch caps).

Catch of target species, 1997: 766 000 pounds shucked meat

Number of fishing days, 1997: 483.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: ADF&G, the five certified independent contractors and the fishing industry share responsibilities for the Shellfish Observer Program.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: ADF&G is responsible for establishing observer and contractor qualifications, certification and decertification, conflict of interest standards, and observer sampling procedures.

ADF&G is also charged with review of observer training programs, observer

testing, briefings, debriefings, analysis of observer data and reporting. Thecontractors hire, train and deploy observers, provide all logistic support

(food, lodging, transportation, sampling equipment and insurance), salary/benefits, and secure contracts directly with the vessels. The responsibility of the fishing industry is to procure and pay for observer coverage

through a certified contractor, provide the observer food and accommodations while on board, catch information and the opportunity to sample the

catch according to department requirements.

Other participating agencies: North Pacific Fishery Management Council and National Marine Fisheries Service. The North Pacific Observer Training Center (OTC), University of Alaska Anchorage (OTC) has provided observer

training for the five certified contractors since 1991 and has trained all shellfish observers since 1994. The Alaska Department of Public Safety, Fish &Wildlife Protection Division, investigates observer s documentation of violations.

Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage:

fishing vessels (except the Cook Inlet registration area).

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100% (for areas outside Cook Inlet).

All scallop

ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP DREDGE FISHERYDanyl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC 166

Water St. , Woods Hole, MA 02543

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), NMFS is

required to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic data

about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.S. domestic and foreignfishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while

aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of

CAN A D AI U . S. 0 B S E R V E R PRO GRAM W 0 R K S HOP

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fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as well as the management of fisheries occurring on the high seas outside the EEZ. NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within

state waters.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and

Conservation Act, Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source: Government funded.

Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with

collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in

1977.

Annual program costs: $293 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)

Target species: Atlantic sea scallop.Other commercially landed species: Monkfish, winter flounder, summer flounder, yellowtail flounder, lobster, crabs.

Bycatch: Small crabs, spotted hake as well as many flounder species which may

be discarded for regulatory reasons. There was no bycatch of marine

mammals, sea turtles or seabirds in observed hauls.

Fleet size: A total of 355 vessels possess permits. Of those, 259 had permits in

the full time category.

Season of operation: Year-round.

A vg. annual catch of target species: 7900 t scallops

A vg. number of fishing days per year: In 1996, vessels in the "full time" category of the Days at Sea (DAS) program had 182 fishing days. Those in

the "part time" category had 82 fishing days. Those in the "occasional"

category had 16 fishing days. A total of 33 950 days were fished

939 by vessels possessing a full time category permit.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea

day coverage is provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractor

supervises, briefs, and debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering and auditing data, using NMFS providedsoftware.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for

complete funding of the program. V ia direct contract with NMFS, the

observer contractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, insurance and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: None.Observer Coverage (1996)

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea day is

derIDed as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent

steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving gear or time spent

searching for fish. Thirty-eight trips aboard 31 different vessels totaled 485

days of coverage.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Approximately 1.5%.

GIANT ATLANTIC BLUE FIN TUNA PURSE SEINE FISHERY

Danyl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC 166

Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), NMFS is

required to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic data

about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.S. domestic and foreign

fishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while

aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of

fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as well as the management of fisheriesoccurring on the high seas outside the EEZ. NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within state waters.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and Conservation Act, Atlantic Tunas Convention Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source: Government funded.Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in 1977.

Annual program costs: $84 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)

Target species: Giant atlantic bluefin tuna.Other commercially landed species: None.

Bycatch: Six pilot whales, 1 minke whale and 1 humpback whale were encircled and

released alive in 1996. There was no other bycatch.

Fleet size: 5. 

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Season of operation: August 15 approximately through October (the season ends

when each vessels has caught its individual quota.

A vg. annual catch of target species: 225 t allocated as 75 t to each of the 5 permitted vessels.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: The vessels fished 138 days in 1996.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea

day coverage is provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractorsupervises, briefs, and debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering and auditing data, using NMFS provided

software.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for complete funding of the program. Via direct contract with NMFS, the observer contractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, insurance and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: None.

Observer Coverage (1996)

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea

day is defined as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time

doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving

gear or time spent searching for fish.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Forty-three of the 45 trips that were made

were observed for 95.6% coverage.

LARGE PELAGIC DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY

Danyl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC

166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC),

NMFS is required to collect scientific, management, compliance and

economic data about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.domestic and foreign fishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as

well as the management of fisheries occurring on the high seas outside

the EEZ. NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within state waters.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and Conservation Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, Atlantic Tunas Convention Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source: Government funded.

Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in 1977.

Annual program costs: $285 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)Target species: Swordfish.

Other commercially landed species: Bigeye tuna, yellowfm tuna, albacore mako

sharks, thresher sharks.

Bycatch: Bluefin tuna, skipjack tuna, manta rays, ocean sunfish and other sharks. 

1996 a total of 100 marine mammals were caught, two of which were released alive. Species included (in order of abundance) common dolphins

beaked whales (several species), striped dolphins, pilot whales and spotted

dolphins.

Fleet size: Approximately 15 are active although there at least twice as many permitted vessels that have participated and may still retain permits.

Season of operation: Semiannual quotas for swordfish allow two seasonal fisheries

starting in June and November with each season potentially lasting about 10- 14 days. The fishery is temporarily closed.

Avg. annual catch of target species: The swordfish quota for 1996 was 101 000 lbs.

The quota is set annually.

A vg. number of fishing days per year: The vessels fished 165 days in 1996.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between

NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for

training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea day coverage is

provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractor supervises, briefs, and

debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering

and auditing data, using NMFS provided software.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for complete

funding of the program. Via direct contract with NMFS, the observer contractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics , insurance and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: None.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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Observer Coverage (1996)

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea

day is defined as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time

doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving

gear or time spent searching for fish.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Thirteen of the 16 trips that were made

were observed for 81 % coverage.

LOBSTER POT FISHERY

Darryl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC

166 Water St. , Woods Hole, MA 02543

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC),

NMFS is required to collect scientific, management, compliance and

economic data about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.domestic and foreign fishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as

well as the management of fisheries occurring on the high seas outsidethe EEZ. NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marinemammals and sea turtles within state waters.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and

Conservation Act (American Lobster Fishery Management Plan), Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source: Government funded.Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with

collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in

1977.

Annual program costs: $43 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)

Target species: American lobster.Other commercially landed species: Red hake, black seabass.

Bycatch: There was no bycatch of marine mammals, sea turtles or seabirds in

observed hauls.

Fleet size: Not currently available from industry data.

Season of operation: Early spring through mid-December.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 32500 t lobster.Avg. number of fishing days per year: Not currently available from industry data.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between

NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for

training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea day coverage is

provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractor supervises, briefs, and

debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering

and auditing data, using NMFS provided software.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for complete

funding of the program. Via direct contract with NMFS, the observer contractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics , insurance and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: None.Observer Coverage (1996)

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea day is

defined as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent

steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving gear or time spent

searching for fish. Eight trips aboard 6 different vessels totaled 71 days of

coverage.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Unable to calculate from currently available

data. Seventy-one days of coverage were accomplished which is less than

1 % of fishing days.

NEW ENGLAND AND MID-ATLANTIC GILLNET FISHERIES

Darryl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC 166

Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), NMFS is

required to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic data

about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.S. domestic and foreign

fishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while

aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of

fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as well as the management of fisheriesoccurring on the high seas outside the EEZ. NMFS also has specific responsibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within state waters.

Fishery management: Federal. 

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Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and

Conservation Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source: Government funded.

Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with

collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in

1977.

Annual program costs: $1 134 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)Target species: Atlantic cod, pollock, various flounders, spiny and smooth dogfish, monkfish, Atlantic croaker, weakfish, bluefish, mackerel, menhaden, shad, spot, Spanish mackerel, striped bass.

Other commercially landed species: Winter skate, clearnose skate, sea robin

Atlantic herring, little skate.

Bycatch: A total of 134 marine mammals were caught in 1996, including (in

order of occurrence) harbor porpoise, harbor seal, harp seal, gray seal

common dolphin, white-sided dolphin and bottlenose dolphin. Eightyfive of the animals were sampled for measurements, entire carcass collection or tissue sampling. A total of 37 seabirds were caught (in order

of occurrence) greater shearwater, northern gannet, cormorant, common loon, thin-billed murres, great black-backed gulls and sooty

shearwater. Other bycatch includes loggerhead turtles as well as manyspecies of fish that are discarded primarily for lack of market or by

regulations such as closed seasons.

Fleet size: Unable to determine accurately from current industry data but approximately 600 which fish state coastal waters or EEZ waters. Vessels may have multiple permits for different state and federal fisheries

many of which are not used. Some states license fishers rather thanvessels so counts of vessels operating within state waters do not exist.

Season of operation: Varying locations, year-round.

A vg. annual catch of target species: 25 300 t monkfish, 18 200 t spiny dogfish.

A vg. number of fishing days per year: Unable to calculate from current industry

data.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea

day coverage is provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractor

supervises, briefs, and debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering and auditing data, using NMFS provided software. Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for complete funding of the program. Via direct contract with NMFS, the observer con- tractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, insur- ance and delivery of observer data to NMFS. Other participating agencies: None. Observer Coverage (1996) Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea day is defined as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time doing repairs or wait- ing for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving gear or time spent searching for fish. A total of 790 days were covered in the New England gillnet fishery. Coverage in the Mid-Atlantic fishery was 368 days. Fraction of fishing activity observed: Unable to calculate accurately from currently available industry data. A total of 1 158 days of coverage was accom- plished. This is approximately 5 -7% of days fished. NORTHWEST ATLANTIC TRAWL FISHERIES Danyl Christensen, Chief, Fisheries Sampling Branch, NOAA/NMFS, NEFSC 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543 Observer Program Mandate and Authority Mission of the program: The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), NMFS is required to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic data about fisheries through observers placed aboard U.S. domestic and foreign fishing vessels. These data, which cannot be obtained dockside or while aboard government research vessels, are necessary for the management of fisheries occurring in the U.S. EEZ as well as the management of fisheries occurring on the high seas outside the EEZ. NMFS also has specific respon- sibilities concerning marine mammals and sea turtles within state waters. Fishery management: Federal. Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Management and Conser- vation Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act. The following Fishery Man- agement Plans (FMP) authorize mandatory observer coverage: the Northeast Multispecies FMP, which includes, in addition to routine coverage, a Flexi- ble Area Action System for emergency observer coverage to investigate dis- card problems associated with large concentrations of juvenile, sub-legal or spawning Multispecies; Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP; Summer Flounder FMP; Scup FMP. Voluntary or mandatory: Both. Funding source: Government funded.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Program duration: The domestic fisheries sampling program began in 1989 with

collection of discard data. Foreign observer coverage was initiated in

1977.

Annual program costs: $393 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)

Target species: Northern shrimp, New England multispecies groundfish, monkfish, summer flounder Illex squid Loligo squid, Atlantic mackerel

scup, spiny dogfish, weakfish, bluefish, Atlantic croaker, and horseshoe

crab.

Other commercially landed species: Butterfish, monkfish, sharks, weakfish

bluefish, flounders, croaker, hakes, black seabass, dogfish, skates, sturgeon, swordfish, tautog, tilefish, tunas and lobster.

Bycatch: Common dolphins, pilot whales, loggerhead turtles, various seabirds

finfish and invertebrates including non-target species or target speciesthat are discarded for lack of market or by regulation such as closed

seasons or sub legal size.

Fleet size: Accurate data are not available at this time. Vessels hold multiple

permits but do not necessarily utilize them.

Season of operation: Year-round.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 9 500 t northern shrimp, 3 000 t pollock

300 t cod, 2,400 t yellowtail flounder, 600 t haddock, 17 000 t Illex

squid, 12 500 t Loligo squid, 1 500 t weakfish, 2 700 t bluefish, 15 800

t Atlantic mackerel, 4 000 t summer flounder.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: Under the Northeast Multispecies FMP

vessels fishing under the Fleet Days at Sea (DAS) permit, Individual

DAS permit, and the Large Mesh DAS permit had a combined allocation of 225 309 days. Of these, a total of 49 871 were actually used.However, many of the vessels fish in other fisheries where effort is not

regulated.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program responsibilities are shared between NMFS and a contractor. The contractor provides observer candidates for training and testing by NMFS. An annual schedule for sea

day coverage is provided by NMFS to the contractor. The contractor

supervises, briefs, and debriefs the observers. The contractor is responsible for editing, entering and auditing data, using NMFS provided

software.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for

funding of the program. Via contract with NMFS, the observer contractor is responsible for observer recruiting, deployment, logistics, msur- ance and delivery of observer data to NMFS. Other participating agencies: None. Observer Coverage (1996) Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea day is defined as a day when the vessel is not at the dock. This includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time doing repairs or wait- ing for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving gear or time spent searching for fish. A total of 650 days of coverage was accomplished. Fraction of fishing activity observed: Weare not able to accurately calculate, due to lack of industry data. However, the total fraction of all trawl fisheries cov- ered is less than 1 %. NORTH PUGET SOUND NON- TREATY SOCKEYE AND CHUM GILLNET FISHERIES Observer Program Coordinator: Pamela Erstad, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek, WA, 98102 Observer Program Mandate and Authority Mission of the program: Investigate level of marbled murrelet and marine mammal entanglements with the non-treaty sockeye gillnet fishery in north Puget Sound Fishery management: state. Authority to place observers: Marine Mammal Protection Act; Endangered Species Act. Voluntary or mandatory: Voluntary. Funding source: NMFS. Program duration: July 1994 through September 1994. Annual program costs: $250 00 (U. Fishery Description Target species: Sockeye salmon harvest in north Puget Sound state management Ar- eas 7 and 7 A, and chum salmon harvest in Puget Sound. Other commercially landed species: None. Bycatch: Chinook and coho salmon, marine mammals, seabirds. Fleet size: In 1994, approximately 1 100 licensed non-treaty gillnet boats in Wash- ington state, although considerably less may participate in specific fisheries. Season of operation: Sockeye: Late July through August or early September, de- pending on run size; Chum: Approximately mid-October through mid-to late November, depending on run size.

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Avg. annual catch of target species: Total estimated sockeye catch in 1994:

621 032, information on the chum catch was unavailable at the time of this writing. 

A vg. number of fishing days per year: 1994 = 13 days sockeye fishing; 6 days of

chum fishing.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife (WDF&W) responsible for hiring and deploying observers; NMFS

oversee project and conducted safety and species ID training.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS provided funding, state

implemented project.

Other participating agencies: NMFS, WDF&W, Northwest Indian Fisheries

Commission, Lummi Tribes, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Puget Sound Vessel Owners Association.Observer Coverage

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: unit =

set or number of sockeye caught/set; total effort extrapolated by dividing total number of sockeye commercially harvested by the average ofsockeye caught/set (derived from observer program).

Fraction of fishing activity observed: approximately 7% for sockeye, information unavailable for chum.

WEST COAST LIMITED ENTRY GROUNDFISH TRAWL FISHERY

Project Leader: Mark Saelens, Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife, 2040 SE

Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To determine present rates of discard by target strategy,

area, and time of year, and to determine the reasons for the occurrence

of discard.

Fishery management: Federal management; Pacific Fisheries Management

Council, NMFS.

Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and

Management Act, authorization of vessel owners.

Voluntary or mandatory: Voluntary.

Funding sources: Oregon Trawl Commission, Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife (ODF&W), NMFS, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), West Coast Seafood Processors Association.

Program duration: Mid- 1995 through December 1998.

Annual program costs: approximate figures:

Oregon Trawl Commission: $359 000.Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife: $106 000.

National Marine Fisheries Service: $319 000.

West Coast Seafood Processors Association: $10 000.

Fishery Description

Target species: Major groundfish species harvested in U.S. federal waters of the U.

West Coast off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.

Other commercially landed species: Occasional sharks, invertebrates, sturgeon.

Bycatch: Halibut, salmon, Tanner crab, and seabirds are designated as prohibited species or protected species bycatch, and bycatch of groundfish in excess of trip

limits also occurs.

Fleet size: 245 vessels landed in 1997.

Season of operation: Year-round.

Avg. annual catch of target species: Approximately 98 000 t landed in 1997 in Oregon.A vg. number of fishing days per year: Approximately 125 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Under a cooperative agreement between

ODF&W and the Oregon Trawl Commission, ODF&W performs all supervisory and field operations, database structuring and maintenance, vessel re-

, cruitment, observer hiring and training, and equipment purchasing.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: Observers are provided to vessels

by ODFW. Project staff is employed by Pacific States Marine Fisheries

Commission (PSMFC).

Other participating agencies: ODF&W, Oregon Trawl Commission, NMFS, PSMFC

West Coast Seafood Processors Association, Northwest Food Strategies

participating vessels and crews.

Observer Coverage

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: Coverage will

be estimated using number of tows observed versus number of tows made in

the fishery over a period of time as the primary method; coverage may also

be expressed by area or target strategy.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Preliminary coverage calculations show 5- 10%

depending on area and time. Coverage may also be expressed for the number

of tows where discard was recorded by vessels keeping voluntary logbooks

records of discards.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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SHORESIDE LANDINGS OF PACIFIC WHITINGObserver Program Coordinator: Hal Weeks, Oregon Department of Fish 

Wildlife, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To document salmon and finfish bycatch in the shoreside whiting fishery; collect biological samples for use in assessments

of Pacific whiting and groundfish species.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Relevant statute(s) - ilia; authority to land unsorted

whiting with indemnity from prohibited species and groundfish overageviolations through exempted fishing permits issued by National MarineFisheries Service.

Voluntary or mandatory: Voluntary.Funding source(s): Industry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

(ODF&W), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department ofFish and Game (CADF&G), NMFS.

Program duration: Indefmite.

Annual program costs ($U. ) (broken down by source):

Industry - c. $60 000/yr.ODFW - c. $20 000/yr.

WDFW - c. $10 000/yr.

CADFG - c. $10 000/yr.

NMFS - c. $10 000/yr.

Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus)

Other commercially landed species: Yellowtail and widow rockfish.

Bycatch: Groundfish species, Pacific salmon (almost exclusively chinook), occasional Pacific halibut or Dungeness crab.Fleet size: 40 vessels.

Season of operation: Spring - summer.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 61 331 t (1991 - 1997 mean).Avg. number of fishing days per year: 80 - 120.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Program is coordinated by ODF&W, Oregon processors contribute toward fixed costs of program (4 month data

technician, observer supplies) and hire observers. Plants in Washington

and California are observed by agency staff. Whiting landing and bycatch data are provided to ODF&W which enters and curates a database, and provides in-season monitoring of whiting fishery and prepares end of season report. Service delivery type and function of each entity: plant observers are employees of state agencies or industry; industry contributions toward program fixed costs are routed through Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. Other participating agencies: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife CADF&G, NMFS. Observer Coverage Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: landing at shoreside processing plant. Fraction of fishing activity observed: 14% (1997). SOUTHEASTERN SHRIMP OTTER TRAWL FISHERY Elizabeth Scott-Denton, Bycatch Observer Program Manager, 4700 Avenue Galveston Texas 77551; 409- 766-3571, fax 409- 766-3508; elizabeth.scott- denton(fjJnoaa.gov Observer Program Mandate and Authority Mission of the Program: to characterize shrimp trawl bycatch and evaluate various gear types for the reduction of by catch. Fishery management: Federal. Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Act, ESA. Vessel selection: Voluntary. Funding source: NMFS, Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Development Foundation Inc. Federal program duration: 1991-present. Annual program costs (broken down by source): $500 000 (U. Fishery Description (1996) Target species: Penaeid shrimp (brown, white and pink). Other commercially landed species: None. Bycatch: One Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and 72 sea turtles since 1992. Finfish by- catch includes red snapper, groundfish, with Atlantic croaker and longspine porgy being the dominant species both in number and by weight for the Gulf of Mexico (May 1992 - June 1997). Fleet size: about 7 000 U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels and an unknown num- ber of state registered boats. Seasons and duration of fishery openers: year-round; main fishery is from May through December. Average annual catch of target species: 200 million pounds. 

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Average number of fishing days per year: 250 000 (24-hour days fished).

Observer Program Management

Two coordinated observer programs: Contracted Services: Individuals contracted and supervised by NMFS, or by the Gulf and South Atlantic

Fishery Development Foundation, Inc. (Foundation). All observers aretrained using standard protocol. Vessels are located through Sea Grant

agents, NMFS port agents, Foundation contacts and fishery associations. Each observer group (i. , NMFS or Foundation) is responsible

to get observer to port of departure.

Observer Coverage

Unit and Defmition of Effort: hours of trawling (nets in the water fishing). Estimate of Total Effort: about 6 million hours. Estimate is made by average catch per unit of effort for an area (based on dockside trip interviews by NMFS port agents) and total pounds for an area (based on

data collection at seafood dealers by NMFS port agents).

Estimate of observer coverage: -::::1 

SEFSC PELAGIC LONGLINE OBSERVER PROGRAM

Dennis Lee and Cheryl Brown, Task Leader, SEFSC Miami Laborat07Y, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collect data on effort, directed catch and bycatch quantity, morphometrics, biological characteristics, and interaction with marine mammals , turtles , and birds as they relate to federal fisheries

regulations.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Swordfish Fisheries Management Plan (50 CFR

part 630) under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservations and Management Act, as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding sources: NMFS operational costs - government funded.

Program duration: May 1992 to present. Five percent coverage by set effort is

the sampling target.

Annual program costs: Agency cost has varied over the years. Funding for 1992-

94 was between $1.2 and $1.4 million (U. ); funding for 1995 was

about $600 000, whereas funding for 1996 to the present ranged from

$315 000-$600 000.

Fishery Description (1992-present)Target species: Swordfish directed fishery harvested inside and outside the U.S. EEZ

primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean (above 5~ latitude) with some operations extending to the Equator.

Other commercially landed species: Yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore tuna, dolphin(mahi mahi), shortfm mako, porbeagle, and other shark species (fm

market).

Bycatch: Wide variety of species including billfish (prohibited by FMP), sharks (prohibited by periodic FMP closures), bluefin tuna (FMP quota restrictions),

escolar, and marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds as protected species bycatch. Other commercially non-valuable species including oilfish, lancetfish, occasional rays and rare species (e. , cubiceps, ringed dogfish).

Fleet size: Over 1 000 swordfish permit holders. Longline fleet consists of 250-300

vessels with 150-200 vessels active year-round.

Season of operation: Year-round (closures subject to swordfish quota and bycatch

quota limits).

Total annual catch of target species: Annual U.S. catch of swordfish reported to ICCAT in round weight (metric tons) from 1990 to 1996 was 5 519, 4 525

236 191 074 551 , and 4 320, respectively.

Total number of fishing days per year: Unknown; 1992-97 SEFSC observers spent

115 days at-sea (excludes days at-sea spent by NEFSC for 1992-95).

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The SEFSC Miami Laboratory is responsible for

the administration of the Pelagic Longline Observer Program. The coordinators hire individual observer personnel under contractual agreements (Purchases of Services) and provide the observer support services (training, observer gear, documents, debriefing, data entry). Program coordinators are responsible for maintaining data storage and retrieval, quality control, and ad- ministrative support. Service delivery type and function of each entry: NMFS is responsible for funding

and overall administration of the observer program including observer

training, debriefing, data management, and data analyses. Program coordinators are responsible for arranging placement of NMFS certified contractors

aboard vessels, including logistics and travel support of observers to vesselsselected for coverage. All administrative support is provided by the coordinators and agency.

Observer coverage:

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: Coverage is

based on number of sets reported by the U. S. pelagic long line fleet in 11

geographical regions of the North Atlantic Ocean (north of SoN latitude).

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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Fraction of fishing activity observed: Sampling design is a random draw of prior

year reported longline fishing effort, stratified by fishing area and calendar quarter. Sampling 5% of the long line effort directed at Atlantic

tunas and tuna-like species is required under a 1996 International

Council for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCA T) Recommendation that became binding on ICCA T cooperative parties in 1997. Realized sampling fraction has varied from about 2.5% to above 5%, depending on available resources. Sampling in 1997 and 1998 is expected to be less than 5%, given available resources.

CALIFORNIA/OREGON DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY

Timothy D. Price, Operations Coordinator, NMFS, Southwest Region, 501 West

Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To document the incidental take of marine mammals

sea turtles, seabirds, target and non-target fish species. To collect selected biological specimens.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMP A), Endangered Species Act.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Government (NMFS) funded.Program duration: July 1990 to present.

Annual program costs: Agency costs $650 000 (U.

Fishery Description (1996)Target species: Swordfish and thresher shark (common, bigeye).Other commercially landed species: Mako shark, opah, louvar, and tunas (albacore, yellowfm, bluefin).

Bycatch: Blue shark, pelagic stingray, striped marlin, and molas.

Incidental takes: Cetaceans: Sperm whale, short-finned pilot whale, Minke

whale, long-beaked common dolphin, short-beaked common dolphin

Risso s dolphin, Dall's porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin, northernright whale dolphin, Cuvier s and Baird' s beaked whales , and Mesoplodon beaked whales. Pinnipeds: California sea lion and northern elephant seals. Sea turtles: Leatherback and loggerheads.

Fleet size: Marine Mammal Authorization Certificates are held by 130 vessels

approximately 110 are active.

Season of operation: The fishery is closed within 200 miles of the coast of California and Oregon from February 1 to April 30. From May 1 to August

14 the closure changes to 75 miles offshore. Most fishing occurs between

August 15 and January 31 , when closure restrictions are lifted. The majority

of fishing effort takes place from October through December.

A vg. annual catch target species: Swordfish, 1. 5 million pounds. Thresher shark

(common, bigeye) 395 400 pounds. Mako shark, 178 300 pounds.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: Estimated 3 400 sets (equivalent to days

fished) in 1996.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview ()f program structure: The Southwest Region is responsible for monitoring the CAlOR drift gillnet fishery. The program was contracted in 1996

as part of an effort to downsize the Federal workforce as required by the National Performance Review. Observer training is conducted in conjunction

with Southwest Fisheries Science Center - La Jolla Laboratory, Los Angeles

Natural History Museum, NMFS enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard, and the

fishing industry. To date, 106 biological technicians have been hired and 793

trips completed. In 1997, there were 25 observers observing the drift gil1net

feet. Trips typically last 6 to 20 days. The Southwest Fisheries ScienceCenter receives observer data to calculate estimates of incidental take ratesof marine mammals in preparation of Annual Stock Assessments Reports.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for funding

and overall administration of the program including observer training (two

2-week sessions, plus one, I-week briefing were conducted for a total of 25

observers in 1997), initial debriefing, and data management. Vessel ownersand operators are responsible for contacting the designated contractor 

make arrangements for placement of NMFS trained observers aboard their

vessels. The Contractor is responsible for observer recruitment, monitoring

vessel activity, observer deployment, logistics, insurance/benefits, and delivery of observer data to NMFS.

Other participating agencies: Through a cooperative agreement with the California

Department of Fish and Game, total annual fishing effort is calculated for

use in estimating total marine mammal mortality.

Observer Coverage

Unit and definition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: Drift gillnet

vessels in this fleet make a single net-pull (e. , set) each day, thus each day

that a vessel makes a set is a sampling unit.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: During 1996, there were 421 observed sets, representing 12.4% of the total fishing effort. 

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HA WAIl PELAGIC LONGLINE FISHERY

Timothy D. Price, Operations Coordinator, NMFS, Southwest Region, 501 West

Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To observe and document all species caught, including

sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals, swordfish, tunas, sharks, and

other non-target fishes. To collect selected biological specimens.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Pelagic fishery management plan established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

(required by the biological opinion and incidental take statement, Section 7 consultation of the Endangered Species Act).

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Government (NMFS) funded.Program duration: February 1994 to present.

Annual program costs: Agency costs $370 000 (U.Fishery Description (1996)Target species: Swordfish and tunas (bigeye, yellowfm, albacore, skipjack)

Other commercially landed species: Marlin (blue, striped, shortbill spearfish),

mako shark, dolphinfish, wahoo, opah, barracuda, and pomfrets.

Bycatch: Blue shark, oceanic white tip shark, thresher shark (bigeye, common),

pelagic stingray, lancet fish, snake mackerel, escolar, and oilfish.

Incidental takes: Sea turtles: Loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley, and greens.

Seabirds: Black-footed and Laysan albatross. Cetaceans: Risso s dolphin, short-finned pilot whale, and false killer whales.

Fleet size: There were 164 Federal limited-entry longline permits in 1996, with

only 103 active.

Season of operation: Year-round.

A vg. annual catch target species: Swordfish, 6. 2 million pounds. Bigeye tuna

2 million pounds. Yellowfin tuna, 1. 6 million pounds. Albacore , 1.

million pounds.

A vg. number of fishing days per year: Estimated 11 400 sets (equivalent to days

fished) in 1996.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Southwest Region is responsible for

monitoring the Hawaii pelagic longline fishery. Upon medical clearance, observers are hired as direct NMFS employees. NMFS established a Port Field Station in Honolulu, Hawaii for monitoring vessel

activity and deploying observers. Observer training is conducted in conjunction with Southwest Fisheries Science Center - Honolulu Laboratory,

Bishop Museum, NMFS enforcement, U. S. Coast Guard, U. S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, and the fishing industry. To date, 18 biological technicians

have been hired and 196 trips completed. Currently there are six observers

covering the longline fleet. Trips typically last 14 to 42 days. The NMFS

Honolulu Laboratory analyzes the data in conjunction with logbook data

(Pacific Islands Area Office) to estimate total sea turtle takes and mortalities.

Data are used to prepare annual reviews of biological opinions, as required

by the current biological opinion, quarterly reports to the Western Pacific

Fishery Management Council, and estimates of bird mortality to the U.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for funding

and administration of the program including observer recruitment, training(one, 3-week session was conducted for 6 observers in 1996), placement

aboard vessels, debriefing, and data management. Vessel owners and operators are responsible for contacting NMFS to make arrangements for

placement of observers aboard their vessels.

Other participating agencies: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service

Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: Unit of effort

is defined as the number of hooks deployed (i. , 1 000 hooks = 1 unit of effort).

Fraction of fishing activity observed: During 1997, there were 748 781 observed

hooks retrieved, representing 5.3% of the total fishing effort.

NORTHWESTERN HA W AllAN ISLANDS LOBSTER FISHERY

Timothy D. Price, Operations Coordinator, NMFS, Southwest Region, 501 West

Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Collect data on catch and bycatch quantity and composition

characterize the fishery, and evaluate high grading.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.Volunteer or mandatory: Voluntary.Funding sources: Government (NMFS) funded.Program duration: 1997 fishing season (July)

Annual program costs: Agency costs $65 000 (U.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Fishery Description (1997)Target species: Spiny (Panulirus marginatus) and common slipper (Scyllarides

squammosus) lobsters harvested in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Other commercially landed species: Ridgeback (Scyllarides haanii) and chinese

(Parribacus antarcticus) slipper lobsters, kona crab, octopus.

Bycatch: filefish, reef shark (grey, whitetip), butterfly fish, goatfish, wrasse

surgeonfish, moray eels.

Fleet size: There are 15 limited entry permits. Nine vessels were active in 1997.

Season of operation: Summer (closure subject to harvest quota limit).

Total annual catch of target species: Total harvest quota set annually. Harvest

limit in 1997 was 322 000 animals.

Total number of fishing days per year: Variable. Quota dependent fishery. 

1997, there were 198 fishing days. 

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Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management, administration, and observers provided by Southwest Region, Observer Management. Lobster

training conducted by Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu

Laboratory staff. Pacific Islands Area Office staff met with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council to gain cooperationfrom fishing vessels to carry observers. NMFS reimbursed vessels for

observer subsistence costs.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: NMFS is responsible for

funding and overall administration of the program including observer

training, debriefing and data management. The Southwest Fisheries

Science Center, Honolulu Laboratory, receives observer data to calculate estimates of harvest, discard rates, and sorting and handling techmques.

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Observer Coverage

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: The

number of traps set and hauled.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 66% of the fishing effort was observed

during the 1997 fishing season.
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

CANADIAN OBSERVER PROGRAM SUMMARIES

GULF REGION - COD............ ....................... 

.............................. 

.... 87

GULF REGION - GROlJNDFISH MOBILE GEAR.........................................................................................................

GULF REGION - HERRING .............................................................................................................................................

GULF REGION - NORTHERN SHRIMP .........................................................................................................................

GULF REGION - SNOW CRAB AREA 12 ......................................................................................................................

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - GROUNDFISH & SHRIMP FISHERIES: NAFO REGULATORY AREA ................

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - LARGE PELAGICS ......................................................................................................

NEWFOlJNDLAND REGION - GROUND FISH (EXCEPT COD).................................................................................

NORTHWEST ATLANTIC SHRIMP ...............................................................................................................................

NEWFOlJNDLAND REGION - RE-OPENED COD FISHERY ......................................................................................

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SCALLOPS ......,............................................................................................................

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SMALL PELAGICS......................................................................................................

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SNOW CRAB................................................................................................................

LAURENTIAN REGION - CRAB ....................................................................................................................................

LAURENTIAN REGION - SCALLOP. 

.................. ......................................... ........... ........................ ...............................

LAURENTIAN REGION - SHRIMP................... ....................................... 

.................... ...................................................

LAURENTIAN REGION - NORTHERN SHRIMP ..........................................................................................................

LAURENTIAN REGION - GROlJNDFISH - MOBILE GEAR .......................................................................................

LAURENTIAN REGION - GROlJNDFISH - FIXED GEAR...........................................................................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - BLUEFIN TUNA - DOMESTIC .........................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - BLUEFIN TUNA - FOREIGN ............................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - CRAB...................................................................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - GROUND FISH - FIXED GEAR.........................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - GROlJNDFISH - MOBILE GEAR .....................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LARGE PELAGICS - SHARK ...........................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LARGE PELAGICS - SWORDFISH ..................................

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LOBSTER - OFFSHORE .................................................. 100

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SCALLOPS - INSHORE ................................................... 100

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SCALLOPS - OFFSHORE................................................ 101

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP - NORTHERN.................................................... 101

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP - SCOTIAN SHELF ........................................... 102

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP - OTHER............................................................ 102

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SILVER HAKE - DOMESTIC.......................................... 103

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SILVER RAKE - FOREIGN ............................................. 103

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SMALL PELAGICS .......................................................... 104

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SURF CLAMS................................................................... 104

SCOTIA-FlJNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - TEST / EXPERIMENTAL ................................................ 105

PACIFIC REGION - DOMESTIC TRA WL FISHERY................................................................................................... 105

PACIFIC REGION - J/V HAKE FISHERY...................................................""""""""""""""""""""""""""'"........... 106

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GULF REGION - COD

Observer Program Chief Ron Manderson

Scientific Coordinator: Alan Sinclair

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Annual program costs: $ 1 500 000 (Cdn.

Fishery Description

Target species: Cod.

Other commercially landed species: American plaice.

Fleet size: 300.

Season of operation: April - December.

Annual catch of target species: 600 t (under moratorium).Average number of fishing days/year: 240.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor

works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely

and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuringsufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefsobservers based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Cod - 20 %; 50 days.

GULF REGION - GROUNDFISH MOBILE GEAR

Observer Program Chief Ron Manderson

Scientific Coordinator: Alan Sinclair

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Annual program costs: $ 200 000 (Cdn.

Fishery DescriptionTarget species: American plaice

Other commercially landed species: Cod, flounders.

Fleet size: 400.

Season of operation: April - December.

Annual catch of target species: 8 000 t.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the Region. The contractor

works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely

and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor

briefs observers based on input from the program manager and scientific

coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: American plaice - 20%; 700 days.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

GULF REGION - HERRING

Observer Program Chief Ron Manderson

Scientific Coordinator: Alan Sinclair

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Annual program costs: $ 50 000 (Coo.

Fishery Description

Target species: Herring.

Other commercially landed species: Mackerel.

Fleet size: 6 seiners.

Season of operation: May - December.

Annual catch of target species: 12 000 - 15 000 t.

Average number of fishing days per year: 1 500.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor

works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timelyand cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor

briefs observers based on input from the program manager and scientific

coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Herring - 5- 10 %; 150 days.

GULF REGION - NORTHERN SHRIMP

Observer Program Chief Ron Manderson

Scientific Coordinator: Alan Sinclair

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Annual program costs: $62 000 (Coo.

Fishery Description

Target species: Northern shrimp.

Other commercially landed species: Turbot.

Fleet size: 1 in this Region; 16 total license holders.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 3000 t.Average number of fishing days per year: 260.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor

works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely

and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor

briefs observers based on input from the program manager and scientific

coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Northern shrimp - 100%; 260 days. 

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GULF REGION - SNOW CRAB AREA 12

Observer Program Chief Ron Manderson

Scientific Coordinator: Alan Sinclair

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Annual program costs: $200 000 (Cdn.

Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Snow crab.Other commercially landed species:

Fleet size: 230.

Season of operation: April -July.

Annual catch of target species: 15 500 t.A verage number of fishing days per year: 15-30/vessel.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor

works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely

and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor

briefs observers based on input from the program manager and scientific

coordinator: Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Snow crab - 20%; 650 days.

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - GROUND FISH AND SHRIMP FISHERIES:NAFO REGULATORY AREA

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with the NAFO Conservation and

Enforcement Measures.

Fishery management: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO).

Authority to place observers: NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Federal.

Fishery Description

Target species: Groundfish and Shrimp (1996).

Season of operation: January - December.

Avg. annual catch of target species: Groundfish 46 000 t; shrimp 650 000 t.

A vg. number of fishing days per year: 20 000 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is set up equally between the three Atlantic Observer Contractors annually. The contractors are briefed by the Program Manager. The reports

generated by observers on foreign vessels are sent directly to the appropriate nation. The infonnation is then sent to the NAFO Secretariat for

dissemination to all contracting parties. The contractor is responsible forensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. Data collected

by observers are forwarded to the flag state of the vessel.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Groundfish and Shrimp - 100 %; 3 800 days

in 1996 and 2 400 days in 1997

It is a requirement that all vessels fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area have

100% observer coverage. Canada provided coverage on Canadian vessels and

countries without an Observer Program (Latvia, Russia, Lithuania, and Estonia).

Canada has assisted these countries in setting up an observer program and they

have recently begun deploying their national Observers. Other countries fishing in

the NRA are ED (primarily Spain and Portugal), Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland

Norway, etc.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - LARGE PELAGICS

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quotas, gear

restrictions, bycatch, fmning sharks, reporting requirements, unauthorized

trans-shipping at sea.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Large pelagics.

Season of operation: January - December.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 2 600 t (combined NFLD and Maritimes).

Avg. number of fishing days per year: 600 days (NFLD based observers).

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Shark 10% Swordfish 20% Tuna 20% 10 days. 80 days. 20 days.

The coverage levels are directed nationally. Historically funded federally; it is nowan industry funding requirement.

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - GROUNDFISH (EXCEPT COD)

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, bycatch levels

landing requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To collect data for stock assessments and for input into opening

and closing fisheries.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Groundfish (except cod).

Season of operation: January 01 - December 31.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 30 000 t (excluding cod).

A vg. no. of fishing days per year: mobile gear - 3 000 days: Fixed Gear). 45 ft -

000 days: Fixed Gear 35-45 ft - 12 000 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed:

Fixed gear 35-45 ft 5%. Fixed gear ).45 ft 10%.

Mobile gear all 20%.

The coverage levels are directed nationally. Historically funded federally; it is now

an industry funding requirement. 1997 was a transitional year and coverage was

approximately half the recommended levels.

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NORTHWEST ATLANTIC SHRIMP

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, catch of

juvenile groundfish species, landing requirements, gear restrictions, highgrading and reporting requirements. To collect data for stock assessments

and quota management.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Shrimp.

Season of operation: April - December.

1997 catch of target species: 46 000 t.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer CoverageFraction of fishing activity observed: The coverage levels are directed nationally.

Northern shrimp has been subject to 100% coverage, paid by industry

since 1987.

A major increase in the biomass led to quota allocations to vessels less

than 65 feet in 1997. These smaller vessels had 140 days (8%) industry

funded observer coverage. Fishing effort by the small vessels is expected

to triple in 1998.

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - RE-OPENED COD FISHERY

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To

collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source( s ): Federal.

Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Cod.

Season of operation: April - December.

Annual catch of target species: 15 000 t.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Cod - 5%; 400 days.

The total cod catch off Newfoundland was historically more than 300 000 t. Observer coverage was federally funded at 30% to 100% (depending on the area)

from the mid- 1980s until the fishery was closed in 1992.

When reopened in selected areas in 1997, it was primarily a small boat fishery using gi11nets and baited hooks. Observer coverage was federally funded in 1997 as a

transitional year. Funding levels and source is undecided for 1998.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SCALLOPS

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed/licensed areas, catch

of undersize scallops, discarding and reporting requirements. Collectionof scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry.

Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Scallops.

Season of operation: January - December.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 10 600 t.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: 8 150 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed:

Inshore scallops 10%Offshore scallops 20%

790 days.

50 days.

The coverage levels are directed nationally. Historically funded federally, it is now

an industry funding requirement. 1997 was a transitional year; these levels were

not attained.

NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SMALL PELAGICS

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quotas, catch of

undersize species, gear restrictions, bycatch, discarding and reporting requirements. To collect data on roe condition and fish size which can be

used in decisions to open and close fisheries. To collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry.Fishery DescriptionTarget spe~ies: Small pelagics.

Season of operation: January - December.

Avg. annual catch of target species: 29 000 t.A vg. number of fishing days per year: 4 500 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Capelin Herring seiners 20%

Herring fixed gear Mackerel 

100 days.

260 days.

100 days.

10 days.

The coverage levels are directed nationally. Historically funded federally; it is now

an industry funding requirement. 1997 was a transitional year and the above levels

were not attained. 

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NEWFOUNDLAND REGION - SNOW CRAB

Observer Program Chief Ben Rogers

Scientific Coordinator: Dave Kulka

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, gear restrictions, discarding, dumping, highgrading and reporting requirements. To

monitor catches and method of discard of soft shell crab and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Snow crab.

Season of operation: May - August.

A vg. annual catch of target species: 45 000 t.A vg. number of fishing days per year: 12 000 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for services is tendered for all observer services in the region, for one (1) year

with two (2), 2-year option periods. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager to ensure timely and cost-effective

deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The contractor briefs observers

based on input from the program manager and scientific coordinator.

Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: The coverage levels are directed nationally.

Historically funded federally, it has been funded by industry for the pasttwo (2) years. The recommended level is 20%; only 5% has been

achieved.

LAURENTIAN REGION - CRAB

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding, highgrading and reporting

requirements. To collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Snow crab.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Fleet size: 177 coastal and offshore.

Season of operation: April- July.

Annual catch of target species: 12 000 t.

Average number of fishing days per year: 15-30 days per boat.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. Thecontractor briefs observers based on input from the program manager

and scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 10-20%; 550 days observed.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

LAURENTIAN REGION - SCALLOP

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements.

To collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Iceland scallop, giant scallop.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Fleet size: 82 draggers.

Season of operation: May to September.

Annual catch of target species: 2 300 t.Average number of fishing days per year: ~ 1 00 days per boat.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. A contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. Thecontractor briefs observers based on input from the program managerand scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 10%; 50 days observed.

LAURENTIAN REGION - SHRIMP

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with bycatch restrictions, quota

landing requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To collect data for stock assessments.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.

Fishery Description

Target species: Northern shrimp.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Fleet size: 57 trawlers.

Season of operation: April to October.

Annual catch of target species: 13 000 t.

A verage number of fishing days per year: ~ 80 days per boat.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The

contractor briefs observers based on input from the program manager

and scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 5%; 200 days observed. 

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LAURENTIAN REGION - NORTHERN SHRIMP

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements. To collect data for stock assessments. 

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt.lFishing industry.Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Northern shrimp.

Other commercially landed species: None.

Fleet size: 4 vessels in region.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 12 000 t.

Average number of fishing days per year: ~300 days per boat.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The

contractor briefs observers based on input from the program managerand scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%; 1 050 days observed.

LAURENTIAN REGION - GROUNDFISH - MOBILE GEAR

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements.

To collect data for stock assessments. To open closed areas (test fishery). To assess cod abundance (sentinel fishery).

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Cod (sentinel fishery).

Other commercially landed species: American plaice, flounders, other groundfish.

Fleet size: 20.

Season of operation: July to October.

Annual catch of target species: 3 000 t.Average number of fishing days per year: N/ 

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The

contractor briefs observers based on input from the program managerand scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 10% (100% for test and sentinel fisheries);

200 days observed.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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LAURENTIAN REGION - GROUNDFISH - FIXED GEAR

Observer Program Chief John Chouinard

Scientific Coordinator: Jean-Denis Lambert

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor compliance with closed areas, quota, landing

requirements, gear restrictions, discarding and reporting requirements.

To collect data for stock assessments. To open closed areas (test fishery). To assess cod abundance (sentinel fishery).

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Federal Govt./Fishing industry.Fishery DescriptionTarget species: Greenland halibut, cod (sentinel fishery).Other commercially landed species: Other groundfish.

Fleet size: 120.

Season of operation: June - July.

Annual catch of target species: 2 100 t.Average number of fishing days per year: 20 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: Management of program is federal. The regional manager is responsible for program delivery. contract for

services is tendered for all observer services in the region. The contractor works in close consultation with the program manager ton ensure timely and cost-effective deployments. The contractor is responsible for ensuring sufficient observers are available for deployment. The

contractor briefs observers based on input from the program manager

and scientific coordinator. Data entry is completed by the contractor.

Observer Coverage

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 5% (100% for test and sentinel).

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - BLUE FIN TUNA -

DOMESTIC

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the Program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery Management: Federal.Authority to Place Observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or Mandatory: Mandatory.Funding Source( s): Industry/Government.

Program Duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual Program Costs: $1.9 Million (Coo.) (Admin $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Bluefin tuna.Bycatch: Swordfish, shark, other tunas.

Fleet Size: 46.

Season of operation: June 01 to March 31 , Peak:

Annual catch of target species: 370 t (1997).

Number of fishing days per year: 1 638.

July to September.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility ofthe region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Deployment Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fraction of fishing activity observed: Observer levels are directed nationally. Regionally deployments are often based on consultation between DFO Enforcement, Resource, Science, and fishers.Fisheries Tar

level

20%

10%

100%

Number observed

sea days Actual

Bluefin tuna .(100 ft. (SW Nova Scotia)

Bluefin tuna .(100 ft.

Bluefin tuna? 100 ft 

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - BLUE FIN TUNAFOREIGN

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 12 (e) Coastal Fish. Protection Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Government.

Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Bluefm tuna.Bycatch: Other tunas, swordfish, shark.

Fleet size: Approximately 6 vessels

Season of operation: November 01 to January 15.

Annual catch of target species: 40 t.Number of fishing days per year: 60 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility ofthe region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The Observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage

All foreign vessels had observer coverage.Fisheries Target

level

100%

Actual

100%

Number of observed

sea days

Bluefin tuna

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - CRAB

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1. Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Snow crab, other crab.Bycatch: Lobster.Fleet size: Approximately 177.

Season of operation: July through September.

Annual catch of target species: Snow crab 1 688 t.

Other crab 16 111 t.

Number of fishing days per year: 3 864.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of the region.Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides with the Chief 

Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training

observers.Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Snow crab 20% 373 days

Other crab 20% 399 days

Fisheries Target

level

20%20%

Number observed

sea days

73 days

nil

Actual

Snow crab

Other crab

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - GROUNDFISH -FIXED GEAR

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000 ).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Groundfish.Bycatch: Pelagics.

Fleet size: 900.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species:

Number of fishing days per year: 19 500.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries

Actual

Number of observed

sea days

149 days

5 days

295 days

Target

level

10%10 %

Fixed Gear .(45 ft.Fixed Gear 45-65 ft.

Fixed Gear 65-99 ft.

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - GROUND FISH -

MOBILE GEAR

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the Program: To monitor fisheries legislation and coll~ct scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source( s ): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Groundfish.

Bycatch: Lobster.Fleet size: Approximately 234.

Season of operation: January - December.

Number of fishing days per year: 14 500.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Tar

level

20%20%

20%20%

Actual

Number observed

sea days

5 days

308 days

45 days

483 days

Mobile gear .(45 ft.Mobile gear .(65 ft.Mobile gear 65-99 ft.

Mobile gear /100 ft.

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LARGE

PELAGICS - SHARK

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Shark.

Bycatch: Tuna, swordfish.

Fleet size: Approximately 15.

Season of operation: January - December; Swordfish: May - October.

Annual catch of target species: Shark 1 241 t

Swordfish 1 007 t

Other tuna 295 t

Number of fishing days per year: 2 151.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year).

Fisheries

Actual

Number of observed

sea days

28 days

Targetlevel

10% Shark

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LARGE

PELAGICS - SWORDFISH

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Shark, swordfish, other tuna.

Bycatch: Tunas, shark.Fleet size: 99.

Season of operation: January - December; Swordfish: May - October.

Annual catch of target species: Shark 1 241 t

Swordfish 1 007 t

Other tuna 295 t

Number of fishing days per year: 2 151.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Target

level20%

Number observed

sea days

195 days

Actual

Swordfish

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - LOBSTER - OFFSHOREObserver Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Govenunent.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Lobster.

Bycatch: Groundfish, crab.

Fleet size: 7.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 8 886 t.Number of fishing days per year: 839.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Govenunent, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

No deployments.

Fisheries Target

level20%

Actual

Number of observed

sea days

Lobster (offshore)

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SCALLOPS - INSHORE

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Govenunent.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

427 000 ).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Y ear)

Target species: Scallops.Bycatch: Groundfish.

Fleet size: 277.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 1 016 t.

Number of fishing days per year: 8 297.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Govenunent, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Target

level

10%

Number observed

sea days

184 days

Actual

Scallops 

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SCALLOPS -

OFFSHORE

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.

Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $1.9 Million (Coo.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Scallops.

Bycatch: Lobster, groundfish.

Fleet size: Approximately 32.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 46 921 t.Number of fishing days per year: 3 759.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

No deployments.Fisheries Target

level

20%

Number of observed

sea days Actual

Scallop (offshore)

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP -

NORTHERN

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Shrimp.Bycatch: Turbot, redfish.Fleet size: 4.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: 13 000 t.Number of fishing days per year: N/ A.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Tar

level

100%

Number observed

sea days

879

Actual

Northern shrimp

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP -SCOTIAN SHELFObserver Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Government.

Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Shrimp.Fleet size: 21.

Season of operation: April - October.

Annual catch of target species: 4 000 t.

Number of fishing days per year: 1548 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility ofthe region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

No deployments.Fisheries Target

level

10%

Number of observed

sea days Actual

Shrimp (Scotia Shelf)

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SHRIMP -

OTHER

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Shrimp.

Fleet size: 13.

Season of operation: April - October.

Annual catch of target species: 4 000 t.

Number of fishing days per year: 1548 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resideswith the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

No deployments.Fisheries Tar

level

10%

Number observed

sea days Actual

Shrimp (others) 

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SILVER HAKE -

DOMESTIC

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Coo.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000 ).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Silver hake.

Bycatch: Red hake, other groundfish.

Fleet size: N/ A.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: N/ 

Number of fishing days per year: N/ 

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Target

level

Number of observed

sea days

7 days

Actual

Silver hake

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SILVER HAKE -

FOREIGN

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 12 (e) Coastal Fish. Protection Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source(s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Coo.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Silver hake.Bycatch: Squid, groundfish.Fleet size: Approximately 10.

Season of operation: February - September.

Annual catch of target species: 8 872 t.Number of fishing days per year: 860 days.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resideswith the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Target

level

100%

Number observed

Actual sea days

1473 days Silver hake

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SMALL

PELAGICS

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source( s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.

Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)Target species: Herring, mackerel.

Bycatch: Salmon, groundfish.

Fleet size: Approximately 2 050.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: Herring 101 131 t.

Mackerel 3 402 t

Number of fishing days per year: 6 508.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility of

the region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resideswith the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries Target

level

20%

Number of observed Actual sea days

64 days Herring

SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - SURF CLAMS

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source( s): Industry/Government.Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: Surf clams.Bycatch: Quahaugs/propeller clams.Fleet size: 1.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species:

Number of fishing days per year: 263.

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility ofthe region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resides

with the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director of

the Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

No deployments.

Fisheries Tar

level

20%

Number observed

sea days Actual

Surf clams (offshore) 

\:) :::: \:J "--i C3J 1"1-, r-r-, \:Jr-r-, '\J"--i
SCOTIA-FUNDY FISHERIES - MARITIMES REGION - TEST / EXPERIMENT AL

Observer Program Coordinator: Hugh Parker Scientific Coordinator: Mark Showell

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: To monitor fisheries legislation and collect scientific data.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source( s): Industry/Government.

Program duration: One year contract with two 24 month option periods.Annual program costs: $ 1.9 Million (Cdn.) (Admin. $427 000 Operation

$1,451 000).

Fishery Description (1997 Calendar Year)

Target species: All species.

Season of operation: January - December.

Annual catch of target species: N/A.

Number of fishing days per year: NI 

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: The Observer Program is managed by the

Federal Government, with the day to day operation the responsibility ofthe region. Regionally, the ultimate responsibility for the program resideswith the Chief of Surveillance Operations who reports to the Director ofthe Conservation and Protection Branch. The observer contractor is responsible for supplying and training observers.

Observer Coverage (1997 Calendar Year)

Fisheries

Actual

Number of observed

sea days

137 days

Target

level

Test (all species) 100%

PACIFIC REGION - DOMESTIC TRAWL FISHERY

Observer Program Chief Barry Ackerman

Scientific Coordinator: Mark Saunders

Contracting Firm: Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Observers are required to monitor compliance of the fishing vessel to area( s) or operations, gear restrictions and other fishery

regulations. Observers provide independent estimates of retained and discarded catch for quota management purposes. Observers are also requiredto collect biological samples of target and bycatch species for the science

objectives of the program.

Fishery management: Federal.

Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.

Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.

Funding source: Co-Funded by Industry and Government.

Program duration: At sea observer monitoring on domestic trawl vessels has been

compulsory since 1996. Components of the fishery are exempt from observers (e. , hake/pollock).

Annual program cost: $2 300 000 (Cdn.

Fishery Description (1997)Target species: About 20 groundfish species including rockfish, flatfish, and other

roundfish.

Bycatch: halibut and salmon are small component of catch.

Fleet size: about 70 trawlers (50- 150 ft in length) .

Season of operation: year-round.

A vg. annual catch of target species: about 45 000 t.Avg. number of fishing days per year: about 5 500 (sea days).

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: DFO staff outline information and monitoring

objectives required of observer program. Affected fishing industry groups

have input on the operational requirements of program. Contractor is responsible for most aspects of program delivery including hiring and

training observer staff; supervising, briefing, and debriefing of observers;

entering, editing and quality control of data. Contractor also provides

routine reporting and analysis for the time sensitive information requirements.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: DFO contracts with supplier firm

for program delivery. Contracts are annual with two one-year renewal

options.

CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

::::

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lit
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Observer Coverage (1997)

Unit and defmition of fishing effort: A sea day is defined as time, rounded to the

nearest two hour interval, that a vessel is at sea (i. , not at the dock). This

includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time

doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrievinggear or time spent searching for fish.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%.

PACIFIC REGION - IN HAKE FISHERY

Observer Program Chief Barry Ackerman

Scientific Coordinator: Mark Saunders

Contracting Firm: Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

Observer Program Mandate and Authority

Mission of the program: Observers are required to monitor compliance of the fishing vessel to area( s) or operations, restrictions on catch processing and

dumping, and bycatch sorting requirements. Observers provide independent estimates of catch for quota management purposes. Obseryers are also

required to collect biological samples of target and bycatch species for the

science objectives of the program.

Fishery management: Federal.Authority to place observers: Section 46 Fishery (General) Regulations.Voluntary or mandatory: Mandatory.Funding source: Industry Funded.Program duration: At sea observer monitoring has been compulsory on foreign

fishing vessels has been since 1987.

Annual program cost: $200 000 (Cdn.

Fishery Description (1997)Target species: Pacific hake.

Fleet size: 3-5 foreign factory trawlers.

Season of operation: June - September.

A vg. annual catch of target species: 50 000 t.

Avg. number of fishing days per year: 500 (sea days).

Observer Program Management

Brief overview of program structure: DFO staff outline information and monitoring

objectives required of observer program. Affected fishing industry groups

have input on the operational requirements of program. Contractor is responsible for most aspects of program delivery including hiring and

training observer staff; supervising, briefmg, and debriefing of observers;

entering, editing and quality control of data. Contractor also provides

routine reporting and analysis for the time sensitive information requirements.

Service delivery type and function of each entity: DFO contracts with supplier firm

for program delivery. Contracts are annual with two one-year renewal

options.

Other participating agencies: None.Observer Coverage (1997)

Unit and defmition of fishing effort for purpose of estimating coverage: A sea day

is defined as any day six hours or more that a vessel is at sea (i. , not at

the dock). This includes time spent steaming to, from and between fishing grounds, time doing repairs or waiting for weather at sea, time deploying or retrieving gear or time spent searching for fish.

Fraction of fishing activity observed: 100%. 

:::: \:J "--i C);) 1"1-, 1"1-, \:J\:J 1"1-, "--i
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

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ApPENDIX: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Barry Ackerman

DFO - Pacific Region

555 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6B 5G3

Tel (604) 666-3991

Fax (604) 666-8525

ackermanb~dfo- mpo. gc. ca

Chris Annand

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 550 Station "

Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 Canada

Tel (902) 426-3514

Fax (902) 426-9683

annandc~mar .dfo-mpo .gc. ca

Canada

Laurie Allen

NMFS - Northeast Region

One Blackburn Drive

Gloucester, MA 01930 USA

Tel (978) 281-9291

Fax (978) 281-9394

laurie. allen~noaa. gov

James W. Balsiger

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, WA 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4000

Fax (206) 526-4004

j im. balsiger~noaa.gov

.......

'\J

Anneka Bane

NMFS - Headquarters

1315 East-West Highway SSMC3 14552

Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA

Tel (301) 713-2259

Fax (301) 713-2258

nikki. bane~noaa. gOY

Tony Blanchard

DFO - Newfoundland Region

O. Box 5667

St. John' NF AIC 5Xl Canada

Tel (709) 772-0928

Fax (709) 772-5983

blanchardt~dfo- mpo.gc.

Harry Bensen

Seawatch Inc.

17 - 19 Pippy Place

St. John' NF AIB 3R9

Tel (709) 753-3880

Fax (709) 754-9530

bds~avalon.nf.

Rolf Blikshavn

Fisheries Directorate

Strandgt 229

5002 Bergen, Norway

Tel +47-55-23-80-

Fax +47-55-23-80-

rolf. blikshavn~fiskeridir. dep. telemax.

Canada

Serge de Blois

ASD Canada

2020 University, Suite 434

Montreal, PQ H4A 2A5

Tcl (514) 990-9904

Fax (514) 964-3370

sdeb lois~sprint. ca

Canada

Larry Boyle

Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game

PO Box 920587

Dutch Harbor, AK 99692 USA

Tel (907) 581- 1219

Fax (907) 581- 1572

larryb~fishgame.state.ak. us
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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Cheryl Brown

NMFS - Southeast Fisheries Science Center

75 Virginia Beach Drive

Miami, FL 33149 USA

Tel (305) 361-4275

Fax (305) 361-4562

chery 1. brown~noaa. gov

Larry Byrne

Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game

211 Mission Road

Kodiak, AK 99615 USA

Tel (907) 486- 1875

Fax (907) 496- 1824

lbyrne~fishgame. state .ak. us

Jacob Chabinka

Javitech Ltd.

115 Joseph Zatzman Dr.

Dartmouth, NS B3B 1N3 Canada

Tel (902) 468-9899

Fax (902) 468-9779

javi~auracom.com

Tonya Builder

NMFS - Northwest Fisheries Science Center

2040 SE Marine Science Drive

Newport, OR 97365 USA

Tel (541) 867-0237

Fax (541) 867-0389

tonya. builder~noaa. gov

Guillermo Canete

INIDEP

Paseo Victoria Ocampo N1

(7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina

Tel +54-23-86-2586

Fax +54-23-86-2695

gcanete~lisa.inidep. edu. ar

John Chouinard

DFO - Laurentian Region

104 Dalhousie

Quebec City, PQ G1K 7Y7

Tel (418) 648-5887

Fax (418) 648-7981

chouinardj o~dfo-mpo.gc. ca

Vicki Cornish

NMFS - Office of Protected Resources

1315 East-West Highway SSMC3 14552

Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA

Tel (301) 713-2322

Fax (301) 713-0376

vicki.cornish~noaa.gov

Canada

Darryl Christensen

NMFS - Northeast Fisheries Science Center

166 Water Street

Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA

Tel (508) 495-2351

Fax (508) 495-2258

darry 1. christensen~noaa. g 

Paula Cullenberg

North Pacific Observer Training Center

Suite 207, 707 A Street

Anchorage, AK 99501 USA

Tel (907) 257-2770

Fax (907) 257-2774

anpjc~uaa. alaska.edu

Tom Curran

DFO - Newfoundland Region

O. Box 5667

St. John' , NF A1C 5X1 Canada

Tel (709) 772-2045

Fax (709) 772-3628

currant~dfo- mpo. gc. 

Douglas DeMaster

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMML

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4047

Fax (206) 526-6615

doug.demaster~noaa.gov

Brandon Davis

Frank Orth and Associates

Suite 900, 10900 NE 4th Street

Bellevue, W 98004 USA

Tel (425) 455-9693 loc 247

Fax (425) 646-9582

brandond~csspro. com

Al Didier

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Suite 100, 45 SE 82nd Drive

Gladstone, OR 97027-2522 USA

Tel (503) 650-5400

Fax (503) 650-5426

- didier~psmfc. org

Brian Donahue

DFO - Ottawa

200 Kent Street

Ottawa, ON KIA OE6

Tel (613) 990-0093

Fax (613) 941-2718

donahueb~dfo-mpo.gc.

Canada
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Canada

David Edick

Alaskan Observers Inc.

# 206, 130 Nickerson

Seattle, W 98109 USA

Tel (206) 283-6604

Fax (20~ 283-6519

ao istaff~alaskano bservers. com

Brian Fadely

NMFS - Alaska Region

PO Box 21668

Juneau, AK 99802- 1668 USA

Tel (907) 586-7642

Fax (907) 586-7012

brian. fadely(fYnoaa. gov

Andrew Duthie

DFO - Ottawa

200 Kent Street

Ottawa, ON KIA OE6

Tel (613) 990-0157

Fax (613) 990-9691

duthiea(fYdfo- mpo. gc. ca

Wendy Emerson

Frank Orth and Associates

Suite 900, 10900 NE 4th Street

Bellevue, W 98004 USA

Tel (425) 425-9693 loc 247

Fax (425) 646-9582

driftnet(fYgte.net

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"C:J

Shannon Fitzgerald

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4553

Fax (206) 526-4066 

shannon. fi tz gerald(fYnoaa. gov

Sarah Gaichas

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W A 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4554

Fax (206) 526-4066

sarah. gaichas~noaa. gov

Marc Gagnon

Biorex Inc.

969 Roote de l'Eglise, #500

Ste-Foy, PQ G1V 3V4 Canada

Tel (418) 654- 1316

Fax (418) 654-9217

biorex(fYmlink.net

Pam Gale

Alaskan Observers Inc.

#206 130 Nickerson

Seattle, W 98109 USA

Tel (206) 283-6604

Fax (206) 283-65l9

ao istaff(fYalaskano bservers. com

.......

'\J

:?:

Michael Gjernes

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

#200 - 525 Head St

Victoria, BC V9A 5S1 Canada

Tel (250) 383-4535

Fax (250) 383-0103

mikeg(fYarchipelago. bc. ca

Jim lanelli

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526- 1075

Fax (206) 526- 6723

jim. ianelli(fYnoaa.gov

France Henry

Biorex Inc.

c.P. 817, Rue de la Reine

Gaspe, PQ GOC 1RO Canada

Tel (418) 368-5597

Fax (418) 368- 1372

biorex(fYglobetrotter. q c. ca

Maurice Jean

Biorex Inc.

111 Boul St-Pierre Ouest, local 13

Caraquet, NB E1W 1B9 Canada

Tel (506) 727-7635

Fax (506) 727-7338

biorexnb(fYnbnetnb. ca

Bill Karp

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4194

Fax (206) 526-4066

bill.karp(fYnoaa.gov

Kate King

NMFS - Northwest Region

7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg 

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-6145

Fax (206) 526-6736

kate.king(fYnoaa.gov
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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Fred Koontz

NMFS - Enforcement

PO Box 977

Aberdeen, W 98520 USA

Tel (360) 532-8640

Fax (360) 532-8876

fred.koontZ(fYnoaa.gov

Micheal Lake

Alaskan Observers Inc.

#206, 130 Nickerson

Seattle, W 98109 USA

Tel (206) 283-6604

Fax (206) 283-6519

aoistaff~alaskano bservers. com

Dave Kulka

DFO - Newfoundland Region

O. Box 5667

St. John' , NF AIC 5Xl Canada

Tel (709) 772-2064

Fax (709) 772-2064

kulka(fYathena. nwaf c .nf. ca

Jean-Denis Lambert

DFO - Laurentian Region

850 Route de la Mer, P.O. Box 1000

Mont-Joli, PQ G5H 3Z4 Canada

Tel (418) 775-0575

Fax (418) 775-0542

lambertjd~dfo- mpo.gc.

Dennis Lee

NMFS - Southeast Fisheries Science Center

75 Virginia Beach Drive

Miami, FL 33149 USA

Tel (305) 361-4247

Fax (305) 361-4562

dennis .lee~noaa. gOY

Susan Linn

US Dept of Commerce - Seafood Inspection

PO Drawer 1207, 3209 Frederic 8t.

Pascagoula, MS 39567-4112 USA

Tel (228) 769-8964

Fax (228) 762-7144

susan.1inn~noaa.gov

Brian Lester

DFO - Ottawa

200 Kent Street

Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 Canada

Tel (613) 990-0090

Fax (613) 990-7051

lesterb~dfo- mpo. gc. 

Martin Loeft1ad

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4195

Fax (206) 526-4066

martin.loefflad~noaa. gov

Ron Manderson

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 5030, 343 Archibald St.

Moncton, NB E 1 C 9B6 Canada

Tel (506) 851-2088

Fax (506) 851-2504

mandersonr~dfo- mpo.gc.

Bob Maier

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, WA 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4197

Fax (206) 526-4066

bob .maier~noaa. gov

Bridget Mansfield

NMFS - Southeast Region

9721 Executive Center Drive North, Suite 201

St. Petersburg, FL 33702 USA

Tel (813) 570-5312

Fax (813) 570-5517

bridg et. mansfield~noaa. g 

Douglas March

Groundfish Research and Conservation Society

10377 125 A Street

Surrey, BC V3V 4Z7 Canada

Tel (604) 951-0023

Fax (604) 951-0977

Keith Matteson

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

2040 SE Marine Science Drive

Newport, OR 97365 USA

Tel (541) 867-0300 loc 244

Fax (541) 867-0311

keith.matteson~hmsc. orst. edu

Angela McDiarmid

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

#200 - 525 Head Street

Victoria, BC V9 A 58 1 Canada

Tel (250) 383-4535

Fax (250) 383-0103
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Howard McElderry

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

#200 - 525 Head Street

Victoria, BC V9A5S Canada

Tel (250) 383-4535

Fax (250) 383-0103

howardm~archipelago. bc. 

Mandy Merklein

Workshop Rapporteur

727 N. 74th Street

Seattle, W 98103 USA

Tel (206) 782-8273

Fax

mandym~compuserve.com

Stephen Meyer

NMFS - Alaska Enforcement Division

PO Box 21767

Juneau, AK 99802- 1767 USA

Tel (907) 586-7225

Fax

st~phen.meyer~noaa.gov

Chris Oliver

North Pacific Fishery Management Council

505 W. 4th Ave, Suite 306

Anchorage, AK 99501-2252 USA

Tel (90) 727- 12809

Fax (907) 271-2817

chris. oliver~noaa.gov

Hugh Parker

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 550 Station "

Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 Canada

Tel (902) 426-5850

Fax (902) 426-5850

parkerh~mar .dfo-mpo.gc.

Michael Perez

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMML

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, W A 98115-0070 USA

Tel (206) 526-4014

Fax (206) 526-6615

michael. perez~noaa. gov

Terrence Phillips

CARl COM

PO Box 3150, Carenage PO

Trinidad and Tobago

Tel (809) 634-4528 OR (809) 634-4530

Fax (809) 634-4549

tphillips~wow .net

Dan McKiernan

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Room 19901 , 100 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02202 USA

Tel (617) 727-3193

Fax (617) 727-7988

dan.mckiernan~state.ma. us

Richard Merrick

NMFS - Northeast Fisheries Science Center

166 Water Street

Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA

Tel (508) 495-2291

Fax (508) 495-2258'

richard. merrick~noaa. go 

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Greg Morgan

North Pacific Observer Training Center

Suite 207, 707 A Street

Anchorage, AK 99501 USA

Tel (907) 257-2770

Fax (907) 257-2774

angtm~uaa. alaska. edu

George Pappas

Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game

PO Box 920587

Dutch Harbor, AK 99692 USA

Tel (907) 581- 1239

Fax (907) 581- 1572

georgep~fishgame. state. ak. us

.......

'\J

:?:

Laurent Paulin

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 5030, 343 Archibald St.

Moncton, NB E1C 9B6 Canada

Tel

Fax

paulinl~dfo-mpo.gc.

Donald Petersen

NMFS - Southwest Region

501 West Ocean Blvd, Suite 4200

Long Beach, CA 90802-4213 USA

Tel (562) 980-4024

Fax (562) 980-4027

don. petersen~noaa. gov

Tim Price

NMFS - Southwest Region

501 West Ocean Blvd, Suite 4200

Long Beach, CA 90805-4213 USA

Tel (562) 980-4029

Fax (562) 980-4027

tim.price~noaa.gov
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CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Becky Renko

NMFS - Alaska Fisheries Science Center

7600 Sand Point Way NE

Seattle, WA 98115 USA

Tel (206) 526-4209

Fax (206) 526-4066

becky .renko~noaa.gov

Ben Rogers

DFO - Newfoundland Region

O. Box 5667

St. John' , NF AIC 5Xl Canada

Tel (709) 772-4495

Fax (709) 772-5983

rogersb~dfo-mpo.gc.

Lionel Rowe

DFO - Ottawa

200 Kent Street

Ottawa, ON KIA OE6 Canada

Tel (613) 789-5901

Fax

lione1.rowe~sympatico. ca

Sue Salveson

NMFS - Alaska Region

PO Box 21668

Juneau, AK 99802 USA

Tel (907) 586-7228

Fax (907) 586-7465

susan. salveson~noaa. gov

Robert Sciocchetti

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 550 Station "

Halifax, NS B3J 2S7 Canada

Tel (902) 426- 1780

Fax (902) 426-9380

sciocchettir~mar. dfo- mpo. gc. ca

Mark Showell

DFO - Maritime Region

Bedford Institute of Oceanography, PO Box 1006

Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 Canada

Tel (902) 426-3501

Fax (902) 426-7750

m - showell~bionet. bio. dfo. ca

Lauren Smoker

NOAA General Council - Alaska Region

709 W. 9th Street Rm 909a, PO Box 21109

Juneau, AK 99801 USA

Tel (907) 586-7414

Fax (907) 586-7263

lauren. smoker~noaa. gov

Leslie Rider-Araki

Chemonics International Inc.

Suite 600, 1133 20th Street NW

Washington, DC 20036 USA

Tel (202) 955-3419

Fax (202) 955-7531

lrider~chemonics. com

Cheslie Rose

Seawatch Inc.

17 - 19 Pippy Place

St. John' , NF AIB 3R9

Tel (709) 753-3880

Fax (709) 754-9530

bds~avalon.nf.ca

Canada

Mark Saelens

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

2040 SE Marine Science Drive

Newport, OR 97365 USA

Tel (541) 867-0300 loc 251

Fax (541) 867-0311

mark. saalens~hmsc. orst. edu

Mark Saunders

DFO - Pacific Region

Pacific Biological Station, Hammond Bay Road

Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K6 Canada

Tel (250) 756-7154

Fax (250) 756-7053

saundersm~dfo- mpo .gc. ca

Elizabeth Scott-Denton

NMFS - Southeast Region

4700 Avenue U

Galveston, TX 77551 USA

Tel (409) 766-3571

Fax (409) 766-3508

lizabeth. scott -denton~no aa. g ov

Allen Sinclair

DFO - Maritime Region

PO Box 5030, 343 Archibald St.

Moncton, NB E 1 C 9B6 Canada

Tel (506) 851-2721

Fax (506) 851-2387

sinclaira~dfo- mpo. gc. 

Shawn Stebbins

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

#200 - 525 Head Street

Victoria, BC V9A 5S1 Canada

Tel (250) 383-4535

Fax (250) 383-0103

sha wns~archipelago. bc. 
CANADA/U. S. OBSERVER PROGRAM WORKSHOP

Mike Tork

NMFS - Northeast Fisheries Science Center

166 Water Street

Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA

Tel

Fax (508) 495-2258

mike. tork(illnoaa.gov

Denis Tremblay

DFO - Laurentian Region

104 Dalhousie

Quebec City, PQ GIK 7Y7 Canada

Tel

Fax

tremblayd(illdfo- mpo. gc. ca

Donn Tracy

Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game

211 Mission Road

Kodiak, AK 99615 USA

Tel (907) 486- 1822

Fax (907) 496- 1824

donnt(illfishfgame. state. ak

Bob Trumble

International Pacifc Halibut Commission

PO Box 95009

Seattle, W A 98145-2009 USA

Tel (206) 634- 1838 209

Fax (206) 632-2983

bo b(illiphc. washington. edu

Bruce Turris

Pacific Fisheries Management Inc.

333 Third Street

New Westminster, BC V3L 2R8 Canada

Tel (604) 524-0005

Fax (604) 524-0150

bruce - turris(illbc.sympatico.

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Teresa Turk

Association of Professional Observers

PO Box 30167

Seattle, W 98103 USA

Tel (206) 685-2104 or (206) 860-5828

Fax

. turk(illfish.washington.edu

John Twomey

Workshop Rapporteur

#200 - 525 Head Street

Victoria, BC V9A 5S 

Tel (250) 370- 1663

Fax

sedwell(illii.

.......

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Canada

Jay Wennemer

Manomet Observatory

PO Box 1770

Manomet, MA 02345 USA

Tel (508) 224-6521

Fax (508) 224-9220

j wennemer(illaol. com

Wendy Williams

Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.

#200 - 525 Head Street

Victoria, BC V9A 5S1 Canada

Tel (250) 383-4535

Fax (250) 383-0103