An observer recording fish catch information at sea

The West Coast Groundfish Observer Program includes the Observer Team and collaborators from the PSMFC (Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission) that direct the program, train new observers, and manage and analyze the bycatch data. As part of this program, fisheries observers are placed on commercial fishing vessels to monitor and record catch data, including species composition of retained and discarded catch. Observers also collect critical biological data such as fish length, sex, and weight. The program currently deploys about 40 observers coast wide on the permitted trawl and fixed-gear groundfish fleet, as well as on some vessels that are part of the open-access groundfish fleet. Observers improve our understanding of fishing activities and help provide accurate accounts of total catch, bycatch, and discard associated with different fisheries and fish stocks.

For more information on the Observer Program please see FAQs and the documents below:

Observer Data Reports

Sampling Manual

• Observer Manual

Regulations

• Observer Health and Safety Regulations (50 CFR Part 600) (PDF)
• Observer Program Regulations (50 CFR Part 660) (PDF)

Observer Coverage Plan

• Observer Coverage Plan (PDF)

Contact Information
The West Coast Groundfish Observer Program can be contacted currently at the, Fishery Resource Analysis & Monitoring Division of the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 1-866-780-8064. Our website is http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov with links to the West Coast Groundfish Observer Program. The Program's email address is: Observer Program