NOAA Fisheries

At-Sea Scale Inspections

Before a scale can be used to officially weigh catch at-sea it has to be inspected by a NMFS-authorized inspector. The inspector will check to make sure the scale is properly installed, all components of the scale are functioning (printer, display, software) and it can pass a performance test. The performance test consists of weighing a known quantity of test material (sand in bags) and making sure the scale being tested weighs the material accurately. In order to perform this test on a flow scale or hopper scale, the inspector we will be passing the test material across the scale in the same manner fish/crab would pass across the scale. Therefore, infeed belts must be operational before the test can be done.

We will perform scale inspections in Dutch Harbor, Kodiak or the Puget Sound area. We need to receive a request for a scale inspection at least 10 working days in advance of the requested inspection.

• 63 FR 5836, 2/4/98: Technical and Performance Requirements
• Scales Approved for Use At-Sea
• Scale Inspection Request Form:
     SUBMIT ONLINE or Print and Fax/Mail
• Scale Inspection Appointment Schedule
• Record of Daily Flow Scale Tests: PDF or Excel
• Record of Daily Automatic Hopper Scale Tests

Observer Sample Station and Bin Monitoring Inspection

Catcher processors participating in the GOA Rockfish Pilot program as part of a cooperative or in the limited access fishery must complete both the observer sampling station and bin monitoring inspection request forms. Vessels participating in the Opt-out fishery of the Rockfish Pilot Program must only complete the bin monitoring inspection request. Regulations regarding Bin Monitoring requirements can be found at 50 CFR 679.84 (c) and (d). Vessels participating in other groundfish fisheries requiring a sample station must complete the observer sampling station inspection form. An inspection request should be submitted at least 10 work days before the requested inspection date.

• Observer Sampling Station Inspection Request
• Bin Monitoring Inspection Request

Crab Monitoring Plans

A Register Crab Receiver (RCR) must submit a Crab Monitoring Plan (CMP) for approval by NMFS. The CMP must be approved before receiving any Crab Rationalization crab deliveries. An inspection of the processing facility must be requested 10 working days before the requested inspection date. CMPs will be approved for one year. An owner or manager must notify NMFS in writing if changes are made in plant operations or layout. Regulations regarding the CMP performance standards can be found at 50 CFR 680.23(g).

• Crab Monitoring Plan: PDF or Word
• Crab Monitoring Plan Completed Example

Catch Monitoring and Control Plans

A processor taking deliveries from vessels engaged in directed fishing for Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management area and the GOA Rockfish Pilot Program must operate under an approved Catch Monitoring and Control Plan (CMCP). A CMCP must be submitted to NMFS for approval prior to receiving any BSAI Pollock deliveries. An inspection of the processing facility must be requested 10 working days before the requested inspection date. CMCPs will be approved for one year. Regulations regarding the CMCP performance standards can be found in 50 CFR 679.28(g).

Electronic Monitoring (Video)

A number of electronic monitoring technologies have been applied to fisheries monitoring. Video based technologies are of increasing interest, and are being used in several applications in the North Pacific and elsewhere. Within the North Pacific, video technology has been proposed as a potential way to supplement existing observer coverage; enhance the value of the data NMFS receives; and/or fill data gaps that have proven difficult to fill with human observers. Some video applications are in place, while others are being developed or are under consideration.

An Electronic Fisheries Monitoring Workshop was conducted July 29-30, 2008 to assess the current status of video monitoring technology for fisheries, its applicability to research and management in the North Pacific, its future potential, and research and development needs.

• Electronic Fisheries Monitoring Workshop Proceedings NEW!

Scales Approved for Use At-Sea

Before a Scale Inspection can take place, the model of scale must be included on a list of scales approved for weighing catch at sea. The following types and models of scale have been approved by NMFS.

APPROVED OBSERVER SAMPLING STATION SCALES

Contact Information

Alan Kinsolving
NMFS At-Sea Scales Program Coordinator
2245 CO Bar Trail
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
PH: (928)-774-4362
FX: (928)-774-4362
Email: alan.kinsolving@noaa.gov

Jennifer Watson
CMP/CMCP Program Coordinator
PO Box 21668
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
PH: (907)-586-7537 or (907)-586-7228
FX: (907)-586-7465
Email: jennifer.watson@noaa.gov