| Enhancements
to Data Quality and Data Collection Procedures |
- To develop and evaluate Agency initiatives
to improve the quality of observer data
from regional observer programs.
- To evaluate the procedures for collection
of observer data, including the review
of data collection methodologies and bycatch
estimation procedures.
- To develop technological and methodological
enhancements to improve data collection
techniques.
- To enhance the quality of data collected
by observers through development of national
standards for the collection, management,
and distribution of observer data.
- To enhance integration of observer data
with other data collection programs such
as logbooks, VMS, and landing reports.
- To develop and update a national bycatch
report for documentation of regional and
national bycatch estimates and estimation
procedures, identification of gaps in
coverage, and input into strategic planning
processes.
|
| Policy Development |
- To identify amendments under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act,
Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered
Species Act, and other federal legislation
necessary to support observer program
activities.
- To develop national policies on issues
of national concern to observer programs,
such as hiring and training observers,
observer safety and health, and data confidentiality.
|
| Observer Support |
- To recognize and support the needs of
observers so that they are able to collect
high quality scientific data.
- To communicate NOP activities of interest
to the observer community
|
| Program Enhancements |
- To identify the agency’s highest
priorities for observer data collection
and make recommendations on how observer
programs can fulfill those needs.
- To review regional observer programs
and make recommendations on how to improve
program operations and administration
- To review the cost efficiency and effectiveness
of observer program operations.
|
| Outreach and Education |
- To communicate the goals and objectives
of NOAA Fisheries observer programs at
a national level.
- To support and coordinate the outreach
activities of regional observer programs.
- To formalize working relationships between
observer programs and other state/federal
agencies and organizations.
|
| International |
- To support and participate in the International
Fisheries Observer Conference.
- To maintain an awareness of observer programs
worldwide.
- To assist other NMFS offices with international
observer-related issues.
|
