Since 1997, an increasing contingent of the groundfish fleet has been outfitted with a custom software package called ATLAS which allows
observers to enter and transmit their data electronically from sea. A major upgrade of ATLAS occurred and was installed on vessels fishing in 2008. ATLAS provides NMFS with real-time data for fisheries management, and also
allows FMA Division staff to quality control data. Secure text messaging capability included in ATLAS enables two-way communication between
observers and FMA Division staff, allowing us to send suggested edits to the observer to make in the field, and for observers to ask questions
or report problems.
Each
vessel and processing facility equipped with ATLAS has a designated staff member
that reviews the incoming data. In 2009, 18 staff members are responsible
for monitoring 114 fishing vessels and 19 plants. Electronic transmissions
through ATLAS account for approximately 85% of all observer data.
In addition to monitoring incoming data for errors, FMA Division staff use
text messages to discuss sampling methods, answer questions, and generally
maintain a connection with observers while they are deployed. On average, 1,000 messages per month are relayed between observers at
sea and FMA Division staff.
Through inseason advising, staff can:
- be informed immediately of safety or health issues that may arise while
the observer is deployed;
- improve data quality for sound, real time management of the fishery;
- provide general support to observers at sea;
- expedite the debriefing process by addressing sampling and data accuracy issues while the observer is at sea.
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