Observer Programs on the West Coast

Observers are highly trained biologists that work independently aboard vessels to quantify total catch. They estimate bycatch, collect biological samples, and monitor for fishery interactions with marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Observers focus on scientific data collection at sea and they play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of the fishery.

NOAA Fisheries coordinates a national program through it's Office of Science and Technology, based upon geographic areas and needs. Along the West Coast, NOAA Fisheries runs the Trawl Catch Share Observer Program through the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and the Southwest Region Fisheries Observer Program. Fisheries Observers are deployed under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

For More Information

Trawl Catch Share Observer Program

Southwest Region Fisheries Observer Program

For additional information please visit the National Observer Program website.