2017 Observer Manual

589 Pages·2016·21.91 MB·English

Alaska Fisheries Science Center | Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division
2017 Observer
Sampling Manual
North Pacific Observer Program
November 1, 2016
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service
Observers: Keep this manual throughout the 2017 fishing year

Cover photo by Adam Umstead

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:
Information collected through the observer program will be used to: (1) monitor catch and bycatch; (2)
understand the population status and trends of fish stocks and protected species, as well as the interactions
between them; (3) determine the quantity and distribution of net benefits derived from living marine
resources; (4) predict the biological, ecological, and economic impacts of existing management actions and
proposed management options; and (5) ensure that the observer programs can safely and efficiently collect
the information required for the previous four uses. In particular, the observer program provides information
that is used in analyses that support the conservation and management of living marine resources and that are
required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Endangered
Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), Executive Order 12866 (EO 12866), and other applicable
law. Most of the information collected by observers is obtained through “direct observation by an employee
or agent of the sponsoring agency or through non standardized oral communication in connection with such
direct observations.” Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) regulations at 5 C.F.R. 1320.3(h)(3), facts
or opinions obtained through such observations and communications are not considered to be “information”
subject to the PRA. The public reporting burden for responding to the questions that observers ask and that
are subject to the PRA is estimated to average 60 minutes per trip, including the time for hearing and
understanding the questions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or
any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis
Division, 7600 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115. Providing the requested safety information is
mandatory under regulations at 50 C.F.R. 600.746; however, providing the other requested information is
voluntary. All information collected by observers will be kept confidential as required under Section 402(b)
of the MSA (18 U.S.C. 1881a(b)) and regulations at 50 C.F.R. Part 600, Subpart E. Not withstanding any
other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. This is an
approved information collection under OMB Control No. 0648-0593, expires 10-31-2018.
This document should be cited as follows:
(AFSC) Alaska Fisheries Science Center. 2017 Observer Sampling Manual. Fisheries
Monitoring and Analysis Division, North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program.
AFSC, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, Washington, 98115.
Reference in this document to trade names does not imply endorsement by the
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA.
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1-1

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................................2-1

TRIP INFORMATION .......................................................................................................3-1

TRAWLER CATCH DATA ...............................................................................................4-1

TRAWLER COMPOSITION SAMPLING......................................................................5-1

MOTHERSHIP DATA COLLECTION ...........................................................................6-1

LONGLINE CATCH DATA COLLECTION ..................................................................7-1

LONGLINE COMPOSITION SAMPLING .....................................................................8-1

POT VESSEL CATCH DATA ...........................................................................................9-1

POT VESSEL COMPOSITION SAMPLING ..................................................................10-1

SHORESIDE PLANTS AND FLOATING PROCESSORS............................................11-1

PROHIBITED SPECIES SAMPLING..............................................................................12-1

FISH MEASUREMENT AND SPECIMEN COLLECTION .........................................13-1

MARINE MAMMAL INTERACTIONS AND SIGHTINGS .........................................14-1

TAGGED FISH AND CRAB..............................................................................................15-1

BIRD SIGHTINGS AND INTERACTIONS ....................................................................16-1

STOMACH COLLECTION...............................................................................................17-1

ATLAS INSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................................18-1

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION .....................................................................19-1

REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE ...........................................................................20-1

INSEASON ADVISING, MID-CRUISE AND FINAL DEBRIEFING..........................21-1

APPENDICES
GLOSSARY
INDEX
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INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents
The Observer Program...................................................................................................................................1-1

The Magnuson-Stevens Act ...........................................................................................................................1-1

Vessel and Plant Descriptions........................................................................................................................1-3

Management Plans.........................................................................................................................................1-3

Time-Area Closures.................................................................................................................................1-4

Limited Access Privilege Programs.........................................................................................................1-5

Other Management Agencies.........................................................................................................................1-5

Certification and Endorsements .....................................................................................................................1-5

Initial Training ..........................................................................................................................................1-5

Deployment ....................................................................................................................................................1-6

Personal Equipment................................................................................................................................1-6

Mid-cruise and Field Support...................................................................................................................1-9

Debriefing ................................................................................................................................................1-9

Briefing ....................................................................................................................................................1-10

THE OBSERVER PROGRAM For additional information about observer resources,
The Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division’s go to the FMA Observer Program website located at
(FMA) Observer Program collects, maintains, and http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/FMA.
distributes data for scientific, management, and
regulation compliance purposes in the Gulf of Alaska
(GOA) and the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI).
The FMA division is a component of the Alaska
Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) of the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The parent agency
for NMFS is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), and NMFS is often referred
to as NOAA Fisheries.
The Observer Program deploys over 400 certified
groundfish observers each year on a variety of
commercial fishing vessels. These observers, in turn,
provide the Observer Program with over 46,000 data
collection days annually.
An observer's job is unique, challenging and constantly
changing. This manual is an indispensable tool both for
trainees and experienced observers. It should be used THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT
as both a text book for trainees and a field reference With the passage of the Magnuson Fishery
manual for observers at sea. It contains the Conservation and Management Act in 1976, the U.S.
background, procedures, and protocols on how to declared management authority over fish resources
collect the wide variety of information requested; and within 200 nautical miles from their shores - the
some ideas on how to cope with specific situations. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The goals of the
methods described in this manual have been tested and Magnuson Act were to Americanize the fishery,
modified throughout the twenty-five years of the North implement fishery management plans, and to maintain
Pacific Observer Program’s existence, and will optimum yield (OY) of the resource while rebuilding
continue to be refined using observer feedback and depleted groundfish stocks. This act was re-authorized
suggestions.
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INTRODUCTION: The Magnuson-Stevens Act
ABC- Acceptable Biological Catch LOA - Length Overall
ADF&G- Alaska Department of Fish and Game MARPOL- Marine Pollution
AFA- American Fisheries Act MRA- Maximum Retainable Amounts (was Maximum
Retainable Bycatch)
AFSC- Alaska Fisheries Science Center MSFCMA- Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act
ALT- Alaska Local Time MSY- Maximum Sustainable Yield
BBL- The Bird Banding Laboratory of the U.S. NMFS- National Marine Fisheries Service
Geological Survey
BSAI- Bering Sea & Aleutian Islands MML- Marine Mammal Laboratory
CDP- Community Development Plan NOAA- National Oceanic and At mospheric
Administration
CDQ- Community Development Quota NORPAC- North Pacific database (Observer Program
database)
CFR- Code of Federal Regulations NPFMC- North Pacific Fishery Management Council
CP- Catcher/Processor NSR- Non-Specific Reserve
CPR- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation OFL- Over Fishing Limit
CPUE- Catch Per Unit Effort OHF- Observer Haul Form
CV- Catcher Vessel OY- Optimum Yield
DCPL- Daily Cumulative Production Logbook PFD- Personal Flotation Device
DMSO- Dimethyl Sulfoxide PLT- Pacific Local Time
EEZ- Exclusive Economic Zone PRR- Product Recovery Rate
EPIRB- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon PSC- Prohibited Species Catch
FCC- Federal Communications Commission PSQ- Prohibited Species Quota (for CDQ)
FMA - Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division RBT- Random Break Table
FMP- Fishery Management Plan RKCSA- Red King Crab Savings Area
FUS- Fully Utilized Species RST- Random Sample Table
GOA- Gulf of Alaska RSW- Refrigerated Sea Water
GPS- Global Positioning System SSB- Single Side Band radio
IFQ- Individual Fishing Quota TAC- Total Allowable Catch
IPHC- International Pacific Halibut Commission USCG- United States Coast Guard
IR/IU- Improved Retention/Improved Utilization VHF- Vessel Haul Form (or Very High Frequency
radio)
IRCS- International Radio Call Sign
Figure 1-1: Commonly Used Abbreviations and Acronyms
in 1996 as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Council) has jurisdiction over the 900,000 square mile

Conservation and Management Act; the Act was re- EEZ off the coast of Alaska.

authorized again in 2006 and 2013.

By 1991 all foreign commercial fishing within the 200
Additionally, the Magnuson Act established eight mile EEZ was terminated, leaving an entirely domestic
regional councils to manage the nation's fisheries. The fishery. As the fisheries changed, so did the Observer
North Pacific Fishery Management Council (the Program. The Council implemented the domestic
1-2
INTRODUCTION: Vessel and Plant Descriptions
North Pacific Observer Program to gather data needed catcher boats and CPs. Longliners target Pacific cod,
to manage the wide variety of fisheries off the coast of Pacific halibut, sablefish, turbot, and some rockfish
Alaska. species.
VESSEL AND PLANT DESCRIPTIONS Trawl Vessels
The North Pacific groundfish fishery is harvested by a Trawlers fish with a net
variety of gear types, but most observer trips occur on towed behind the boat.
one of three types: pot, longline, or trawl. Within these The net is shaped like a
three gear types, there are two vessel types: catcher large funnel. At the end
vessels (CVs) and catcher processors (CPs). Catcher of this funnel is a bag,
vessels are boats that do not process their catch. Fish called the codend, which
are caught, brought aboard, and stored in tanks until the collects fish caught by
vessel delivers to a processing plant. The majority of the net. Trawlers make
catcher boats use refrigerated sea water (RSW) to keep up the largest portion of vessels which carry observers
their catch fresh until delivery, but a few use ice. and include both CPs and CVs.
Catcher processors have factories and freezers aboard.
They make a preliminary or finished product, and store Processing Plants
it in large freezer holds. It is the ability to freeze fish Processing plants accept fish from CVs, and make
that differentiates CPs from catcher boats, and a vessel preliminary or final products. Catch is transferred from
which freezes whole fish is still considered a CP. boats to the plant using a large pump. There are two
types of processing plants, shoreside and floating.
Pot Vessels Shoreside processors are on land and floating
Pot vessels fish with fixed processors, or “floaters,” are anchored vessels which
steel traps, or “pots.” The do not fish for themselves, but rather accept deliveries
fish enter the pot in search of pumped fish from CVs.
of bait, and become
trapped inside. Most pot MANAGEMENT PLANS
vessels are catcher boats, Management programs have been implemented to
but there are a few CPs, allocate quotas among areas, seasons, gear types,
producing mainly headed­ vessel types, cooperatives, and even individual fishers.
and-gutted product. Pot Observer data are used in part for assessing, allocating
boats are used to harvest and monitoring these fish stocks and quotas. This
Pacific cod and, to a much information is used by the Council to write fishery
lesser extent, sablefish management plans (FMPs) for each of the
(black cod). commercially important species it manages. FMPs
must comply with standards laid out in the Magnuson-
Longline Vessels Stevens Act in that they must:
Longline vessels fish
• prevent overfishing,
with hooks strung
along a ground line. • achieve optimum yield,
The longline can be
• achieve efficiency and utilization of the resource,
several miles long,
and can have • base management decisions on the best scientific
thousands of baited data available,
hooks attached. The
• manage the fishery throughout its range,
longline fleet is
composed of both
• be fair to all fishers,
• minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality, and
1-3
INTRODUCTION: Management Plans
• promote safety of human life at sea. user groups. Once an allocation is reached, the area or a
specific group's access to this area closes, while the
Time-Area Closures fishery may remain open in other areas. Once the entire
Time and area closures are used in all groundfish TAC has been harvested, the fishery closes. In open
FMPs. These are closures which pertain to specific access fisheries, harvested amounts for each statistical
management areas over specific dates. A time and area area are calculated using mostly observer data.
closure may be used to protect a different resource, or
The data you send to NMFS inseason are
to stop directed fishing in an area. An example of some
immediately used by the Alaska Regional
of these time-area closures are shown in Figure 1-2 on Office in Juneau for fishery management
page 1-4. FMPs call for an annual total allowable catch purposes.
(TAC) to be set for each species, and parts of the TAC
are often allocated to particular management areas or
Figure 1-2: Example of Kodiak Island Time-Area Closures for Non-pelagic Gear
1-4
INTRODUCTION: Other Management Agencies
Area closures can be mandated by other management Initial Training
measures, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act A three-week training is required of all new observers,
(MMPA), which closes areas surrounding critical sea and for prior observers who have not been to sea in
lion and walrus habitat at certain times of the year, and more than 18 months. The three week training qualifies
the Red King Crab Savings Area (RKCSA), which observers to work in the full coverage category.
closes this area to bottom trawling when female red Additional training may be required for new observers
king crab are gravid. Observer data are used to to work in certain deployment areas, fisheries and gear
determine the catch rates for each vessel. Each vessel's types. Training takes place at the Alaska Fisheries
bycatch affects the fishery, so those with bycatch rates Science Center in Seattle.
beyond established limits risk prosecution for
exceeding them.
Trainees must be sponsored by an observer
provider. A list of these companies can be
Limited Access Privilege Programs found on page A-75.
Limited Access Privilege Programs (LAPPs) are
limited access systems whereby permits are issued to
individuals or communities to harvest a quantity of fish The purpose of the three week observer training is for
representing a portion of the TAC. LAPPs can be given trainees to gain an understanding of how to collect
to individuals, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, fishery data which can be used to manage the
and fishers’ organizations. The Magnuson Act provides groundfish stocks in Alaska. Trainees learn and
specific requirements for implementation of LAPPs. demonstrate the proper techniques of data collection
Examples of LAPPs in the North Pacific fisheries are and recording through a variety of in-class and take
Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQ) and Community home exercises. Most importantly, trainees learn how
Development Quotas (CDQ). to work efficiently under the strenuous conditions of
commercial fishing vessels.
OTHER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES
Specific requirements for the successful completion of
The FMPs for some species delegate the management
the training course will be provided by your trainer. In
to other agencies. The commercial king and Tanner
general, the training consists of an intensive overview
crab fisheries are managed by the Alaska Department
of commercial fishing, sampling protocols, safety at
of Fish and Game (ADF&G), with Federal oversight.
sea, and fish, invertebrates, birds, and mammals of the
The ADF&G has a Shellfish Observer Program, which
North Pacific. Trainees must pass a series of tests with
collects catch and bycatch data from these fisheries.
a minimum score of 80 percent. Additionally, several
The fishery for Pacific Halibut is managed by the
homework assignments will be given which must be
International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC),
completed accurately and on time. Through the exams
although the Council has also developed regulations to
and homework, trainees will demonstrate their
manage this fishery.
understanding of, and ability to apply, the following
concepts:
CERTIFICATION AND ENDORSEMENTS
The Observer Program places all covered vessels and • observer priorities and duties,
processors in the groundfish and halibut fisheries off
• methods of independent catch estimation,
Alaska into one of two observer coverage categories:
(1) a full coverage category, and (2) a partial coverage • proper recording of catch data,
category. Certification and endorsements for observers
• methods of sampling and recording species
are granted and maintained by successful completion
composition data,
of four steps: 1) training, 2) demonstrating proficiency
during each cruise, 3) receiving satisfactory • fish identification and use of dichotomous keys,
performance evaluations, and 4) briefing and being
• gender determination and measurements of fish
deployed at least once every 18 months.
and crab species,
• procedures for collection of age structures,
1-5
INTRODUCTION: Deployment
• applications of volume, weight, density, and sturdy, with a non-slip sole. The Xtra-tuff brand is
the standard boot for Alaskan fisherman, processors,
• safety and survival skills.
and observers.
In order to receive a certification training endorsement,
A list of clothes and belongings you may want to bring
trainees must attend and participate in every training
to sea is provided in Figure 1-3. If you have questions
session, pass exams, complete all the homework, and
on what to bring to sea talk to your employer.
make any corrections requested by the trainer. Trainees
Generally, first time observers bring too much with
must also pass a safety test including, but not limited
them. In one deployment you are likely to be on four
to, an on-land and in-water test of immersion suit and
airplanes, multiple vessels, and in any number of cabs
life raft use. Additionally, trainees must be able to
and hotel rooms. Throughout this you will need to
demonstrate to the instructor that they have the attitude
carry both your personal gear and sampling equipment!
and ability required to perform a difficult job
Rather than taking a lot of clothes, focus on bringing
independently, and to act professionally in stressful
items which can be layered. Working on deck or in the
situations.
factory of a vessel in Alaska is cold and wet and
layering will help protect you from the elements.
DEPLOYMENT
Synthetic or wool materials are recommended and will
Observers are deployed to vessels and processing
keep you warmer than cotton. Inexpensive clothes are
plants in either the full coverage category or the partial
also recommended, since the smell of fish is difficult to
coverage category. Your employer will determine the
remove from fabric. While you are at sea, you may
category for your deployment. store a minimal amount of belongings at NMFS in
Seattle. Please note that this service is only for
The logistical arrangements of your travel,
observers while they are at sea, and cannot be used
assignments, and debriefing appointments are made by
between contracts.
your employer. Often, you will receive your
assignment prior to leaving your training location and
Sampling Equipment
you may be deployed directly after passing the training
All required sampling and safety equipment is supplied
class. During one of your last days of training, you will
by NMFS. The equipment you receive may not be new,
be issued some of the equipment needed to complete
but it will be in good working order. It is your
your sampling tasks. You are responsible for providing
responsibility to maintain your equipment and return it
your personal equipment while NMFS will supply your
in the best condition possible. You may be held
sampling equipment.
responsible for misuse or neglect of sampling
equipment. It is best to make cleaning and maintaining
Personal Equipment
your equipment part of your everyday routine, since
Observers are responsible for providing their own
you will rely on this equipment to complete your
raingear. This is your first and most important
duties. Some suggestions on how to care for your
protection from wind, spray, inclement weather, and
equipment are:
fish slime. Your raingear should be heavy, brightly
colored PVC, lined with cotton for strength and
1. Keep your equipment in a secure place aboard the
warmth. Grundens, Cofish International,
vessel. Avoid leaving equipment on the vessel's deck.
Helly-Hansen, and Eriksens are brands that are If there is no alternative to leaving it out on deck, be
frequently used by fisherman and observers. You will
sure that it is well secured. Keep only weather proof
need a hooded jacket and “bibs.” Dark colors should be
equipment on deck!
avoided, since they are difficult to see on deck,
2. Keep forms, books, pencils, pens, and unused
especially at night. You will also need several pairs of
equipment in a dry safe place, such as your room or
gloves and glove liners. Fishing supply stores stock a
other secure area. Leave only what you regularly use in
variety of gloves of different weights and materials.
the factory.
You should choose a pair that are heavy enough to
withstand harsh conditions, but flexible enough to 3. Never leave unsecured equipment on an open deck.
allow you to write. Waterproof boots should be warm
1-6