Eyes on the Ocean: Fishery Observers

Recent scientific studies focused public attention on the declining health of our oceans and the need for better management of U.S. fisheries. Yet, the status of most of the nation's fish populations is unknown because of inadequate data and information. Estimates suggest that billions of pounds of unwanted fish, seabirds, marine mammals, sea turtles, and other marine life are killed or harmed in the course of fishing each year, but the precise nature and magnitude of this waste in unknown.

What are fishery observers?

Fishery observers are scientists who collect important information about fishing practices by accompanying commerical fishermen at sea. Observers collect data on the composition and amount of the actual catch brought on board during fishing operations in contrast to landings data, which only records what is brought to port. This data is compiled and should be made available to managers in a timely way to help them make more informed fishery management decisions.

Why are expanded and improved observer programs needed to protect America's fishery resources?

On-board fishery observers are an essential step in obtaining accurate scientific knowledge that is needed to promote sustainable fisheries managment and fishing activity. The need for better data has been expressed by a broad range of groups, including commerical and recreational fisherman, federal and state resource agencies, Fishery Management Councils, and conservation organizations.

Despite widespread agreement that fishery observer programs are a critical step in controlling dirty-fishing, few programs exist - and most existing programs provide insufficient, limited coverage. Of the approximately 300 federally-managed fisheries, there are less than 40 fisheries currently monitored by observers, and those are woefully underfunded.

How much observer coverage is enough?

Proper fishery management should be based on sound science and accurate information. Yet, for the vast majority of fisheries in the United States, little information exists about what occurs during the course of fishing activities. To collect this data, fishery observer programs are essential. But how much observer coverage is enough?

When boats do not carry observers, scientists need to estimate what those boats caught, based on the catch of the boats that did carry observers--a method referred to as extrapolation. For the information to be useful for managers, the design of the observer program must ensure that the extrapolated estimates of catch are both accurate and precise.

A recent study "How Much Observer Coverage Is Enough to Adequately Estimate Bycatch?" by Babcock, Hudson, and Pikitch was commissioned by Oceana. It outlines steps that fishery managers can take to develop an effective observer program.

Recommendations to Increase Funding for Observer Activities

Oceana is working to convince the U.S. Congress to increase investments for national and regional fishery observer programs. Gathering the basic information about the extent of bycatch should help fishery managers make better decisions. Read Oceana's fact sheet that details out recommendations for funding fishery observer programs.