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Observer Safety Program Review

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Observer Safety Program Review Observer Safety Program Review Promoting Sustainable Fisheries SAFETY REVIEW For more than four decades, NOAA Fisheries UNDERWAY has used fishery observers and at-sea monitors** to collect data from U.S. commercial fishing and Overview: A comprehensive review processing vessels, as well as from shore-side by outside auditors of all aspects of processing plants and “motherships” (also known as fishery observer and at-sea monitor safety and health is now underway receiving vessels). Our eyes and ears on the water, to ensure ongoing observer observers and at-sea monitors are professionally safety and professional working trained biological scientists gathering first-hand data environments. to support a wide range of science, conservation, and Methodology: Auditors gather management activities. and assess information from stakeholders and partners on Office of Science and Technology’s Strengthening Safety Programs regional and national observer National Observer Program Ensuring observer safety and a professional working program practices, including environment is a top concern for NOAA Fisheries. trainings, curricula, policies, Observers At-a-Glance The cornerstone of our approach has been active oversight, planning, and equipment. Role of observers: Monitor commercial fisheries partnerships among NOAA Fisheries, NOAA’s Key milestones: and collect data to support science, conservation, Office of Law Enforcement, the contractors who hire and management. Support compliance with fishing • Review team orientation meeting, observers, the fishing industry, the U.S. Coast Guard, and safety regulations. NOAA Fisheries headquarters and the observers themselves. Number of observers: 891* (Sept. 2016). Total annual days at sea: 73,743* Over the past four decades, NOAA has developed • Regional Observer Program site and implemented world-class safety and training visits: Types of assignments: Commercial fishing and processing vessels, processing plants, motherships. programs. But even with the best protocols in place, North Pacific Observer accidents can occur, and on occasion tensions Program: Seattle (Dec. 2016). Professional training and qualifications: Observers must have a bachelor’s degree in natural between observers and their shipmates can arise. Southeast Fisheries sciences (including the equivalent of at least 30 Observer Program: As part of our ongoing commitment to improving Galveston (Dec. 2016). semester hours in biological sciences), at least one and strengthening our safety programs, in 2016 undergraduate course in math or statistics, and Miami (Jan. 2017). NOAA Fisheries launched a comprehensive review experience with computer data entry. Most at-sea Northeast Fisheries Observer observer and monitoring programs require an of all aspects of fishery observer and at-sea monitor Program: Woods Hole, MA (First intensive 2-3 week course that includes training in safety and health. Led by a team of outside auditors, session Dec. 2016; second biology and species identification, data collection, the review focuses on seven key areas: session Apr. 2017). fishing and safety regulations, and at-sea survival • Safety reporting. Pacific Islands Regional skills. Observers participate in regular safety • Communications. Observer Program: Honolulu briefings to keep their knowledge current. (Feb. 2017). Skills required: Specific skills vary by job, but • Practices and policies. West Coast Observer Program: include species identification; biological specimen • Training. Newport, OR (Apr./May 2017). data collection; proper protected species handling; • Regulations. ability to tread water and/or swim in an immersion Review deliverables: suit and to right and board a life raft; ability to • Equipment. • Presentation of report to NOAA manage motion- and seasickness; ability to • International issues. Fisheries leadership with work long and irregular hours; and aptitude for recommendations and best maintaining diplomacy, professionalism, and The safety review will gather and assess information practices (late 2017). interpersonal relations in a challenging environment. from our stakeholders and partners, recommend • Development of continuing self- FOR MORE INFORMATION improvements, and develop continuing self- evaluation tools for the regional Jane DiCosimo evaluation tools for the regional observer programs. observer programs to ensure [email protected] The final report is expected in late 2017. NOAA safety. (301) 427-8109 Fisheries will then work with our national and Learn more: regional observer programs, as well as observer www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/observer-home/ www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ *Based on 2016 data. provider companies, to implement recommendations stories/2016/10/observer-safety- from the report, ensuring all observers have what **At-sea monitors collect data to estimate discards for review.html vessels in the Northeast groundfish fishery. they need to stay safe and healthy on board. U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service.
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