What does a groundfish Observer do?
Observers sample catches for species composition, and for the incidence of salmon, halibut, and crab; they make estimates of total catch; and they collect age structures and gather biological data from target species.
What does a fisheries Observer do?
Observers are professionally trained biological technicians. They monitor commercial fisheries and collect data to support science, conservation, and management of U.S. marine fisheries. They also support compliance with fishing and safety regulations. Their work is intense.
How do you become a fishery observer?
To be a fisheries observer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biology. A good mental attitude, observational skills, and patience are important, too. In this job, your routines will change and be interrupted frequently.
How are fisheries monitored?
These technologies include: Electronic reporting of fishing trip data by fishermen (e.g., catch and landings). Electronic reporting of purchase data by dealers or processors. Electronic monitoring equipment such as video cameras that capture information on fishing location and catch.
What is a protected species observer?
Protected Species Observers are trained professionals who monitor for protected species, or animals federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and/or Marine Mammal Protection Act, to help a wide range of industries meet their regulatory compliance needs.
How many acres of seafloor do trawlers destroy every year?
2.4 BILLION acres
What does destroy the sea bed and bottom habitats, life sustaining coral reefs included, is bottom trawling. According to Dr. Les Watling at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center, 2.4 BILLION acres of sea bottom are destroyed each year by bottom trawling and dredging commercial fisheries operations.
Why is monitoring fisheries important?
Monitoring can provide early warning indicators of when fish stocks are declining, and can help to ensure continued provision of fish as a source of food and income. In addition to the harvest of fish for seafood, marine ecosystems provide key services and benefits [7].
What is monitoring control and surveillance in fisheries management?
monitoring – the continuous requirement for the measurement of fishing effort characteristics and resource yields. surveillance – the degree and types of observations required to maintain compliance with the regulatory controls imposed on fishing activities.
What do marine mammal observers do?
A marine mammal observer (MMO) is a professional in environmental consulting who specializes in whales and dolphins. They center on the practice of delaying or shutting down the use of air-guns if a whale or dolphin is sighted nearby. An MMO will implement these regulations in the field.
Is bottom trawling still legal?
20, 2019 9:52 a.m. The most extensive ban on bottom trawling — dragging weighted nets on the seafloor — became law Tuesday after fishing groups and environmentalists agreed to protect more than 140,000 square miles of seafloor habitat along the West Coast, including beds of lush coral around the Farallon Islands.
Why should trawling be banned?
Bottom trawling is hugely devastating for ocean ecosystems. When fishing vessels drag vast weighted nets through delicate ecosystems, like over seamounts, they destroy everything in their path. Slow growing corals and sponges, that have provided a habitat for a diverse range of ocean creatures, are ripped to shreds.
Why it is important to monitor the growth and progress of your fish?
Healthy Fish Require Monitoring Disease and sickness can spread easily among the animals, and because of the nature of these floating aquatic farms, the outbreaks can also spread to wild populations. Medical care and supplementary nutrients should be regulated to safeguard the other wildlife.