How Do We Use Observer Data?

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center manages multiple observer programs covering federal and state waters from Maine to North Carolina. Our team processes and manages data and biological samples collected by observers during commercial fishing trips.

Observer data provide unique and independent information, collected at sea, critical to the effective management of our marine resources. These data support sustainable fisheries and protected species recovery.

Infographic available for download (PDF, 2p).

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Inform Stock Assessments & Fishery Management

Small icon of haddock and graph line illustration for stock assessment.

Observer data directly inform stock assessments to monitor the health of fisheries. Fisheries managers utilize observer data to set catch levels, maintain healthy fish populations, and rebuild overfished stocks.

Explore New or Smaller Fisheries

Small icon of Atlantic deep-sea crab for new and smaller fisheries.

The fishing industry constantly evolves as new technology is developed and new markets open. Observers are there to collect baseline data for managers to determine if the resource could be - or still is - fished sustainably.

Reduce Bycatch

Icon of turtle and fishing net on orange background

Commercial fishery catch includes two components: kept catch and discarded catch. Kept catch is landed and sold, while discarded catch is thrown back into the ocean. Because some of the discards do not survive, NOAA Fisheries is working with fishermen and others to modify commercial fishing gear to reduce unwanted bycatch. When a gear modification is made, data collection is essential to make sure the modified gear is working as intended.

Document Species

small icon of longfin inshore squid for documenting species

In 2018, our fisheries observers spent about 10,782 days (~172,200 hours) at sea, where they encountered many types of fish, mammals, seabirds, and invertebrates. The Species Verification Program(SVP) validates the accuracy of identification by requiring observers to photograph or submit a wide variety of commercially-important species, endangered species, or species of particular concern. SVP data provides feedback to observers and are used to improve observer training methods, support improved data accuracy, and evaluate species specific data reliability. SVP records provide high-confidence data on species distributions used to identify important and shifting species-specific habitats and ranges.

Small icon of fish on plate (with lemon) for sustainable seafood.

Sustainable seafood profiles provide up-to-date information and facts about U.S. seafood, so consumers and businesses can make informed decisions and be pointed toward sustainable choices. Observer data help assess the state of the fishery, determine impacts to habitats, and evaluate bycatch for these sustainable seafood profiles.

Support Science & Research

Every year, we receive requests for non-confidential fisheries data for use in research from government agencies, the commercial fishing industry, and academic institutions across the country. From 2015–2019, the program processed over 300 of these data requests.

Enhance Special Collections

Small icon of Atlantic herring under a magnifying glass for special collections

Due to their specialized training and equipment, observers offer a unique opportunity to support new research or fill data gaps by collecting biological samples. Observers help promote long-term sustainability of fishing ecosystems by working collaboratively with fishermen, scientists, and resource managers.