891 observers
Observers and at-sea monitors are professionally trained biological scientists, with a bachelor's degree in natural sciences and rigorous training.
53 fisheries monitored
Observers work in U.S. waters, including the vast Alaska fisheries in the North Pacific and Bering Sea, the Mid-Atlantic shark gill net fishery, the Georges Bank scallop and lobster fisheries, and many more.
73,743 total annual days at sea
Observers may spend days, weeks, or even months aboard commercial fishing and receiving vessels gathering first-hand data on what's caught and thrown back by U.S. commercial fishing vessels.
Using Observer Data
To manage fisheries, data are needed not only for species targeted by a fishery, but for all species making up the impacted ecosystem. Observers are the only independent data collection source for some types of at-sea information, such as bycatch, catch composition, protected species interactions, and gear configuration.
Bycatch
Bycatch or incidental catch is a complex, global issue that threatens the sustainability and resiliency of our fishing communities, economies, and ocean ecosystems. We are committed to minimizing bycatch in U.S. fisheries to ensure our fisheries remain sustainable and that protected species are given the best chance to recover. Observer programs are the only independent (and most common) source for many types of information about fishing operations, including catch and bycatch data.
Electronic Monitoring
In fisheries where it is too dangerous or otherwise not feasible to have observers, other data collection methods are used to track catch, including logbooks, surveys, and electronic monitoring and reporting. Electronic monitoring is an important technological advancement that supplements the work fishery observers and at-sea monitors do, while keeping them as safe as possible.
Safety
Ensuring observer safety and a professional working environment is a top concern of NOAA Fisheries. We have developed and implemented world-class safety and training programs. Preparing observers for safe deployments requires an active partnership between NOAA Fisheries (including our Office of Law Enforcement), observers, observer providers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the fishing industry.
Learn more about how we are working to ensure observer safety
Protected Species
Data collected on fishery interactions with protected species (marine mammals, sea turtles, certain populations of fish, and endangered seabirds) aid scientists in developing measures to reduce the risk of fisheries interactions.
Learn more about how we use data on fishery interactions with protected species
International Observer Activities
Sustainable fisheries is a global issue that calls for sharing critical issues among international fishery observer programs, emerging monitoring technologies, and other approaches to fishery-dependent data collection and analyses.
Fishery Observers
Learn how fisheries observers collect data vital to the sustainable management of our nation's fisheries.
Beyond Observing
Where Can the Observer Program Take Me?
Are you curious about how a position as a fishery observer can launch a career in fisheries science, marine policy, wildlife management, or a similar field? Meet some former NOAA fishery observers whose experience helped them soar to new professional heights.
Profiles
Gwynne Schnaittacher
Current Position: Fisheries Biologist/Observer Program Liaison at NOAA Fisheries
Former Observer Position: Northeast fisheries observer
“As an observer, one acquires a highly valuable skill set that can be applied across so many different professions, not just in fisheries. I had a friend once tell me that when they were looking to hire staff, if an applicant was an observer at any point in their career for more than 6 months, they knew that applicant could handle just about anything and would prioritize them in the hiring selection.”
Mike Pol
Current Position: Research Director at the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance
Former Observer Position: Northeast fisheries observer
“The observer skill set was very similar to the field skills I needed to have for my first post-observer program job at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, where I worked for more than 20 years and continued to develop my skill set, until I left there and became the Research Director at the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance.”
Sam Betances
Current Position: Fish and Wildlife Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Ecological Services Program)
Former Observer Position: North Pacific groundfish observer
“Observing is a special mix of science and adventure—you’ll get to see things you’ve only dreamed of while also helping to sustain and maintain vitally important fisheries. Working alongside commercial fishers helped me learn how to listen and understand resource stakeholder perspectives and that translated to being able to work more collaboratively with other managers, stakeholders, and the public later in my career.”
Lesley Jantz Hawn
Current Position: Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Administrator at NOAA Fisheries (Pacific Islands Sustainable Fisheries Observer Program)
Former Observer Position: Pacific Islands longline observer
“My experience as an observer bolstered my confidence, especially my ability to communicate cross-culturally. Observing in the Pacific Islands is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and experience life at sea in the middle of the ocean, with massive marine life such as bigeye tuna, swordfish, cetaceans, and sharks.”
John Peschon
Current Position: Fisheries Biologist/Regional Seabird Liaison - NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Sustainable Fisheries Observer Program
Former Observer Position: Pacific Islands longline observer
“Working as a fisheries observer truly provides a high seas adventure, where you are paid well to experience life on a commercial fishing vessel, and see things which most people only dream about. The observer program was my foot in the door with the Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program and NOAA Fisheries. I’ve wanted to work for NOAA Fisheries since high school and observing allowed me to do so.”