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Observer Program Operations Manual

Year of publication 1986

Pages 207

Author Gus van Helvoort;Fishery and Aquaculture Economics and Policy Division

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 9251024618

Series title FAO Fisheries Technical Paper

Series number 0429-9345 - T275

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) This manual provides an integrated approach to the management of observer programs by combining the complimentary observer tasks of biodata collection and the monitoring of compliance to regulations on offshore fishing vessels. The multitude of duties and responsibilities that pertain to the observers work are outlined within the context of his mandate to observe, record and report. The techniques for gathering data and the format in which it is reported are detailed fully. In general, observers are required to collect resource data used in establishing stock distribution patterns, provide catch and effort statistics and biological information for stock assessment, examine the effects of gear types on exploited fish stocks, record associated by-catch and discard rates, collect information on fleet fishing patterns and collect detailed production data. While observers do not have enforcement powers they should be nevertheless fully trained in all aspects of fishery regulations and the d etection of violations. In Canada, documentation prepared by observers has been the basis for legal action against captains for a variety of infractions including: failure to maintain and submit accurate catch records, the dumping overboard of a portion of the catch, improper gear attachments, fishing within a closed area, fishing for unlicenced species, retention of prohibited species, exceeding by-catch limits and failure to avoid fixed or set gear by one half nautical mile. A suggested profil e of program management and responsibilities is discussed. The manual concludes with a section on the importance of the proper selection of candidates for observing and the type of training required to fulfill program objectives.

Cite this content as:

van Helvoort, G., 1986 Observer program operations manual. FAO Fish.Tech.Pap., (275): 207 p.

Language English

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