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2 Scientific Observer Program –
Objectives, Rights and Responsibilities
2.1 Learning objectives
• Describe at least 5 objectives of Scientific Observer Programs
• Discuss the importance of professional conduct with industry and other personnel
2.2 Introduction
This chapter describes the goal and objectives of Scientific Observer Programs (SOPs). In
order to achieve the goal and objectives, all stakeholders (i.e., government agencies, the
fishing industry) have significant roles to play. This chapter explains in great detail the
responsibilities and expectations of each group. Laubstein (1999), Davies and Reynolds
(2002), WCPFC (2003), NWFSC (2006), AFSC (2007), Kranz (2007) and WCPFC (2009)
were valuable resources when compiling the list of responsibilities and duties.
2.3 SOP Goal & Objectives
The overarching goal of an SOP is to collect independent, reliable and accurate data on
fishing operations, catches and interactions with the environment by the vessel and its fishing
gear to ensure long-term conservation and sustainable use of living aquatic resources and
ecosystems in the east Atlantic Ocean. To achieve this goal, the SOP has the following
specific objectives:
• Estimate total fishing effort (i.e., position, time, total catch) for all hauls;
• Estimate weight and/or numbers of all species caught (catch composition) and establish
disposition (e.g., retained, discarded, dead or alive) on a subsample of hauls;
• Collect biological information (e.g. lengths) on target and non-target species on a
subsample of hauls;
• Monitor fish or fish product offloads and transshipments;
• Monitor IUU activity;
• Document types of vessel equipment utilized (e.g. gear characteristics, electronics) and
record vessel characteristics (e.g. registration numbers, licenses, etc);
• Collect catch and biological data on marine mammals and sea turtles (including
sightings);
• Document the presence of marine debris.
Additional objectives, depending on the country, may include:
• Evaluate the effectiveness of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs; including turtle excluder
devices or TEDs);
• Educate fishers regarding BRDs, careful release techniques for sea turtles, seabirds and
marine mammals and other relevant rules/regulations;
• Collect economic data;
• Provide input to future regulatory changes utilizing observer data;
• Monitor fish quality.
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