THE JOB OF OBSERVER
“TechSea provides good logistical support and was always available if I had questions or concerns.”
Data collection and fishery monitoring is an integral part of fisheries management. Observers are at-sea biologists that collect data from commercial fishing operations, while monitoring compliance to fisheries regulations. The information they provide plays a critical role in the conservation of renewable seafood resources. Working alongside fish harvesters, TechSea Observers monitor fishing activities while they sample the catches brought over the rail. This provides a valuable independent source of unbiased data.
THE DUTIES OF AN OBSERVER
At sea an Observers workplace is spread throughout a fishing vessel. On the bridge they record depths, positions and temperatures as the gear is set out and retrieved. On deck they check the gear being used, and estimate, then sample the catches as they are brought aboard. Below deck they monitor the processing and storage of the fish and shellfish, then return to the bridge to report back to shore using the vessels communications equipment. Some of their specific duties include:
Deployments - Contracts for TechSea Observers are set to coincide with the anticipated duration of an assignment referred to as a “deployment”. Individual trips to sea range from about 4 to 40 days depending on the type of vessel and fishery. A deployment however may consist of several voyages made in sequence aboard one or more vessels. The maximum duration of a single deployment to the field is 90 days, after which an Observer is returned to Seattle or Anchorage to have their data reviewed in a process called debriefing. At the end of a successful debriefing an Observer is eligible to sign up for an additional deployment.
Because of the unpredictability of the fishing industry it is difficult to predict the exact number of days each Observer will work. In large part this depends on an Observer’s availability to work. Some of our employees have spent in excess of 200 days a year at sea, while others have chosen to take more time off between deployments spending time at home, pursuing other work and interests, traveling, or furthering their education.
Briefings - An Observer that has completed the 3-week training course is considered ready for sea. For subsequent deployments Observers are given a 1 to 2 day “briefing”. Their past performance is reviewed and updates to instructions provided in preparation for their next assignment. At the beginning of each year Observers are also required to participate in a more comprehensive 4-day briefing before they can be sent to sea. If an Observer has not had a deployment to the Alaskan fishery for 18 months or longer then they must re-do the initial 3-week course. Briefings and trainings are normally held in Seattle, Washington, or Anchorage, Alaska.
Observers per vessel - Most deployments include a single Observer per vessel. There are however some fisheries which require two Observers to be deployed to a single vessel. In this case usually at least one of these Observers must be experienced and trained to “Level 2” certification.
Communications with Shore - Observers are given access to vessel equipment for work related communications with shore. They will contact the applicable State or Federal agency to submit data from sea or to receive technical support. TechSea maintains contact with Observers at sea to coordinate accommodation between trips and travel logistics to return them to Anchorage, AK or Seattle, WA at the end of an assignment to the field. In the event of an at-sea emergency, TechSea operations staff is available 24/7 to assist our Observers.
Debriefings - At the end of a deployment, Observers are returned to Anchorage, AK or Seattle, WA to be debriefed. A debriefing is a final review of an Observer’s collected data to ensure completeness and accuracy before final submission. Debriefings take place at the applicable NMFS or ADF&G office. Successful completion of the debriefing is a requirement to maintain certification in the program. This marks the conclusion of a deployment and Observers are then free to take time off or to sign up for another deployment.
Sampling Gear & Personal Gear - Sampling gear and survival suits are provided to Observers being deployed to the field. While Observers are responsible for their own personal gear, TechSea does provide an allowance towards gear related expenditures. For a list of recommended items to include in an Observers kit refer to the downloadable list below.
Suggested Observer Packing List | |