Collection of Observer Data on Small Boats: Challenges and Solutions

In some fisheries, observer coverage can have a bias with the majority of observer coverage occurring on larger vessels (≥ 25 ft) that typically fish in Federal waters while the majority of fishing effort occurs in near shore state waters. The difficulty in obtaining representative observer coverage in near shore waters is due primarily to the fact that many vessels are too small to carry an observer safely. Additionally, fishers using small vessels can be difficult to locate because they often launch from multiple areas that can limit the observer programs’ ability to contact fishers to schedule trips. These factors contribute to the paucity of observer trips on smaller vessels. The challenges to collecting representative coverage will be discussed include safety, data collection, and coordination logistics.