The Human Factor in Observer Data Collection

Observers collect fishery-dependent information used to inform the decisions made by fisheries managers on the status of stocks throughout the country. The high quality of these data available to managers is directly related to the skills, abilities, and experiences of the people that collect it.   Observers, the human factor, collecting the data we use, are a diverse group of scientists that originate from different geographic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.    This presentation explores the overall demographics of the people in the North Pacific Observer Program, and examines several case studies while showing richness and diversity in life experiences, backgrounds, and interests of observers working in the North Pacific.  By interviewing a sample population of observers working under the Fisheries Management and Analysis Division, we highlight the human factor in our data collection, what motivates and inspires observers to undertake such a difficult and challenging career, and the characteristics of successful observers.