Tag Archives: observers
Re-Deploying Observers and At-Sea Monitors: Northeast Observer Waiver Extended Through July 31, 2020
Although we had announced plans to resume observer deployments on July 1, we recognize the Coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve and as such, has required us to re-evaluate and adapt to changing circumstances. In response, NOAA Fisheries is extending the waiver granted to vessels with Greater Atlantic Region fishing permits to carry human observers or at-sea monitors through July 31, 2020. This action is authorized by 50 CFR 648.11, which provides the Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator authority to waive observer requirements, and is also consistent with the criteria described in the agency’s emergency rule on observer waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. >click to read< 16:00
Despite frustration, observation plan yields new fish data
Gillnet fishermen bristled at a requirement to carry state observers last fall, but what felt like a burden to the fleet may have turned out to be a blessing. Preliminary data collected on the trips show that the number of steelhead fishermen kill while trying to catch other fish may actually be much lower than the historic rate. It’s good news for a fishery that has been under fire for using gear opponents say harms fish runs — and even better timing. Last year’s steelhead run was one of the worst returns in decades. >click here to read< 16:13
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos says NY commercial fishermen ‘getting a raw deal’
New York commercial fishermen are “getting a raw deal” in federal fisheries quotas, and the state will follow through on a lawsuit early next year if meetings in December don’t fix the problem, the state’s top fisheries official said last week. At a meeting at the East Hampton Public Library on Thursday, Basil Seggos, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, listened to two full hours of complaints about state and federal regulations and management of fisheries, including restrictive quotas, inaccurate fish-population data, difficulty in getting and transferring permits, and “Gestapo”-like tactics of federal observers on local fishing vessels. click here to read the story 10:10
Fishermen say camera requirement invades privacy
The cameras do a job on-boat observers have usually performed, allowing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to cover more ground by providing fleet-wide coverage. A contractor reviews the video tape to make sure it is consistent with what the anglers report. “NMFS needs an effective and efficient way to monitor,” public affairs officer Kate Brogan said. Having an observer aboard every vessel would be prohibitively expensive, along with the logistical issues of having another person aboard a boat. The cameras aren’t replacing in-person observers, Read the rest here 16:48
“We’re next” – NOAA observers worry lobstermen – informational meeting tonight at 6 at NOAA’s Gloucester facility
The growing consternation among lobstermen over expanding observer coverage, at least in part, is based on what they’ve seen happen within the groundfish industry. This summer has done nothing to diminish that concern, as more and more local and state lobstermen are reporting increased dockside and other approaches by NOAA observers looking to ride along with them. Those escalating concerns have prompted NOAA , through its law enforcement office, to schedule an informational meeting tonight at 6 at NOAA’s Gloucester facility in the Blackburn Industrial Park. Read the rest here 07:48
Battle brewing over fishery observers on smaller commercial boats – “It’s totally political,”?
“Here’s an example,” she said. “You’ve got an observer on board or you’ve got a camera. Which is more easy to deal with in terms of getting away with something? It’s a lot harder to throw an observer overboard. That’s a very extreme example.”
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/battle-brewing-over-fishery-observers-smaller-commercial-boats
