The Council took final action to recommend a regulatory change expanding the ways that an eligible observer can qualify to become a fixed gear lead level 2 (LL2) observer. This action is intended to address the potential for a shortage of fixed-gear LL2 observers for deployment on freezer longline vessels, or other fixed gear vessels… Read More →
Electronic Monitoring
The Council reviewed the Electronic Monitoring (EM) Workgroup report from their March 2017 meeting. In addition to discussing how the 2017 program is working, a workplan for giving public input on the statement of work for an EM contract, and planning for the transition of the current EM pre-implementation program to an integrated Observer Program,… Read More →
Observer Issues
Lead Level 2 Observers The Council selected a preliminary preferred alternative in an analysis to address the potential for a shortage of fixed-gear lead level 2 (LL2) observers for deployment on freezer longline vessels. The majority of freezer longline vessels operate under monitoring requirements that require them to have at-sea scales and carry a single… Read More →
Electronic Monitoring
The Council took final action to establish electronic monitoring (EM) as a part of the North Pacific Observer Program. Under the Council’s preferred alternative, Alternative 2, regulations would be implemented to allow EM to be used for catch estimation. EM would be integrated into the established Observer Program process, by which the Council and NMFS… Read More →
