Attachment B - Questions that may be asked of captain/crew

Attachment B
Questions That Need PRA Clearance

The following lists identify the types of questions that NMFS observer programs at least
occasionally ask fishing vessel owners/permit holders/captains/crews or processing plant
managers/staff. The questions are grouped loosely into the following five categories: (1) predeployment questions; (2) safety questions; (3) observer performance evaluation questions; (4)
gear, performance, operational, reimbursement, and data release questions; and (5) economic
questions. Most of these questions are on the data collection forms included in this submission.
Because some of the information is fishery or gear specific or is observable for some fishing
vessels, trips, or sets, not all of the questions listed for a specific program will be asked by each
observer. Where the information is described in terms of a question, the precise wording can
vary by program. The captain’s signature is also required as verification on some observer data
collection forms. Those forms are contained in each observer program’s manual. Manuals can
be found on the National Observer Program webpage:
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st4/nop/Observer_training_resources.html.
Other information routinely is collected by observers through either direct observations or nonstandardized oral communication in connection with direct observations; A PRA clearance is
not required when information is obtained in either of these two related manners.
The following acronyms are used to identify specific observer programs.
AMMOP
ASHOP
GOM RFSOP
NEFOP
NPGOP
PIROP
SE POP
SE SFOP
SWROP
WCGOP

Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program
At-Sea Hake Observer Program (Northwest)
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish and Shrimp Observer Program
Northeast Fisheries Observer Program
North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program
Pacific Islands Region Observer Program
Southeast Pelagic Observer Program
Southeast Shark Fishery Observer Program
Southwest Region Observer Program
West Coast Groundfish Observer Program

I. Pre-Deployment Questions
A. AMMOP Pre-Deployment Question
1. What will be your fishing location for the following day?
B. ASHOP Pre-Deployment Questions
Pre-deployment questions do not need to be asked because each vessel owner/operator is
required to obtain an observer from a certified observer provider.

3

C. GOM RFSOP, SE POP, and SE SFOP (FAX notification questions)
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statements for these observer
programs identify the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Captain's Name
Vessel Name
Documentation/Vessel Number
Overall Length (ft)
Crew Size (include skipper)
Bunk Capacity
Life Raft Capacity
Contact Person/Telephone Number(s)
Communication Equipment (please list)
a. Cellular / SAT phone
b. VHF
c. Single Side Band
d. Call sign
10. Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal
a. Serial Number
b. Date issued (Month and Year)
11. Vessel Fishing Status
12. Port of Departure
a. Dock Facility
b. Street
c. City
d. State
e. Phone Number
f. Departure Date and Time
g. Anticipated Landing Date
h. Expected Target (Note: This question is only on the HMS fishery form.)
13. Expected Landing Port (if different from port of departure)
a. Dock Facility
b. Street
c. City
d. State
e. Phone Number
14. Gear Used (Circle all that apply) Note: This question is only on the reef fish form.
a. Handline
b. Longline
c. Bandit Reel
15. Primary Language (if other than English) Note: This question is only on the reef fish and
shrimp forms.
16. Comments

4

D. NEFOP Pre-Deployment Questions
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statement for this observer
program identifies the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
1. Vessel Name
2. Gear Type
3. Permit Type
4. Date Planning to Sail
5. Expected Trip Duration
6. Contact Name
7. Contact Number
8. Alternate Contact Number
9. Port Sailing From
10. Fishing Area
11. USCG Documentation Number (Hull Number)
12. Permit Number
13. If calling in for an emergency layover, we would ask for the Emergency Reason (i.e. injured
crew member)
14. Do you have a valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal?
15. Do you have an operable EPIRB (must have valid hydrostatic release and batteries)?
16. Do you have sufficient immersion suits and personal flotation devices?
17. Do you have valid emergency signaling flares?
E. NPGOP Pre-Deployment Questions
Pre-deployment questions do not need to be asked because each vessel owner/operator is
required to obtain an observer from a certified observer provider.
F. PIROP Pre-Deployment Questions
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statement for this observer
program identifies the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
Similar information is collected for the Hawaii based and American Samoa longline fleets
1. May we see your Protected Species Workshop Card?
2. Is dehooking gear on the vessel?
3. Does the vessel have a drinking water tank aboard or does the vessel make water?
4. How many gallons is the water tank if you have one?
5. Does the vessel have a head and shower, is it indoors or out of doors?
6. How many bunks?
7. How many days will be vessel be at sea? (estimate)
8. How many sets will the vessels make? (estimate)
9. Will you transship?
10. What type of bait will the vessel use? (swordfish only)
11. May we check your bunks?
12. Turtle deterrents (circle hooks, bait type, dye) (PIROP)

5

G. SWROP Pre-Deployment Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Port of Departure
Port of Arrival
Date of Departure
Date of Arrival
Time of Departure
Number of Sets Made

H. WCGOP Pre-Deployment Questions
1. What is the wheel watch policy?
2. Did you receive your selection letter?
3. Will you be fishing during the specified period?
4. What port will you be fishing out of?
5. When do you plan to make your first trip?
6. Do you have a current USCG Dockside Examination Decal?
7. Do you know you’re required to maintain a wheel watch?
8. Who is the person I should contact and what is their phone number?
9. How many days will the trip be?
10. Would you like to arrange a day and time to do the vessel safety equipment check?
II. Safety Questions
The observer asks questions to obtain each of the following types of safety information only
when it cannot be obtained through direct observations. The safety information that observers
are required to obtain are included in the vessel safety checklist for each observer program. The
observer is required to complete the checklist and both the observer and captain are required to
sign it before the fishing vessel leaves the dock. The safety checklists are included in this
submission. For most observer programs, other safety information is collected with some of the
pre-deployment questions listed above. Note: Responses to the following questions are
mandatory. Specifically, “Upon request by an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated
observer provider, a vessel owner/operator must provide correct information concerning any item
relating to any safety or accommodation requirement prescribed by law or regulation. A vessel
owner or operator must also allow an observer, a NMFS employee, or a designated observer
provider to visually examine any such item” [50 C.F.R. Part 600.746(c)(2)]. In addition, ,
owners and operators of fishing vessels that carry observers are required to comply with U.S.
Coast Guard safety regulations. A vessel is considered inadequate or unsafe if it does not
comply with the regulations regarding observer accommodations or if it has not passed a USCG
safety examination or inspection. NMFS requires that all vessels pass a USCG safety
examination in order to carry an observer. No observer is required to board a vessel that the
observer thinks is unsafe. A vessel that would normally carry an observer, but is deemed unsafe,
can be prohibited from fishing.
1. Commercial fishing vessel safety decal (present, issued date, expiration date,
serial/registration number, distance rating) (All Programs)

6

2. Life saving equipment quantity and location: (All Programs)
a. Life rafts: present, number of, location/s, and type, life raft capacity, capacity for total
number onboard, raft repack date, SOLAS rating, manufacture date, hydrostatic date,
expiration date, inspection date, correct installation, ability to float freely;
b. Immersion suits (number, location);
c. PFDs (number, location);
d. Strobe (functioning);
e. Distress flares (present, number of, location, type/s, expiration dates, easily
accessible);
f. EPRIB (present, location, battery expiration date, date of last testing, hydrostatic
release expiration date, registered, registration date, codes match, signal tested;
correct installation);
g. Life rings (number of, location/s, line attached, easily accessible),
h. Fire fighting equipment (present, location, extinguishers charged)
i. First aid kit (location);
j. Ditch bag (location);
k. Guards for exposed hazards
3. Vessel Name/Vessel # (All Programs)
4. Navigational equipment: Nautical charts for fishing area, compass (SWROP, GOM RFSOP)
5. Communication equipment: (GOM RFSOP, PIROP, SE SFOP, SWROP)
a. Number of working radios/type
i. Single Side Band (SSB);
ii. VHF;
b. Vessel call letters;
c. Satellite and cellular phones and phone numbers;
d. Emergency position fixing devices.
6. Vessel layout: (GOM RFSOP, SE SFOP, SWROP)
a. Engine on/off;
b. Steering;
c. Alarms;
d. Exits;
e. Hazards;
f. Pumps;
g. Emergency assignments
7. Station bill or billet assignments: (GOM RFSOP, PIROP, SE SFOP)
a. Posted?
b. Drills conducted (Man Overboard (MOB), fire, flooding, and abandon ship)?
8. Emergency Assignments (not on the Station Bill) (GOM RFSOP): each crew members
specific duties in: launching survival craft and recovering life/rescue boats; donning
immersion suits and wearable PFDs, making a voice radio distress call, using visual distress
signals, activating the general alarm.
a. Were emergency directions provided? (GOM RFSOP)
9. Who on this vessel is CPR/First Aid certified? (AMMOP, ASHOP, NPGOP, PIROP, SE
POP, NPGOP, SE SFOP)
10. Could you provide a safety orientation (GOM RFSOP, PIROP, SE SFOP, NEFOP)
11. Safety skill preformed and logged (GOM RFSOP)
12. Anchor and radar reflectors (SWROP, GOM RFSOP)
13. Vessel contact person telephone number(s) (PIROP, SE POP)
7

14. Are safety drills conducted on this vessel? (NEFOP)
15. Will a safety drill be conducted while I am onboard? (NEFOP)
16. Will an underway wheel watch be maintained during this trip? (NEFOP)
17. What should I do in an emergency? (ASHOP, WCGOP, SWROP)
18. Watertight doors/hatches work properly? (WCGOP)
19. Hatches/passageways unobstructed? (WCGOP)
20. Is there an adequate means of escape (WCGOP)
21. Can you sound the general/high water alarm? (ASHOP, WCGOP)
22. Number of crew & observer/s on board (NPGOP, GOM RFSOP, WCGOP, PIROP)
III. Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
A. AMMOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.

Gear permit number
Today's Date
Fisher's Name
Comments

B. ASHOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
The ASHOP asks no observer performance evaluation questions.
C. GOM RFSOP, SE POP, and SE SFOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Did the observer delay your departure time?
Was the observer’s conduct while aboard your vessel professional?
Was the observer easy to work with?
Did you notice any problems between the observer and the crew?
Did the observer get his work done in a timely manner as to not impact your operations
significantly?
6. Did you and the observer discuss safety procedures?
7. Was the observer doing anything that seemed unsafe?
8. Did the observer seem to experience sea-sickness?
9. Did the observer help to keep clean the galley area? The bunk area? Help with dishes?
10. Evaluation filled out by Owner or Captain?
11. Additional comments?
D. NEFOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
Captain Interview Questions
1. Was the Observer on time?
2. Did the Observer clearly explain his/her duties to you?
3. Did the Observer give you the Observer Duties Sheet?
4. Did the Observer explain their duties in regards to incidental takes of
5. Was there a marine mammal, marine turtle or seabird caught during this trip?
6. Did the Observer measure the gear (i.e., codend if this is a trawl trip)?
7. Did the Observer weigh the catch?
8

8. Did the observer take lengths (or shell heights) and biological samples from the catch?
9. Did the observer wear their PFD (life vest) while on deck?
10. Did the Observer hinder your operations in any way?
11. Did the Observer get along well with you and your crew?
12. Is the Observer welcome on your vessel again?
13. Did the Observer offer the captain a copy of the data?
14. Did the Observer offer the captain a comment card?
15. If no, please explain:
16. Additional Comments?
Fishermen’s Comment Card Questions
1. Landing Date
2. Port (Town, State)
3. Vessel Name
4. Hull Number
5. Your Name
6. Your Status: Owner, Captain or Other
7. Were the logistics in setting up the trip acceptable?
8. Was the observer on time and prepared for the trip?
9. Was the observer courteous and polite and did they get along with the crew?
10. Did the observer explain their sampling requirements and protocols?
11. Did the observer record the positions (latitude/longitude or lorans) of all of the hauls?
12. Did the observer weigh and take length measurements of fish caught during trip?
13. Did the observer collect the catch information from the work deck of the vessel?
14. Did the observer identify fish species correctly?
15. Did the observer review the safety checklist with you?
16. Did the observer inform you of measuring the gear characteristics?
17. Did the observer ask you for the trip-level and tow-level target species?
18. Did you have any other concerns regarding the observer or observing procedures, or safety
issues during the trip? If so, please explain in comments section below.
19. Which of the following would you like from the observer program?
• Copy of this trips logs
• Booklet with a detailed description of the observer program
• Data Release Policy with a Data Release Form
• Observer Program Vessel Safety Checklist
• Federal Register with List of Fisheries (Categorization of Fisheries, MMPA)
• Other (please specify):
20. Phone Number
21. Email address
22. Mailing Address
23. Additional comments?
E. NPGOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
Vessel/Operator Comment Form Questions
1. Vessel/Plant Operator
2. Vessel/Plant Name
3. Today’s Date
9

4. Observer
5. Observer Provider
6. Dates observer onboard
7. Did the observer interact with you and your crew in a professional manner?
8. Did the observer discuss his/her work needs with you and your crew?
9. Did the observer follow vessel/plant rules or policies? If not, please elaborate.
10. Did the observer participate fully in safety drills? If not, why not?
11. Did the observer inform you of any suspected violations of regulations when these were
witnessed?
12. Did the observer put himself/herself in any unsafe situations? If yes, please elaborate.
13. Did you have any issues with the observer’s duties and responsibilities? If yes, please
elaborate.
14. Did you discuss any issues regarding observer duties with the observer?
15. Were the issues resolved? How?
16. Did you discuss any issues regarding observer duties with anyone else? (please circle)
• Observer Program staff
• Observer provider
• My fishing company
17. Please identify the person you spoke with and whether the issues were resolved.
18. Did the observer do anything specific that you appreciated? Please elaborate. Yes No
Comments
19. Do you have questions about the work performed by observers? (sampling methods, work
schedules, etc)
20. Did you ask the observer?
21. Would you like to ask a member of our staff?
22. Would you like someone on our staff to contact you? (If yes, please provide contact
information below)
23. In general, are you satisfied with the observers you have had on your vessel or at your plant?
Comments or suggestions?
24. If you would like us to contact you, please provide:
• Phone
• Email
• Address
Non-Response Follow-Up Form
1. Vessel/Plant Operator
2. Vessel/Plant Name
3. Today's Date
4. Observer
5. Observer Provider
6. Dates observer onboard
7. Q1: Why didn't you respond to the Comment Form?
• Didn't receive the form (go to question 2)
• Too busy to fill it out (go to question 3)
• Don't believe it will accomplish anything (go to question 3)
8. Q2: Will you respond to the Comment Form if you receive one?
• Yes (send them a form and stop this survey)
• No (go to question 3)
10

9. Q3: Will you respond to a short survey now?
• Yes (go to question 4)
• No (stop this survey)
10. Q4: In general, were you satisfied with your observer?
• Satisfied
• Not satisfied
• Comments
11. Q5: In general, are you satisfied with the Observer Program?
• Satisfied
• Not satisfied
• Comments
12. Q6: Any further comment?
F. PIROP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Where was observer positioned during the haul back?
How did the observer get the fishing positions?
Did the observer tell you how to fish or dictate fishing procedures?
Did the observer help with house keeping? If no, was the observer asked?
Did the observer maintain reasonable hygiene?
\Would you have this observer again?
Did the observer unnecessarily interfere with fishing operations? If so, how often? Please
describe.
8. Was the observer courteous and polite?
9. Was the observer respectful towards crew?
10. Did the observer monitor all the sets for the first hour, and all the haul backs?
11. Please list any additional comments you have about this observer or the observer program.
12. Did the observer ask to take home any fish or did the observer ask to take home any fish? If
yes, did the observer pay you for the fish?
G. SWROP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
The SWROP asks no observer performance evaluation questions.
H. WCGOP Observer Performance Evaluation Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.

How was your experience with your observers over the past trip period?
Were they on time and courteous?
Did they do a safety check?
Do you have any complaints?

IV. Gear, Performance, Operational, Reimbursement, and Data Release Questions
The observer asks questions to obtain each of the following types of information only when it
cannot be efficiently obtained through direct observations.

11

A. AMMOP Gear, Performance, Operational, and Data Release Questions
1. What is the target species of this haul?
2. Total fishing hours for non-observed days in current opener
3. Seal damage to catch
4. Expected [number] of hauls
5. Number hauls entirely unobserved
6. Number of nets fishing
7. Primary species retained and [species] code
8. Number of primary species retained
9. Net twine size number and manufacturer
10. Net minimum mesh size
11. Net maximum mesh size
12. Net color
13. Leadline used
14. Leadline weight
15. Net length
16. Net depth
17. Anchors used
18. Number of anchors
19. Anchor type
20. Day/time set at beginning of opener
21. Day/time set this haul
22. Haul begin depth
23. Haul end depth
24. Gear damage
25. Number of salmon retained by species and weight
26. Catch disposition
27. Data Release Form Questions
28. Disposition reason
29. Data Release Form Questions
a. Date of Request
b. Name of Permit Holder or Authorized Representative
c. Gear Permit Number
d. Which Fishery?
e. Fishing Date and Location
f. Address to Which Data Should Be Sent
g. Signed Name
h. Printed Name
B. ASHOP Operational and Data Release Questions
1. What is the size of the haul? Asked only when the observer is unable to make a reliable
estimate of the haul size.
2. Data Release Form Questions
a. Date of Request
b. Name of individual requesting the data
c. Name of fishing vessel
12

d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

USCG or state registration #
Own permit/license # or Hold permit/license #
Do not own or hold a permit or license but am the captain of the above vessel
Do not own or hold a permit or license but am the vessel owner of the above vessel
I am requesting all observer data collected from _________ to _______________.
Signature
Address to which data should be sent:
i. Name
ii. Street/ PO Box
iii. City, State, Zip

C. GOM RFSOP, SE POP, and SE SFOP Gear, Performance, Operational, and
Reimbursement Questions
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statements for these observer
programs identify the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
1. What is the length and test of the gear (SE SFOP)
2. Vessel characteristics: Vessel name, documentation number, length, year built, hull
construction, tonnage, horsepower (GOM RFSOP, SE SFOP, SE POP)
3. Owner name and address, captain’s name (GOM RFSOP, SE SFOP, SE POP)
4. Bait type and state (GOM RFSOP, SE SFOP)
5. Bottom type (GOM RFSOP, SE SFOP)
6. Net, material, BRD type, codend length and circumference (GOM RFSOP)
7. TED material and angle (GOM RFSOP)
8. Mainline and lines off of mainline - material, test, and length (GOM RFSOP, SE POP)
9. Hook type, manufacturer and size (GOM RFSOP)
10. Total number of hooks set and lost (GOM RFSOP)
11. Manufacturer and model, shaft dimensions and firing mechanism of spear gun (GOM
RFSOP)
12. Time in, latitude in, longitude in, depth of tow, set or dive (GOM RFSOP)
13. What is the vessel towing speed (GOM RFSOP)
14. Are there any operational problems (GOM RFSOP)
15. Invoice For Vessels Reimbursement (SE SFOP)
a. Vessel Name- name of the vessel that carried the observer
b. Dates of Trip- dates observer was aboard the vessel
c. Meal Expenses- calculate food cost: (rate) X (days at sea) = subtotal. Observers’
personal food purchases may be deducted from subtotal, if so, a copy of the receipt
will be provided.
d. Total cost incurred (food) for observer
e. Corporation Name/Owner Name- person or entity whose name will appear on the
check.
f. TIN (This is required by CASC to issue a reimbursement check.)
g. Mailing Address- address where the check should be sent
h. Phone- contact number for additional information
i. Date- date of signature
j. Signature- signature of authorized person

13

16. Invoice For Vessels Reimbursement (SE POP)
a. Vessel Name- name of the vessel that carried the observer
b. Dates of Trip- dates observer was aboard the vessel
c. Meal Expenses- $25 X (days at sea) = subtotal
d. Crew Sampling Assistance for blue fin tuna- number of BFT X $200) = subtotal
e. Liability Insurance- rate X (days at sea) = subtotal
i. Attach endorsement and billing statement
ii. Company name
iii. Agent name
iv. Phone number
f. Equipment Expenses- rate X (days at sea) = subtotal
i. Company name
ii. Agent name
iii. Phone number
g. Corporation Name/Owner Name- person or entity whose name will appear on the
check.
h. TIN (This is required by CASC to issue a reimbursement check.)
i. Mailing Address- address where the check should be sent
j. Phone- contact number for additional information
k. Date- date of signature
l. Signature- signature of authorized person
NEFOP Gear, Performance, Operational, Reimbursement, and Data Release Questions
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statements for this observer
program identify the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

What species are you targeting (per haul)?
Why is that species being discarded (per species/per haul)?
What is the weight of the kept catch (per haul)?
What is the depth at which the leadline fishes for the haul?
How long has the gear been soaking in the water?
How many nets/hooks were set?
How many nets/hooks were hauled?
How many active marine mammal deterrents were hauled?
How many active marine mammal deterrents were lost?
How many passive marine mammal deterrents were hauled?
How many passive marine mammal deterrents were lost?
What frequency of marine mammal deterrent device, in kHz, of each type is used?
What brand of marine mammal deterrent device of each type is used?
What method did you use to determine where to set your gear?
How many turns (greater than 90 degrees) were made on this haul?
How much wire was paid out for this haul?
What is your estimate of the total catch in the net (prior to pumping)?
What is your estimate of the total catch that was pumped onboard?
What is the distance from the top of the mouth to the bottom of the mouth while the net is
fishing (vertical opening)?
20. What is the average width of the mouth of the net while the net is fishing?
14

21. What is the average distance from the door on one side of the net to the door on the other
side of the net while the net is fishing?
22. What is the range of depths (shallowest to deepest) the headrope/hooks fished for this haul?
23. What is the distance between the 2 boats while the net is fishing (pair and midwater trawl
only)?
24. How many bushels were kept in this haul (scallop dredge and trawl)?
25. How many bushels were discarded in this haul (scallop dredge and trawl)?
26. How many pounds of bait are used for this haul?
27. What kind of bait is used for this haul?
28. Was the set made on debris?
29. Did the Captain feel the set was successful?
30. Were any fish lost during the setting process?
31. What is the average vessel setting speed for the haul?
32. What is the total number of individual nets per string?
33. What is the average length of the net?
34. What is the average height of the net?
35. What is the average number of vertical meshes per net?
36. What is the average fractional ratio of the length of the floatline of one net to the length that
the net would be if it was taken off the floatline and stretched out?
37. What is the industry funded twine size number of the net webbing used in the gear?
38. How many strands of twine in the net webbing are used in the gear?
39. What type of material is the gear (net/pot/codend/liner) made of?
40. What type of material is the floatline made of?
41. What is the weight of the leadline used the gear?
42. What is the distance between floats along the floatline of the gear?
43. Are tiedowns used?
44. What is the average length of the tiedown?
45. Are there any continuous spaces greater than or equal to 2.5 feet between the nets?
46. What is the total number of spaces between the nets?
47. What is the average width of each space between the nets?
48. What is the length of the droplines?
49. What is the total weight of the additional weights used on the gear?
50. What is the total weight of the anchor(s) used?
51. What is the mesh size of each net used in the gear?
52. What is the average length of line between the high flyer(s) and buoy(s) that are attached to
the same buoyline?
53. What is the type of line used between the high flyer(s) and buoy(s)?
54. What is the average fractional diameter of the line between the high flyer(s) and buoy(s)?
55. What is the total length of groundline used?
56. What type of groundline is used?
57. What is the average fractional diameter of the groundline used?
58. What is the average length of the buoyline?
59. What type of buoyline is used?
60. What is the average percent of buoyline type (sinking/neutrally buoyant to floating)?
61. What is the average fractional diameter of the buoyline used?
62. What is the total number of surface system weak links used on the gear?
63. What type of weak links is used on the surface system?
64. What is the total number of net panel weak links used on the gear?
15

65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.

What is the weight of one door used with this gear?
What is the common name of the net?
What type of net are you using?
Who is the manufacturer of your net?
What year was your net built?
Where in the water column is the gear fishing?
What is the minimum and maximum size of the net body (pair and midwater trawl only)?
How many panels are used in the kite?
What is the length and width of the kite?
What is the length of the headrope (rope along the top of the net)?
What is the length of the footrope (length of rope along the bottom of the net)?
What is the ground cable length?
What is the length of the upper bridle on one side of the net?
What is the length of the wing bridle (pair and midwater trawl only)?
What is the length of the bottom bridle (pair and midwater trawl only)?
How many bridles are attached to each warp (pair and midwater trawl only)?
How many meshes are in the fishing circle?
What is the largest mesh measurement in the fishing circle?
What is the total number of the largest piece of gear present on the sweep?
How many floats are attached to the headrope?
What is the size, in inches, of the majority of floats attached to the headrope?
How many transducers are used on the gear?
What type and brand of transducers are used on this gear?
Where are the transducers located on the gear?
How many receivers are used for the transducers?
What type of excluder or separator device is used?
What is the mesh size of the escape outlet?
How many meshes are there and what is the size of the escape outlet?
What is the type of configuration used on the dredge?
What is the stock size of the links used on the bottom of the chain bag?
What is the total number of individual pots on the string?
What is the average length between pots?
Is a biodegradable panel used in the pots?
What type of material is used to attach the biodegradable panel to the pots?
What is the average length of the gangion(s) used on the gear?
What type of gangion is used on the gear?
What is the average fractional diameter of the gangion used?
What is the length of line between the anchor and the gangion?
What is the average distance along the mainline between gangions?
What is the test, or dry breaking strength of the gangion?
What is the type of anchor line used on the gear?
What is the average fractional diameter of the anchor line used?
What is the length of the sack/bunt section of the gear?
What is the depth of the net section?
What is the depth of the sack/bunt section?
What is the mesh size of the net section and sack/bunt section?
What is the industry funded twine size number of the sack/bunt used in the gear?
What type of material is the sack/bunt made of?
16

113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.

What is the length of the floatline used on the gear?
What is the diameter of the floatline used on the gear?
What is the length of the leadline used on the gear?
What is the diameter of the leadline used on the gear?
What is the length of the purse line used on the gear?
What is the diameter of the purse line used on the gear?
What is the length of the wash net used in this gear?
What is the total number of hooks set in this gear?
How many sections does each gear consist of?
What is the diameter of the mainline used on the gear?
What is the test, or dry breaking strength of the mainline?
What is the material of the mainline?
What is the brand name of the primary and secondary hooks used?
What are the model/patterns of the primary and secondary hooks used?
What is the size of the primary and secondary hooks used?
What is the test or dry breaking strength of the leaders used on the gear?
What is the length of the mainline used on the gear?
What is the overall height of the cage frame?
What is the overall width of the cage frame?
What is the overall length of the cage frame?
What is the size of the bars in the bottom of the cage?
What is the distance between the bars in the bottom of the cage?
What is the date and time that this haul began and ended (scallop trawl and scallop dredge
off-watch hauls)?
How many bushels were kept in this haul for the off-watch hauls (scallop dredge and
trawl)?
What time did the spotter plane take off and land this day?
Type of incidental take that occurred (seen by captain/crew only)?
How was the incidental take entangled (seen by captain/crew only)?
What was the condition of incidental take when it was released (seen by captain/crew
only)?
What was the estimated length of the incidental take (seen by captain/crew only)?
What type of trip will this be (Limited Access Scallop, General Category Scallop, Georges
Bank Fixed Gear Sector, Georges Bank Cod Hook Sector)?
How many days do you expect this trip last (to be away from port)?
What dealer are you selling the majority of your catch to?
What is the name of the port where you typically tie your vessel when it is not fishing?
What is the Vessel Trip Report Serial Number for this trip?
How many of each type of fishing gear do you have onboard?
How many of each type of fishing gear do you have soaking?
What species are you targeting for this trip using this type of gear?
Are the scallop meats soaked in a solution other than water (under Trawl Fisheries for
Scallop Trawl only)?
Are the scallop meats mixed with larger or smaller scallop meats (under Trawl Fisheries for Scallop Trawl only)?
What is the total number of bags of shucked scallops from this trip (under Trawl Fisheries for Scallop Trawl only)?

17

153. What is the average weight of a bag of shucked scallops from this trip (under Trawl
Fisheries - for Scallop Trawl only)?
154. For the data release, could you provide your mailing address?
155. For the data release, do you own the vessel?
156. For the vessel reimbursement, could you provide your mailing address?
157. For the vessel reimbursement, could you please sign this form?
158. Are you declared into the "Regular B-Day Program"?
159. Are you declared into the "US/Canada Management Area"?
160. What are you declaring for your VMS Fishing Area Code?
161. Did the trip flip from B-Days to A-Days?
162. Did the trip flex? If so, where?
163. Fishermen's Comment Log: Record vessel name and hull number, and notes or details on
observed tows, such as species composition, estimated or extrapolated weights, gear or
fishing conditions that may be out of the ordinary. If notes pertain to a specific tow, or
times, please include that information below. (This is an optional form for the captain to
use.)
164. Vessel Reimbursement Form For Multi-Day Trips Only Questions
a. Please make check payable to
b. Attn:
c. F/V
d. Street
e. City
f. State
g. Zip code
165. NMFS Fisheries Observer Program Trip Data Release Form Questions
a. Request Date
b. Observer Trip ID #
c. Vessel Name
d. USCG Doc #
e. Date Landed
f. PRINT Name
g. Signature
h. PRINT Mailing Address
i. Captain or owner?
E. NPGOP Gear, Performance, and Operational Questions
1. Ask crew to share marine mammals or shorttailed albatross information. (Such information
is available rarely.)
2. Ask the skipper for the vessel’s positions. (Rarely asked)
3. Ask the captain to let you know if there were any problems during the tow, or document this
information somewhere for you.
4. Ask the captain to note in the vessel logbook when the true fishing duration is not the
difference between the start and stop times listed.
5. Ask the person responsible for logbook entries to record problems with the gear for you
somewhere on the logbook page or on a separate page.
6. At the beginning of your trip, or when you travel to a new fishing area, ask the crew what
species they believe will be predominant in the catch.
18

7. Ask the person responsible for entering information in the vessel’s logbook to record missing
pots or problems with pot retrieval somewhere on the logbook page or on a separate page for
you.
8. Ask the engineer for the surface water temperature if it is taken at the engine inlet
thermometer. (Rarely asked)
9. Ask crew for information on each tagged fish and crab for every tag that you find or that is
given to you.
10. You may need to double check your measurements, calculations, and methods, check scale
calibrations, logbook entries and production figures. Ask the skipper, plant manager, or
other personnel to clarify any questions you have.
11. Ask captain and crew about possible sources of bias in your species composition estimates
and document these discussions in your logbook daily notes.
12. Ask the captain how many hauls are expected each day to determine your sampling schedule.
13. Prior to gathering fish lengths, ask the skipper if any of the target species was discarded at
sea. (This question is asked when a vessel without an observer makes a delivery to a
processing plant with an observer.)
F. PIROP Gear, Performance, and Operational, Questions
Note: Responses to these questions are mandatory and the PRA statement for this observer
program identifies the regulations under which responses are mandatory.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What is the target depth?
What is the target species?
What is the length of the mainline?
What is the test of the main line?
What is the test of the branch line?
What is the test of the branch leader line?

G. SWROP Gear, Performance, and Operational Questions
1. What is the target species of this haul?
2. Total number of lightsticks and color of lightsticks
3. Numerical value for either pounds test or twine size for this section of net.
4. Net length - length of panels and total length
5. Net Depth - depth of the net in meshes
6. Mesh size
7. Extender length
8. Percent slack
9. Number of meshes hanging
10. Hanging length
11. Soak time total
12. Total amount of lost netting
13. Suspender length
14. Total catch (by species) and units
15. Date and time gear was set

19

H. WCGOP Gear, Performance, Operational, and Data Release Questions
1. What is the target species of this haul?
2. Who manufactures your gear?
3. Depth and vessel speed while setting gear?
4. Depth and vessel speed while towing gear?
5. What references did you use to determine where to set?
6. What is the fish ticket number(s) from the observed trip?
7. How much, by weight, does your codend hold?
8. How much, by weight, does your trawl alley hold when filled to the top of the bin boards?
9. Why did you discard this fish/species?
10. What day, time, and at what depth was the gear set? (very rarely asked)
11. What day, time, and at what depth was the gear retrieved? (very rarely asked)
12. What is your permit or license number?
13. How many hooks are in the set? (very rarely asked)
14. How many pots are in the set? (very rarely asked)
15. What size are your hooks?
16. When did the vessel stop participating in the observed portion of the Pacific Coast groundfish
fishery?
17. Data Release Form Questions
a. Date of Request
b. Name of individual requesting the data
c. Name of fishing vessel
d. USCG or state registration #
e. Own permit/license # or Hold permit/license #
f. Do not own or hold a permit or license but am the captain of the above vessel
g. Do not own or hold a permit or license but am the vessel owner of the above vessel
h. I am requesting all observer data collected from _________ to _______________.
i. Signature
j. Address to which data should be sent:
i. Name
ii. Street/ PO Box
iii. City, State, Zip

V. Economic Questions
The types of trip level economic information that observer programs collect are described below.
Principally because some of the information is fishery or gear specific and because the categories
of costs that are collected vary by program, no program will collect all of this information.
Where the information is described in terms of a question, the precise wording can vary by
program. The economic data collection forms by observer program and fishery are included in
this submission. As with the other questions, excluding the observer performance questions, the
economic questions are mandatory for the NEFOP.
A. Revenue Data:
1. How much was received for the fish landed on this trip? (This question is asked only if this
information is not available form other sources, e.g., fish tickets or dealer reports.)
20

B. Trip Cost Data:
1. Fuel
a. Type of fuel used (e.g., diesel or gasoline)
b. Price per gallon
c. Gallons of fuel used this trip
d. Total cost of fuel this trip
2. Engine oil
a. Units (e.g., gallons or quarts)
b. Price per unit
c. Quantity of engine oil used this trip
d. Total cost of engine oil this trip
3. Bait
a. Type of bait used (type 1)
b. Units for type 1 bait (e.g., boxes or pounds)
c. Bait price per unit for type 1 bait
d. Quantity of type 1 bait used this trip
e. Total cost of type 1 bait this trip
f. Type of bait used (type 2)
g. Units for type 2 bait (e.g., boxes or pounds)
h. Bait price per unit for type 2 bait
i. Quantity of type 2 bait used this trip
j. Total cost of type 2 bait this trip
4. Ice
a. Units (e.g., tons or pounds)
b. Ice price per unit
c. Quantity of ice used this trip
d. Total cost of ice this trip
5. Lightsticks
a. Price per case of 500 lightsticks
b. Cases of lightsticks used this trip
c. Total cost of lightsticks this trip
d. Do you use disposable lightsticks?
e. Price per disposable lightstick
f. Number of disposable lightstick used this trip
g. Total disposable lightstick cost this trip
h. Do you use reusable lightsticks?
i. Number of reusable lightsticks used this trip
j. Number of reusable lightsticks replaced this trip
k. Price per lightstick replaced
l. Total replacement cost for reusable lightsticks this trip
6. Acoustic pingers
a. Number of acoustic pingers used this trip
b. Number of acoustic pingers replaced this trip
c. Price per pinger replaced
d. Total pinger replacement cost this trip
7. Labor/crew
21

a.
b.
c.
d.

Total number of crew including the captain
Number of foreign crew
How much will the crew be paid for this trip?
Total shared costs (i.e. cost subtracted from gross revenue prior to calculating crew
share payments for this trip)
e. Do you use crew share and if yes, what are owner’s share, captain’s share, crew share
1, crew share 2, and other?
f. If you do not use crew share, how are crew paid?
8. Swordfish certificates
a. Number of swordfish certificates purchased this trip
b. Cost per certificate
c. Total certificate cost this trip
9. Other trip costs
a. What is your estimate of the cost of replacing or repairing gear and/or equipment lost
or damaged during this trip and what exactly was lost or damaged?
b. How much was paid for commonly used supplies for this trip and what do those
supplies consist of?
c. How much was paid for food for this trip?
d. How much was paid for fresh water for this trip?
e. Provisions costs (i.e. groceries, bottled water, cigarettes, etc. for this trip)
f. Communications cost (satellite phone calls, email, etc.) for this trip
g. What are the costs of unloading (lumping), grading, selling, transporting, or otherwise
handling the catch for this trip?
h. Boat freezer costs (i.e. cost to operate refrigeration system onboard the vessel for this
trip)
i. Do you use brine or brine spray and if yes, what is the total cost?
j. Brokerage expense, if any or brokerage percentage
k. Other trip costs (i.e. docking/offloading fees if separate from broker fee, crew
travel/lodging, etc. for this trip)
l. Miscellaneous trip costs (i.e. unexpected or “one-time” cost)
m. Miscellaneous costs (list details of the miscellaneous costs)
n. What is the cost of any processing of catch onboard the vessel for this trip?
o. What is the cost of any other trip activities not otherwise listed on the Vessel & Trip
Log?
10. Aggregate trip costs
a. Trip costs (food, fuel, ice, water, oil, and bait)
b. Total estimated trip costs
C. Other Economic Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Owner operated or hired captain
How many years of experience does the captain have in the fishery I am observing?
Fish ticket number
Do you have refrigeration onboard?
Did you use a harpoon?
How many swordfish did you harpoon?

22