How Do I?
- Register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry?
- Find recreational fishing regulations?
- Report a marine mammal or sea turtle stranding?
- Apply for a fishing permit?
- Import/export fishery products?
- Find a Volunteer coastal restoration effort near me?
- Find a catch and landing information for commercial and recreational fisheries?
Fishery Observer Training
(NOAA Image)During the comprehensive two week course, observers are trained in fire fighting, USCG Safety, EPIRBs, mayday calls, signals and flares (image above), sampling procedures, helicopter rescues, man overboard drills, cold water survival, damage control and more. NOAA NMFS works closely with the US Coast Guard to train the new observers.
Once they've completed the training, observers will be sent out aboard offshore commercial fishing vessels throughout the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic on trips that vary from 1 to 62 days in length. The data they collect are for the Shrimp and Reef Fish Observer Programs.
These data are used for finfish and protected species stock population assessments.
Fishery observers are required to have completed (or nearing completion) a BS degree. They must also have a working knowledge of southeastern offshore fishing.
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 (NOAA Image) Observers trained with the US Coast Guard on fire fighting and damage control. |
(NOAA Image)For more information on becoming a NMFS fishery observer:Contact: Elizabeth Scott-Denton NMFS Project Manager Email elizabeth.scott-denton@noaa.gov Phone (409) 766-3571 Fax (409) 766-3508 |  click for PDF |
