Appendix 2 OBSERVER TRAINING MANUAL LL 2018.pdf

Hawaii Longline Observer Program Field Manual

Pacific Islands Regional Office Observer Program

NOAA Inouye Resource Center 1845 Wasp Blvd. Bldg. 176 Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

(808) 725-5100

Manual Version: LM.17.02

Cover Image: Keith Davis, a fisheries observer and observer advocate who was lost at sea on Sept. 10, 2015 while observing on a tuna transshipment vessel off the coast of Peru. His talents and energy are dearly missed by his friends and colleagues.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Page Longline Observer Authority and Goal 1-1

Objectives 1-3 Guidelines and Responsibilities 1-3

Chapter 2 Summary of Duties Page Employment Purpose 2-1

Placement Meeting 2-2 Interference and Harassment 2-6 Injuries 2-7 After a Vessel Assignment 2-8 Chapter 3 Data Collection Instructions Page

3-1 3-2

General Instructions Data Collection Priorities Sample and Data Collection Priorities 3-2

Chapter 4 Trip Specifications Record & WCPFC Form Page 4-1General Instructions

Trip Spec.Form 4-3

Chapter 6 Longline Set and Haul Information Page 6-1 6-5 6-6

General Instructions Weather Code Table Beaufort Scale Set and Haul Information Form 6-7

Chapter 7 Gear Configuration Page 7-1 7-3 7-7 7-8 7-9

General Instructions Image of Round & Flat circle hooks Diagram of Pelagic Longline Gear Branchline Diagram Gear Configuration Form

Chapter 5 WCPFC Mandatory Data Elements Page 5-1 5-3

General Instructions VMS units WCPFC WCPFC Form 5-5

Introduction 8-1 During the Set 8-2 During the Haul 8-3 Event Type Code 8-4 Vessel Activity Code List 8-5 Behavior Code List 8-6 Species Count & Association Codes 8-7 PSEL Form 8-8

Chapter 9 Seabird Mitigation Techniques Page 9-1 9-4

General Instructions Seabird Mitigation Form Diagram of Tori Line

Chapter 10 Catch Event Log Page General Instructions 10-1

10-7 10-7 10-8 10-10 10-11

10-15 10-16 10-17 10-18

Chapter 11 Sea Turtle Handling and Data Collection Page

Chapter 8 Protected Species Event Log Page

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Chapter 14 Specimen Log Page Specimen Log Data Elements 14-1

Specimen Numbering System 14-2 Specimen Log Form 14-3

Chapter 15 T ag Event Log Page 15-1Tag Event Form Data Elements

Tag Event Form 15-2

Chapter 16 Photographs and Photo Log Page 16-1 16-1 16-4 16-5

Taking Photographs Marine Mammal Concerns Photo Requirements Photo Log Form

Chapter 17 Sketch Form/Identification Forms Page General Description and Data Elements 17-1

Chapter 18 Sat. Phone and Radio Reporting Instructions Page Introduction 18-1 Vessel Emergency Radio Distress-Calling Procedure 18-1 Using the Satellite Phone to Communicate 18-3

Standard Phonetic Alphabet 18-4 Important Telephone Numbers 18-5 Chapter 19 Safety Page

Placement Checklist 19-7 Reporting Safety Issues 19-8 Quick Reference to Navigation Rules of the Road 19-10

Chapter 12 Seabird Biological Data Form Page 12-1Introduction

Seabird Biological Data Form 12-4

Chapter 13 Marine Mammal Biological Data Form Page 13-1 13-1 13-2 13-3 13-3 13-4

General Instructions Marine Mammal Interaction Report Elements Cetacean Skin Biopsy Collection Protocol Photographing boarded marine mammal Guidelines for Disentangling Cetaceans Data Elements Marine Mammal Biological Data Form 13-7

Safety Requirements 19-1 Placement Checklist Element list 19-2 Diagram of a proper life raft Hook-up 19-5 Image of Comm. Fishing Vessel Safety Exam sticker 19-6

Chapter 22 Appendices Page

List of Acronyms 22-5

22-12

Chapter 23 Changes to the Manual 23-1

Chapter 20 Equipment List and Maintenance Tips Page

20-1 20-3

Chapter 21 Species Codes List Page Fishes 21-1 Sharks 21-3 Rays 21-4 Turtles 21-4 Seabirds 21-5 Cetaceans 21-6 Pennipeds 21-7

Removal of Shark Fins Marine Debris Encounter Form 22-13 Foreign Fishing Vessels 22-14

Chapter 1 Introduction

Longline Observer Authority and Goal

NMFS’ Pacific Islands Regional Observer Programs (PIROP) operates in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands and the Territory of American Samoa. In the late 1980s there was a rapid expansion of the Hawaii longline fishery for tuna and swordfish. Most of the vessels came from the US eastcoast and the Gulf of Mexico. The increase in fishing activity raised serious concerns about the impact of longline fishing on the stocks of fish being harvested. The increased number of vessels also raised concerns over sea turtle interactions. To understand impacts on sea turtles, interim emergency rules were promulgated.

These temporary measures (rules) included requirements for federal longline fishing permits, mandatory logbooks, official identification numbers, and noti fication to NMFS whenever a longline vessel intended to fish within 50 nautical miles of a protected species study area or if fishing activities would take place around French Frigate Shoals, Gardner Pinnacles, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Reef, Midway Island, and Kure Atoll of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

A NMFS 1993 Biological Opinion resulted in the initiation of a voluntary observer program. A letter was sent to all vessel owners with limited-entry Hawaii longline permits requesting their cooperation to carry fishery observers. An interim final rule establishing a mandatory program was published on December 22, 1993, and the first mandatory observers were deployed on longline fishing vessels in February 1994.

A final rule for the mandatory observer program was published on April 19, 1994, to ensure that observers would continually be placed aboard longline vessels.

In 2000, the Pacific Islands Regional Observer Programs (PIROP) significantly increased its observer coverage. During the period March 1994 to September 2000, 322 observer trips were completed. The program averaged 46 trips per calendar year from 1994 to 1999. From October '00 to September '01, 234 observer trips were completed. That was an increase of over 500% from the previous years. Since then, PIROP has maintained 17-22% observer coverage for the deep set fishery (tuna). Since 2005 it has a 100% observer coverage in the shallow set fishery (swordfish). In addition, the program was able to establish a core multidisciplined observer debriefer/resource management staff to work with observers as they return from sea.

Currently, NMFS's two observer programs in the Pacific Islands are focused on collecting information on protected species interactions with commercial fisheries in the region. Catch composition, fishing effort and dispositon information are other main cetegories of data collected by the programs. Target species of the pelagic longline fisheries are swordfish and tunas. Future observing efforts in the region may be expanded to the fisheries around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

The program has also developed relationships with the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, with the intention of sharing information on program practices, species identification, labor issues, data harmonization, data sharing, and the “observ er” as an effective management tool. PIROP has the resources and experience to offer valuable assistance and support to other observer programs within the greater Pacific region. Intra-pro gram contact and familiarity can help to implement additional data collection and reporting re quirements. The response to this outreach led to the development of multilateral fisheries resource man agement contacts and an invitation to participate in the annual Pacific Islands Observer Coor dinators and Managers meeting which ultimately lead to the Pacific Islands Observer Program becoming a member. PIROP can directly help improve quality of observers, data, and safety training. Indirectly, PIROP can assist foreign observer programs to develop their own capacity to train and maintain observers and observer programs. The Pacific Islands Regional Office, office of International Fisheries has provided logistical support to national and regional observer programs under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. By helping the SPC/FFA with their observer and debriefer train ings, PIROP is expanding upon a pre-existing relationship.

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NMFS is concerned with the management of False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NMFS has defined multiple stocks of False killer whales in the Pacific islands region (as stated in the Stock Assessment Reports). Research and observer collected data indicate that there are genetically distinct stocks in the waters utilized by the vessels in the Hawaii-based longline fleet. More information is needed to assess the impact of the fishery on these different stocks.

In addition to national and regional roles, NMFS also plays a role in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). The WCPFC was established by the Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC Convention) which entered into force on 19 June 2004. As an agency of a Commission member nation, NMFS is responsible for adhering to all subsequent management and regulatory policies of the Commission. These policies, called Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs), include ( but are not limited to) such things as providing authority for the development of Regional Observer Programs, vessel registration and monitoring, catch limits, and observer rights and responsibilities.

Some important milestones in US fisheries management related to observers

1. Starting in 1963, U.S. biologists were placed on some Japanese trawlers and factory ships in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to obtain data on the catch by species, area, and quantity and on gear efficiency. In essence, this was the first fishery observer program.

2. In 1964, the Bartlett Act was passed. This act prohibited fishing in US territorial waters (out to 3 miles) by foreign flagged vessels unless they were allowed access by treaty.

3. In 1966, Public Law 89-658 was passed. This law extended the US exclusive zone to 12 miles.

4. In 1973, the NMFS began placing observers on foreign fishing vessels operating off the northwest and Alaskan coasts of the US. This was known as the North Pacific Foreign Fisheries Observer Program.

These observers were placed on vessels only upon invitation by host countries.

5. The passage of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in 1972 led to placing observers on purse seine vessels.

6. In 1978 US fishers began fishing for groundfish in joint ventures with foreign processing vessels.

7. In 1983, President Reagan declared the US Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) to cover the area from 12 nmi from the coast, out to 200 nmi. By 1991, all foreign fishing within the US EEZ was terminated.

8. By 1986 all non joint-venture foreign fisheries in U.S. controlled waters were halted.

9. In 1988 amendments to the MMPA required vessels in fisheries identified as having frequent interactions with marine mammals to carry observers for 20-30 percent of their fishing days.*

10. -In 1987, the Platform Removal Observer Program begins.(GOMEX)

-In 1989, observing began in the Northeast domestic commercial fisheries (NER) -In 1990 the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program begins.(BSAI/GOA) -In 1990 the CA Set-net & Drift-net Observer Programs begin.

-In 1992 the Pelagic Longline Observer Program begins.(GOMEX/NER) -In 1994 the Hawaii Longline Observer Program begins (PIR) -In 1994, the Commercial Shark Observer Program begins. (GOMEX/FL & SE)

* from http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/FMA/history.htm 1-2

Objectives for Longline Fishery Observers

To meet NMFS’ field responsibilities, the following objectives are established for scientific tech nicians working as observers aboard longline fishing vessels:

•Obtain reliable information about the incidental interaction of protected species.

Record fishing effort.

Record the number and composition of fish kept and discarded.

Collect biological information from selected species

Guidelines and Responsibilities

It is important that you conscientiously follow the guidelines outlined below, with SAFETY and INTEGRITY as the watchwords of your job:

It is your responsibility to observe and accurately record biological research data as instructed.

Everything you record is available to the vessel operator or his designate and is subject to legal interpretation. Almost everything you record may be made available as public information. You are not to record extemporaneous comments or personal opinions. It is not your job to evaluate or interpret data; simply record your observations on the data forms that you are issued.

It is your responsibility to maintain open communication with the vessel operator and other ves sel personnel to facilitate a clear understanding as to what data are being collected.

It is your responsibility to share with the vessel operator all data items recorded, when requested. This does not include your Documentation Notebook. If he or she is in disagreement with you, allow operators to record their own views on the original data forms. If they choose, the vessel operators may record their own comments on these forms, in the comments section.

You are hired to be an observer, not an enforcement agent. You are not empowered to write cita tions, make arrests, or carry out enforcement activities. Your responsibilities require you to make observations and collect data, some of which pertain to regulations. Your data could be used as evidence to assess penalties. There may be instances where you are required to write incident reports. Observers do not interpret regulations; however, observers are asked to assist fishermen by providing copies of the current regulations to them upon request, and to direct them to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) for assistance in interpretation. Government attorneys perform legal interpretation.

Your responsibility of observing and recording data is to be performed in such a manner as to minimize interference with fishing operations. Likewise, the vessel operator and any other vessel personnel are not to interfere with your duties. It is up to you to maintain a functional working relationship with the vessel operator and crew in order for you to perform all tasks that are required of you.

Observers should not keep personal diaries during a fishing trip. This does not include material issued to you for documentation purposes. Data forms are to be used for collecting data, not as a sketch pad or notebook. Notebooks are not to be used for collecting data.

Intentionally entering the water from an assigned vessel is prohibited; such activity will compro mise personal safety and data collection duties. Sea-assignment readiness is determined by personal fitness, training preparation, and NMFS staff assessments.

Because observer objectives are mandated by federal regulations, personal research is prohibited aboard vessel assignments, and retaining specimens (especially “edible” specimens) of any kind for any personal reason is prohibited.

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Port Coordinators select sea assignments through a predetermined sampling plan and confirm that the boats meet minimum U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements. Observers do not choose vessel assignments; however, observers have the right to refuse deployment on a vessel they perceive as unsafe. Any refusal to board a vessel after an inspection must be documented and discussed with management to determine the appropriate course of action.

Fishing activity dictates vessel departures and arrivals. Since vessel notification requirements may limit response time, observers should be prepared for sudden sea assignments of extended and uncertain duration.

An observer’s vessel assignment (trip) continues until the vessel returns to port to unload its catch.

Occasionally, the port of arrival will be different from the port of departure. In these instances, the trip is considered completed when the vessel arrives in port to off-load its catch. If you are directed by PIROP (or a designated authority) to remain on the vessel and observe the subsequent fishing trip, do not use the same trip number; contact the PIROP office in Honolulu or your contractor for the trip number to use.

Never leave your assigned vessel prematurely without approval from the PIROP Coordinator, Port Coordinator, or acting designate; to do so is grounds for dismissal.

Safeguard the return of your data to the port field station. Your work is a valuable investment; treat it like your wallet. Data loss may be grounds for dismissal.

Alcohol dependency and other illicit drug use are incompatible with observer duties and are not tolerated. If detected, disciplinary action will be initiated.

Falsification of data is grounds for dismissal, and subject to criminal prosecution.

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Chapter 2 Summary of Duties Employment Purpose

Observers are deployed on commercial pelagic longline fishing vessels to collect objective and accurate data on the following:

- Compliance with selected regulations, both domestic and international.

- International treaty specific data

General Duties

- Work at sea aboard longline vessels.

- Work as directed by the PIROP under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act (MSA)

- Collect research and management data from the Hawaii longline fisheries.

- Record the number and position of protected species, target species, and bycatch species caught during fishing operations or sighthed while the vessel is under way.

- Sample selected species.

- Record biological data from protected species and other caught species.

- Debrief collected data and enter data into the database once on shore.

The Observer’s Role

(Adapted from an article by P. Cullenberg and K. Rivera in the OTC Quarterly, Vol. 8, No. 3)

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Some quotes on observing:

“When I was working as an observer, I was always interested in seeing what would come up next."

- Joe Arceneaux, NMFS

- Anonymous, observer

“You have to be flexible.”

-Josee Vincent, observer contractor/ex-observer

Before a Vessel Assignment

The Placement Meeting

Observers assigned to a vessel should report to their contractor representative each day until their vessel departs.

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During a Vessel Assignment

Observers are to:

This means the observer must see everything that is caught on the line. Observers record information on fishing gear and locations, collect biological data on fish and protected species caught, and collect samples.

2. Perform their duties in a way that minimizes interference with fishing operations.

Again, the observer must see everything that is caught on each hook. This means that you may need to slow the vessel down so the observer can identify everything that is caught on the line. Do not cut the line until the observer has seen it and says it is ok to cut the line. If it is a shark, they need to identify it to species, including the different species of Thresher and brown sharks.

3. Keep open lines of communication with vessel personnel by informing them about observer duties and collected data.

The observer will let you know what they are doing, and you are welcome to look at the data they are collecting.

4. Obtain permission from the vessel captain before using any boat equipment.

The observer will ask you before they use the SSB (Single side-band radio) or any other vessel equipment. The observer will also abide by the house rules of the vessel.

5. Collect specimens as instructed by NMFS and clean up thoroughly afterwards.

After the observer is done collecting samples they will clean up their mess and wash the remaining fish guts over the side of the vessel.

6. Use work cameras only for photographing specimens.

If you catch a turtle, marine mammal or unidentified fish the observer will need to take pict e of these. However, they are not to take pictures of the crew or anything that will identify the vessel or crew.

7. Bring issued rain gear, boots, life jackets, survival suits, and EPIRBs.

Note: The observer accompanies the Port Coordinator during the safety meeting so the observer will already be familiar with the location of the safety equipment.

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9. Remain onboard the vessel until the vessel returns to port to unload their catch..

For example, if the vessel stops on Kauai or at another port, does not off-load, but will return to Honolulu to off-load the catch, the observer will remain onboard the vessel until you return to Honolulu. If you land at another port and unload your fish the observer will get off the vessel the e and arrangements will be made for the observer to return to Honolulu.

10. Share housekeeping routines such as dishes and general clean up with the crew.

If the crew takes turns washing dishes or cleaning up, the observer will take their turn as well.

However, the observer is not to be the designated person for this job during the cruise.

Observers are not to:

1. Dictate procedures or direct fishing operations.

The observer will not tell you how or where to fish.

2. Be involved with crew responsibilities such as standing watch or helping with fishing.

The observer is not to drive the boat or help with actual fishing operations.

3. Keep personal diaries in any form.

4. Use personal recording devices, smart phones, cameras or lap top computers to record or save observer data.

5. Compromise data or record extemporaneous comments.

6. Conduct personal research of any kind.

What this means is the observer is collecting data for NMFS only, they are not working for anyone else. In addition, the observer is to record only what he/she sees. They will not write down any assumptions or opinions.

7. Keep specimens or edible fish of any kind.

If the crew eats fish everyday, that is ok. The observer eats what the crew eats. However, the observer can not take any fish home from the cruise.

8. Discuss boat business from one vessel to another or to any fishermen shoreside.

Observers will not go around telling anyone about your fishing secrets.

Captains are to:

1. Cooperate with the observer in the performance of the observer’s duties.

Allow the observer to do his/her job. If you catch a turtle or any other protected species, you will need to stop the vessel and assist the observer to get the turtle aboard the vessel.

2. Provide living quarters comparable to a full crew member.

Note: The captain is asked to designate a bunk for the observer during the safety meeting.

3. Provide the same meals, snacks, and amenities provided to crew members.

Often the observer will have a list of additional food items. Is that ok for the observer to give you a list? The vessel will be reimbursed $20 for every day the observer is onboard the vessel. We also request that you get bottled water for the observer.

4. Allow the observer access to areas of the vessel necessary to conduct observer duties.

Allow the observer to go to the pilothouse to obtain GPS positions, to store specimens in the ice hold, or any other areas necessary to do his/her job.

5. Allow the observer access to communications an navigation equipment, as necessary to perform observer duties.

The observer will need to get the latitude and longitude from the GPS.

6. Notify the observer when commercial fishing operations are to begin and end.

For example, if the observer is sleeping make sure you let them know when you are about to set or haul gear.

7. Provide true vessel locations by latitude and longitude upon request by the observer.

Let the observer go to the pilothouse to get the position from GPS.

8. Bring aboard sea turtles and marine mammals killed during fishing operations that are readily accessible to crewmembers, if requested by the observer.

9. Provide refrigerated bait well storage space for observer collected specimens.

The observer may need to store specimens in the ice hold or freezer.

For example, if the observer writes a fish down as a Blue marlin and you say it is a Striped marlin, then you can write on the back of the observer’s forms that it is a Striped marlin.

11. Comply with other guidelines, regulations, or conditions that NMFS may provide in writing to ensure that the observer can complete his or her required duties.

Captains are not to:

1. Ask observers to stand watch or help with fishing operations.

You cannot ask the observer to drive the vessel or help with the actual fishing operations.

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If the observer has any questions or problems during the cruise he/she will address these with you (the captain). If you (the captain) have any questions or problems concerning the observer during the cruise, he/she should feel free to address the observer with these concerns.

Now that you know the observer is going fishing with the vessel you can not leave port without the ob-server.

Captain, do you understand that the $20 a day paid to the owner at the end of the trip is provided for food and water for the observer AND that if the observer doesn’t receive adequate supplies money can be withheld from reimbursement?

Yes/ No

Captain, was enough food bought for the trip to provide the observer with adequate meals for the duration of the trip? Yes/ No

Has enough water been bought, if the water tank isn’t adequate to provide the ob-server with enough water for the duration of the whole trip? Yes/ No

Captains are to operate the vessel safely and according to established Coast Guard safety regulations. This includes conducting proper wheel watches in accordance with USCG and international navigation rules.

cluded.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS ) Rule 5 - “Every vessel

Interference and Harassment

answers to WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW, and HOW MANY TIMES.

Injuries

(c).

The MSA section 403 (c) reads as below:

“ An observer on a vessel and under contract to carry out responsibilities under this Act or the

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 USC 1361 et seq.) shall be deemed to be a Federal Employ-ee for purposes of compensation under the Federal Employee Compensation Act (5 USC 8108 et seq.)”

If you are an observer working for NMFS or under contract as above, you are covered under FECA regardless of how long you have worked as an observer or your work schedule, including if you work on a seasonal, part-time, intermittent, or contracted basis.

If you are injured aboard a vessel, you are legally required to notify the captain of the vessel within seven days of any injury or illness incurred while aboard the vessel.

Make sure to report any injuries or illnesses incurred during a cruise to your employer and your debriefer.

CA-1 Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Com-pensation.

Traumatic injuries are defined as a wound or other condition of the body caused by a single specifi event or a series of events or incidents within a single day or work shift.

CA-2 Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation

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After a Vessel Assignment

An observer’s trip assignment ends when the vessel returns to port to sell its catch.

equipment.

LOSS OF DATA IS GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

* At the conclusion of their last trip, each observer will also complete the exit questionnaire.

Travel Responsibilities

Keep your collected data and electronics bag in close possession at all times. DO NOT CHECK DATA

AS BAGGAGE. DO NOT MAIL ORIGINALS.

possible.

NO DATA IS BETTER THAN BAD DATA!

Chapter 3 Data Collection Instructions

General Instructions

If the information requested on a data collection form is not available or not applicable, leave the data field or code box blank. Describe the situation in the Comments section of the form. Use the Documentation Notebook to record information that does not correspond to a specific data form, but that may be worth noting. Documentation notebooks must always be filled out in INK.

1. Use a soft, #2 pencil on all forms. Draw a single line through any errors, and write the correct data above the lined-out item. DO NOT make any changes over information that is already recorded.

2. Print legibly!

3. Observe and accurately record descriptive and quantitative data, with explicit notes and explanations. Record the data as events occur, trusting nothing to memory.

4. Record times as four digits using the 24 hour clock format: for example, 5:34 A.M. is written as 0534, and 5:38 P.M. is written as 1738. Use Hawaii Standard Time.

5. Protected species are the top priority. Never allow collection of secondary data to interfere with the collection of protected species data.

6. If data are not available in the proper units, write the measurement and units in the margin or Com-ments section for later conversion: for example, meters from fathoms.

7. If additional space is required on a data form, continue data entries on additional forms.

8. Include all pertinent facts when writing notes or narrative explanations. Remember that people who were not present will read about the events you are describing. Don’t assume that the readers will auto-matically know what you are describing if you did not write it down.

9. Generally, leading zeros are helpful when filling in data fields. If they are not necessary or desired then the appropriate chapter will explain in the data element definitions section.

10. Unless otherwise specified, right-justify your numerical entries into the data field boxes.

For example, if the vessel documentation number is only six numbers, the far left box of the 7-box data field would be empty.

11. If illness,injury,or rough weather impact your ability to perform your duties,describe the situation in your Documentation Notebook and on any appropriate data collection forms.

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12. No abbreviations.

13. Follow basic rounding rule. If it’s more than or equal to 5 round up, if it less than 5 it remains unchanged.

Data Collection Priorities

As an observer in the Hawaii Longline Fishery your primary duty is to obtain reliable information about sea turtle and other protected species interactions. All protected species data and sample collec-tion has higher priority than any fish data. In instances where there is a protected species interaction collect all data and samples and just make a note if you are not able to collect lower priority fish data.

Keep in mind that while you are collecting protected species data and samples you still need to watch what is coming up on the line so additional protected species are not missed.

Sample Collection General Comments

Make sample collections only if you have the proper storage medium and storage space.

An important note to remember is that it is easier to discard a specimen or sample after

Sample and Data Collection Priorities Samples

- Sea turtles: Positive ID, skin biopsies or whole dead animals

- Marine mammals: Positive ID, skin biopsies, or small whole dead animals if possible

- Seabirds: Positive ID, refer to circular update for current protocol

- Fishes: selected biological samples as directed - see Circular Updates

Data

- Collect and document data from all incidental catches and interactions of protected species. Sea turtles and marine mammals have a higher priority over seabirds.

- Record species composition and disposition of the catch.

- Record fishing locations and gear characteristics

- Collect fish and shark measurements

- Describe all incidents where tags are applied, observed, or removed on any caught animal.

If you are unable to complete all of your duties, due to illness, dangerous conditions, etc., use this list of priorities to help determine what is feasible to collect and what might have to be discontinued. These situations are rare and require detailed comments. Try to be creative and find alternative methods to help you perform your duties when needed. For example; if you are vomiting off the starboard side of the vessel while gear is being retrieved from port, video the hauling operation while you are unable to monitor it. This is not preferred, but it’s better than missing a possible interaction.

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Chapter 4 Trip Specifications Record

Introduction

The Trip Specifications form is used to record the specifics of the fishing trip. It is the only place where the vessel name, vessel documentation number, and name of the operator are recorded together.

When separated from other observer data, the data cannot easily be associated with a specific vessel or operator so care must be taken not to separate these. This form is completed only once for each observed fishing trip.

Data Elements

Declared Trip Type - the type of set the vessel will make on this trip. The Port Coordinator will tell you what type of set the vessel will employ during the cruise. Write in the appropriate letter code in the box. There are only two types of sets, Deep Set or Shallow Set. If the type is a Deep Set, then enter D in the box. If the type is a Shallow Set, then enter S in the box. This box must be filled in, it can not be left blank.

If the vessel did not declare the type of set they will fish when they called in, enter N for Non-declared. Do not change the Declared Trip Type if the type of gear configuration (“set type”) fished during the trip is different from what was declared before the start of the trip. This box must be filled in, it cannot be left blank.

Trip Number - in the upper right hand corner, enter the unique 6-character number assigned by the Operations Coordinator. In the first two blocks enter LL for longline. Starting in the third block, enter the 4-digit number.

Manual Version - in the upper right hand corner of the form, fill in the spaces with the Manual ersion number. The version number is located on the title page of the manual. The first two characters are LM for Longline Manual. The number should be left-justified and do not fill in zeros "0" for blanks.

Vessel Documentation Number - (aka Vessel ID No.) A 6 to 7 digit number assigned to the vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is NOT painted on the sides of the pilothouse, and both sides of the bow. It is written on vessel gear, such as floats and life rings, and it is also in the vessel's official documents. This number is also recorded on the vessel’s longline permit. Right-justify this number and do not put in any leading zeros.

Vessel Name - print the name of the vessel as it appears on the bow, transom, or official records. It is not necessary to precede the vessel name with F/V or “FISHING VESSEL.”

Operator Name - print in block letters the first name, middle initial, and last name of the person respo -sible for operation of the vessel. Confirm the spelling of all names (a good way to do this is to check the captain’s Protected Species Workshop card or from another picture ID). Do not use NMI in this field. Do not put paper captains in this ield. Fill in the name of the actual vessel operator.

Form Header

Observer ID - in the upper left corner of the form, fill in the spaces with the Observer ID number assigned to you during training.

Trip Start Departure Date/Time - the exact date and time the vessel first departs (lines to the dock are pulled

in) for the fishing area using the Day Month Year format (DD MMM YYYY). Use two digits for the day. Write the first three letters of the month (ex: JAN, FEB). Fill in the last four blank spaces representing the year. Example: August 5, 2007 would be recorded as 05 AUG 2007. Use Hawaii Standard Time and the 24-hour clock with two digits for the hour and two digits for the minutes (e.g. 9:09 AM is 0909; 5:13 PM is 1713).

Departure Port - print the name of the port city the vessel departed from, e.g., HONOLULU (do not put in what pier, or what state you departed from).

Intermediate Port Stops Occasionally, some trips will include port stops for reasons other than to unload the catch. If your as-signed vessel makes a Port Stop, complete the required lines in the section. Sometimes a vessel will leave from the pier to tie up in another part of the port to take on ice, bait, or other supplies.

These stops should not be considered Port Stops. A stop is considered a Port Stop if the vessel has been untied from the dock, left for the fishing grounds and then returns to the dock for some reason.

Stop No. - record a single digit indicating the number of the Port Stop starting with 1.

Stopped (Day Month Year Hour Minute) - the date and exact time the vessel made a Port Stop (i.e., returned to any port for any reason other than the end of the trip). Use the standard date format DD MMM YYYY (ex: 07 AUG 2007) and the 24-hour clock (e.g., 2311).

Resumed (Day Month Year Hour Minute) - the date and exact time the vessel departed port after the Port Stop to resume operations. Use Hawaii Standard Time and the 24-hour clock.

Trip End Arrival Date/Time - the date and exact time the vessel returns to port (lines to the dock are tied up) after completing the fishing trip. Use the correct date format, Hawaii Standard Time and the 24-hour clock.

Arrival Port - print the name of the port city where the vessel offloads its catch, e.g., HONOLULU (do not put in what pier, or what state you departed from).

Comments - Use this section to explain details of Port Stops or to record information not included in the data boxes. You may also use this section to record information specific to the entire trip that does not get recorded on any other form. This includes any protected species interactions, experimental trips (i.e. Shark pilot study), and bird strikes that may occurr during the trip. If fish or crew are transferred to/from another vessel, note that here and write detailed comments in your Documentation Notebook. If seabirds are collected as a result of a bird strike, remember to fill out a Seabird Biological Data form.

High -grading? -Check this box if you observed the vessel performing “high-grading”. This is the practice of throwing fish overboard after previously deciding to keep them. This is usually done to exchange lower value fish for those of higher value, or simply to throw out old fish. If this box is checked, record your comments on the High-grading Comments sections on the back of the form.

Your comments should include items such as species and number discarded, length and reason for discard & date of discard, if available. High grading is not illegal in the Hawaii longline fishery.

Trip Issues?- This box, and the Trip Issues Comments section on the back of the form are for debriefer use only.

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4-3Fig. 4.1. Trip Specifications Example

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Chapter 5 WCPFC Mandatory Data Elements

Introduction & General Instructions As a member of the WCPFC, the United States has agreed to share fisheries management information with the commission. NMFS has been delegated this responsibility, and observers are required to fill out this form for each fishing trip they observe. This form supplements information not recorded by the Hawaii longline data forms, and gets reported to the commission on a regular basis.

Data Elements

Header Information- Observer ID and Trip # are to be filled out on both the front and back of the form.

These data are the same as the data you use for the HILOP data forms.

Vessel Identification Block This block will be filled out during the placement meeting by the Port Coordinator. The Port Coordinator will give the form to the observer to finish completing during the fishing trip

Vessel Flag – This identifies the country of registry for the vessel you are observing on. This should be

USA.

Vessel Owner/ Company – This information must match the owner or company name listed on a vessel’s Hawaii Limited Entry Permit.

International Call Sign- Listed on the FCC radio license that each vessel is required to maintain for use with SSB radios. In the Pacific Islands Region, this is usually 3 letters followed by 3-4 numbers.

ex. WCY456

Marking consistent with CMM 2004-03 (Y/N) – This box must be checked YES or NO and cannot be left blank. The listed CMM defines an international WCPFC Ident fication Number for registered vessels. This will be the International call sign for PIR permitted vessels.

Observer…