Attachment_19-Shadow_Trip_Program.pdf

Shadow Trip Program Northeast Fisheries Observer Program

Goals and priorities The primary goal of the shadow trip program is to provide an opportunity to exchange information in the field between observer program staff and with the fishing industry. During a shadow trip, a Fisheries Sampling Branch (FSB) staff member accompanies a Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) observer on an observed commercial fishing trip. During the trip the FSB staff member observes the observer and interacts with the captain and crew.

They are assessing the observer’s work load and sampling prioritization, as well as aiding with sub-sampling to increase accuracy, and getting feedback from the fishing industry regarding the observer program. There are multiple benefits for doing the trips:

For the fishermen - to have an opportunity to communicate their opinions on the program directly, to ensure observers are properly following protocol, and to have more of an opportunity to discuss the goals of the program and how data are used; and

For the observer - to work cooperatively to obtain a higher sub-sampling rate, to describe challenges with data collection while at sea, and to discuss data collection priorities; and

For the FSB staff member - to assess the observer's work load, to address consistency of following sampling protocols among observers, to improve training by testing data collection protocols, to collect digital photographs and/or video of observers sampling to be used in training and education, to address individual observer's data quality and performance.

During these trips, the observer is expected to follow the regular trip protocols - same trip logs, regular trip numbering, etc. The FSB staff member observes the observer working, and also helps to sample, sort catch, collect length frequencies, age structures, etc. and all is submitted along with the observer’s trip. The FSB staff member and the observer act as a team in working up the catch and getting the gear measurements, with the observer taking the lead in data collection. The first priority is to learn about the fishing operations and provide an opportunity for communication with industry members (not just the captain, but crew members as well). The second priority is to assess the method of data collection techniques applied by the observer. The third priority is to gain hands-on experience in sampling and identifying species and gear.

Qualifications of the FSB staff accompanying the observer FSB staff members participating in this program have the same qualifications as those required to be a NEFOP observer. They have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the biological sciences from an accredited four-year college or university. They are certified by a physician to be physically fit to work as an observer. They have a current certification for CPR. They have passed all federal security clearances. Experience at sea is highly recommended and previously

Attachment 19

EA133F-17-RP-1824 SECTION J

certified observers are preferred. FSB staff members have previous experience on observer training trips on commercial fishing vessels.

FSB staff member gear for shadow trips:

• The FSB staff member brings the following gear, supplied by the FSB:

• Personal Locator Beacon

• Immersion suit, USCG approved

• PFD, USCG approved

• Strobe light

• Signal mirror

• Guides for fish, birds, seals, and cetaceans

• Observer Manual and Biological Sampling Manual

• Foul weather gear – jacket, pants, and boots

• Rubber gloves

• Cotton gloves

• Latex gloves

• Digital camera and/or camcorder

• Binoculars

• 5-gallon plastic bucket

• Waterproof notebook

• Pencils and pens

• Checklist of items to review with observer while at sea

Program coordination Shadow trips are approved and requested by the Branch Chief. FSB staff members may have input on the Shadow Trip Program. The Area Leads and Data Quality Lead are also involved in the coordination of trips. Working with the Branch Chief, the Data Quality Lead will keep a record of the shadow trips that have been completed, selection of observer candidates, and FSB staff involvement. Once the need for a trip has been identified, the Branch Chief notifies the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR). The COTR then notifies the observer provider contractor, and trip planning starts. FSB staff members will convey their needs to the contractor and the most efficient way to coordinate the trip will be followed. If multi-day trips are done, the FSB staff member will submit a meal reimbursement form to the contractor, along with the observers. NMFS will reimburse the contractor for those costs. The Statement of Work specifies that the Contractor shall: [C.4.3.12] “compensate vessels at a rate of $40 per day (for every completed 24 hour period) to cover observer accommodation and food costs while aboard the vessel for trips lasting longer than one (1) day (i.e. 24 hours) (Section B Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Vessel Meal Reimbursement CLIN 0005, CLIN 0010, CLIN 0015, CLIN 0020, CLIN 0025, and CLIN 0030). “The contractor shall provide a report for all vessel meal reimbursements provided within the last monthly period.” In addition, meal reimbursements are only provided on “federally funded deployments”.

Trip planning and selection There may be multiple methods used to determine when and where a shadow trip is needed.

FSB staff may need to do outreach in a particular port or fishery, new sampling techniques may need to be tested, observers may need a specific refresher, or an FSB staff member may need the field experience. Therefore, trips may be targeting a particular vessel, port, fishery, area, observer, or FSB staff member. When there is no particular problem that needs to be addressed, an observer may be selected at random. This experience should provide insight to all involved and enhance the work environment.

Legislative Guidance on the Release of Confidential Information Information collected during such shadow trips is considered observer information. The release of CONFIDENTIAL observer information is guided by the provisions on confidentiality in the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (Section 402(b) and Marine Mammal Protection Act. The following guidance should be used in releasing CONFIDENTIAL observer information.

Details on specific access to confidential data are included in NAO 216-100.

Observer information shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except in accordance with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (Section 402(b)).

When providing confidential information, the release MUST be supported by one of the exceptions under the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act (Sections 402(b)(1) and 402(b)(2)).

In conclusion Through this team effort, we expect to build a professional partnership between observers, FSB staff, and the fishing industry and achieve a common goal of collecting representative and accurate data of high quality.