The new North Pacific Observer Program (Observer Program) goes into effect January 2013 and makes important changes to how observers are deployed, how observer coverage is funded, and the vessels and processors that must have some or all of their operations observed. These changes will increase the statistical reliability of data collected by the program, address cost inequality among fishery participants, and expand observer coverage to previously unobserved fisheries. This change is necessary to successfully manage our Alaskan fishery resources.
Outreach meetings to learn more about this new program and what it means for vessel owners, shoreside seafood processors, and registered buyers are scheduled to occur at the following dates and locations:
Nov 27-29, 2012: Pacific Marine Expo, Seattle WA
From 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm each day
NMFS staff will be available at the NOAA booth to answer questions
Nov 28, 2012: Petersburg
When: 6:00 pm
Where: Petersburg Fire Hall
Petersburg, Alaska
Dec 12, 2012: Homer
When: 1:00 pm
Where: 4786 Homer Spit Road,
Land's End Resort, Harbor Room
Homer, Alaska
Dec 14, 2012: Kodiak
When: 10:00 am
Where: Kodiak Wildlife Refuge
402 Center Street
Kodiak, Alaska
Further outreach will be scheduled early in 2013, and NMFS welcomes input on locations where outreach would be helpful.
