West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 6
Collecting Fish Specimens
Periodically observers will be asked to collect fish for
training and other purposes. Observers are also required to
bring in any fish that they are unable to identify at sea.
When collecting fish adhere to the following procedures:
1. Place fish in a zip-lock bag. Do not include more
than three fish per bag, and then only include fish of
the same species.
2. Complete a Specimen Collection Label and place the
label inside the zip-lock bag with the fish. If it is a
specimen where the identification is uncertain, be
sure to include the name used to enter the fish in the
database.
3. Freeze the specimen as soon as possible. If the
specimen cannot be frozen at sea, keep it on ice.
4. After returning to port, make arrangements to send
the specimen to your coordinator, debriefer or to the
Newport office. Always call ahead of time to insure
that the specimens do not arrive when there is
nobody present to receive them.
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