West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 5
Tip* Vessels using single unit longline gear,
sticks, poles, or single pots are, generally, 100%
tally sampled. Weighing of fish and biological
sampling is done in conjunction with tally
sampling.
Catch Categories on Fixed Gear Vessels
The same 2 rules apply for catch categories on fixed gear
vessels as trawlers and prawn vessels.
• Retained and Discarded species must be in separate
catch categories.
• Pacific halibut is always in its own catch category.
“# Of Hooks/Pots
Sampled” on the Fixed
Gear Catch Form should
be the same for ALL catch
categories!!
Sampling Catch Categories
Retained and discarded catch is tally sampled on fixed gear
vessels. Tally sampling is done by counting each individual
that comes up by species. Always tally the same number
of hooks or pots for retained and discarded species.
Where to Tally Sample
The tally station is where the Observer stands to count
organisms as the groundline or pot is being retrieved. The
tally station should be no more than six meters from where
the fish are landed and the Observer should have a clear
line of sight to the fish as they coming aboard. From the
tally station, Observers must be able to clearly identify fish
as they come aboard and identify drop-offs.
Equipment Needed
Three to six thumb counters and a clipboard will be
needed. Prior Observers have devised many innovative
techniques to make using multiple thumb counters easier.
The most common is to use duct tape to attach multiple
thumb counters to a clipboard. Other Observers have used
duct tape and line to create thumb counter belts that fit
5-36 1/30/2004