West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 5
5. When sampling period 2 begins (60 minutes
after hauling starts), the Observer looks for the
first skate knot to come up and begins tally
sampling at that first skate knot, continuing until
sampling time has elapsed and the final skate is
fully sampled.
6. The Observer then waits for sampling period 4
to begin (90 minutes after hauling starts) looks
for the first skate knot to come up and begins
tally sampling at that first skate knot, continuing
until sampling time has elapsed and the final
skate is fully sampled.
7. The Observer continues in this fashion for each
of the selected sampling periods.
Weighing Species on Fixed Gear Vessels
On many fixed gear vessels, it is possible to weigh the
entire discard collected during a tally sample. However, in
most cases average weights will need to be used for
retained species. There are two options for collecting
individuals for average weights:
• During tally period – The preferred method is to
collect individuals during the observed tally period.
When individuals are collected during the tally
period, it ensures that all the species needed to
obtain average weights are present. Collect and
weigh at minimum 15 individuals of each nontargeted
species and 50 individuals of the targeted
species. **
• During non-tally period –The major problem
with collecting individuals during the non-tally
period is that all species in the tally sample may not
be represented. If this happens, visually estimate
species weights or use “like sets” to arrive at an
average weight. Collect and weigh at minimum 15
1/30/2004 5-41