West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 5
specific weighing of fish, which is not done in this
case.
Weight Methods Applicable for Catch
Categories on Fixed Gear Vessels
There are only four weight methods that can be used for
catch categories on Fixed Gear Vessels. They are:
Weight method 13 – Tally Sample
Weight method 4 – Visual Estimate
Weight method 6 - Other
Weight method 9 – Pacific Halibut Length/Weight
Remember, no matter what weight method is used,
actual counts must be obtained for all individuals in
the sample.
Weight Method 13 – Tally Sample
This weight method is used for species that are counted AND
an actual or extrapolated weight has been obtained.
Weight Method 4 – Visual Estimate
This weight method is used for species that have a count
but ONLY a visual weight.
For example: Large skates will usually break the gangions
when they leave the water. This means the Observer will
not be able to get a weight for large skates and using an
average weight from smaller skates would be biased.
Therefore, taking a visual estimate of the weight is the best
option.
Weight Method 6 – Other
This weight method should never be intentionally used. It
creates confusion for end users and debriefers because it
does not give an idea how the total catch was actually
derived. If this method is used, document what happened
in the Observer Logbook and on the paperwork.
5-46 1/30/2004