West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 5
TIP* Species which are unlikely to be
retained, such as eelpouts, sculpins, and
grenadiers are given a reason for
discard of “3”.
4-Regulation – Any regulatory reason
including size, over quota, etc.
5-Other – Document in comments actual
reason for discard.
Tip* As a rule, invertebrates such as
starfish, anemones, and sea pens are
given a reason for discard of “5”.
6-Drop-off – Any fish that would have been
retained if it was landed. (Fish did not make
it on boat because it fell off the line)
7-Predation – Any fish that would have
been retained but was eaten by a predator:;
such as a marine mammal, seabird, or sand
fleas.
Tip* Look only at the primary reason
for discard. For instance, if the vessel
is not retaining Starry Flounder and
one drops-off, do not record the
reason of discard as drop-off. Even if
it had made it on the vessel, the fish
would not have been retained. This
also applies to predated fish that dropoff.
If a fish that would have been
retained drops off because it’s been
predated, the reason for discard should
be predation. (Even the fish made it
1/30/2004 5-53