Observer Safety
“Observers find themselves labeled by industry members as ‘fish cops’ or ‘snitches,’ have been subject to intimidation, harassment, and assault (including sexual assault and rape), and have even gone missing at sea.”
- Craig Faunce, NOAA Fisheries
Observers have demanding jobs. They are our eyes and ears on the sea. They are often scientists – marine biologists or ecologists – who are professionally trained to gather information and help ensure our fisheries are sustainable.
Included in their job description are these skills:
Collecting data on what’s caught and what’s discarded by commercial fishing vessels
Tracking bycatch of marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species
Gathering critical biological and ecological information on catch and bycatch
Supporting fisheries safety and compliance regulations; sometimes noting when illegal fishing practices occur – the most dangerous part of the job
Observers may spend months at sea. They travel the globe, can face rough seas and extreme weather. The job is intense, but most tough it out because they are drawn to a life at sea helping to conserve marine ecosystems around the world.
Many NGOs are working on observer safety reforms including:
