Moving Observer Data Collection Systems into the 21

Moving Observer Data Collection Systems into the 21 st Century Teresa Turk National Observer Program Silver Spring, MD

Overview • Background • Recent Survey Work • Modernization • Linkage to Observers • System Benefits

NOAA Fisheries At Sea Data Collection NOAA Fisheries Research Vessels (185’-225’) • Dedicated platform to stage varied operations • Data collected by scientists & NOAA corps • Large & varied fisheries & oceanographic data Fishing Vessels (65’-185’) 1. Chartered survey operations • Data collected by scientists & fishers • Usually trawl, longline or pot operations 2. Fishing Operations • Required observer coverage • Fishing data collected by observers

Survey Electronic Data Collection System Lat/Long & Time Trawling Attributes (Real Time-GPS) (Real Time-Simrad ITI) To w r Lo gg er w To ge g Lo Integrator FSCS (Back Deck) Fisheries Scientific Collection System BCS (post-tow)

Volumetric Total Catch Entry

Touch Screen Entry

Lengthing Board Interface

Mobile at-sea collection using FSCS Fish Lengthing Board Wireless communications box & Battery power/charger Itronix Ruggedized Laptop

Modernized Observer System Trawling Attributes Lat/Long & Time (Real Time-Simrad ITI) (Real Time-GPS) Handheld GPS or integrated into computer system FSCS (reduced version) Fisheries Scientific Collection System BCS (post-tow)

Existing Lengthing Boards & Data Collection Systems Plastic Length strip-Various Observer Programs Lat 37 -Some State agencies Scantrol Fish Meter 100 -NWFSC and NEFSC Bar code system-AFSC RACE Division Limnoterra Length Board-SEFSC & ADFG

Observer Programs Design Modifications Fish Lengthing Board (Reduced size, weight & cost) Wireless communications box & Battery power/charger (Eliminate & incorporate into lengthing board) Itronix Ruggedized Laptop (Improve background lighting & reduce cost)

System Benefits DATA QUALITY: • Reduce entry errors (bound parameters & error detection scripts) • Reduce the liklihood of drylabing SYSTEM EFFICIENCY: • No observer data transfer from paper to electronic files More time to collect fisheries/protected species information • Turnaround time on data availability is reduced Stock assessment and other users can access sooner

Further Options to Explore • Transmission of Observer Data from sea (Atlas system AFSC) • Voice Recognition software (Hands free option) • Integration with VMS systems for data acquisition and transmission • Expand FSCS to include longline, pot and recreational vessels • Continue to find ways to reduce equipment costs

Coordinated Operations Sharing information & upgrades Volume Discounts on Hardware/Software Cross training of personnel Survey Standardized FIS Data integration Hardware Software Regional Database Observers