Observer

Independent expert who monitors compliance with applicable regulations and legislation. Furthermore, they are usually the only independent source of data (catch composition, bycatch, fishing gear, etc.). Another task is the documentation of violations, such as disregarding catch quotas, catching prohibited species or using illegal fishing methods. To this end, they accompany individual vessels or fleets at sea, from a few days to several months. Observers are usually provided by independent observer programs, a government agency or external clients.