The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is in the process of selecting an observer contractor to provide At-Sea Monitors (ASMs) to collect scientific, management, compliance and economic information from U.S. vessels participating in the groundfish multispecies Fisheries Management Plan. Trips can range from 1-14 days duration, vessels are generally 30-100 feet in length, and they operate in ocean waters 3-200 miles offshore, in all weather conditions.
The monitored vessels operate out of ports from Maine to New York. ASMs will probably be based out of Portland, ME, Gloucester, MA and New Bedford, MA and will be deployed to other ports as necessary. ASMs must be willing to travel occasionally to cover locations other than their primary ports.
ASM duties at-sea include:
- Collecting data on fishing effort
- Recording fishing location
- Determining the weight of retained and discarded fish on a haul by haul basis
- Collecting length measurements from specific species of fish
- Recording, collecting and photographing marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds caught in the fishing gear
- Debriefing their data with NMFS staff
In addition to their sampling duties, once per trip ASMs will also interview the captain and crew to collect data regarding:
- Specific vessel data
- Vessel fishing practices
- Trip costs
- Descriptions of gear characteristics
Specific ASM Qualifications
- Possess a Bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences, from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 30 semester hours or equivalent in the biological sciences and additional math classes and experience in data entry on computers.
- Have the capability and aptitude to identify fish species and demonstrate this ability by passing and maintaining the Fish Verification Program requirements.
- Pass a physical exam to confirm they meet the medical fitness conditions required to work at-sea as an ASM e.g., can swim 100 meters, climb a ladder, lift and carry 50 pounds correctly etc.
- Be U.S. citizens or hold a valid green card or work visa.
- Be able to pass the NMFS ASM Certification Training Course.
- Get along well with others and be able to work independently
- Not have a direct financial interest in the fishery that may constitute a conflict of interest.
- Maintain current certification for CPR and acquire basic First Aid skills.
- Not have been decertified as an ASM or observer.
ASM Training
Candidates must pass the ASM Certification Training Course to be eligible for a contract with Saltwater. The training consists of an intensive 2-week course that will be offered by NMFS at regular intervals throughout the year, in Falmouth, MA. We anticipate that initial training courses will be offered in April and May 2010. Please contact us for a current training schedule. Saltwater must submit transcripts for all ASM training candidates to NMFS prior to training. Please see
How Do I Apply?
