PACIFIC DRIFT GILLNET OBSERVER PROGRAM

The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Region, Fisheries Observer Branch began fielding mandatory observers aboard the Pacific drift gillnet fishery targeting swordfish and thresher shark in July 1990. This is a Category I Fishery under the Marine Mammal Authorization Permit Program established by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Observed catch and bycatch interactions include California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), northern right whale dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), various beaked whales, and sea turtles, especially leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea).

The program is responsible for fielding drift gillnet observers, obtaining data on protected species take specifically incidental marine mammal take, collect fishing effort, tally fishes and invertebrates caught by species, and processing selected specimens for life history information. The Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla Laboratory receives observer data to calculate estimates and produce technical reports.

In 1996, the Pacific drift gillnet observer program was transferred to a private contractor who is responsible for furnishing the necessary personnel, gear, equipment, services, transportation, and facilities.