promoting the sustainable use of natural resources

About Saltwater Inc

Saltwater Inc. was started in 1988 in response to the growing need for data about the fisheries off Alaska. We were one of the first companies to be certified by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) (1988) and by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (1989) to employ trained biologists to collect data onboard fishing vessels. In 1990-1, NMFS awarded a contract to Saltwater to design and implement a marine mammal observer program in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Since that time Saltwater has focused on collecting accurate, reliable scientific data under some extreme conditions to answer a variety of research questions. Saltwater has expertise in recruiting, hiring, employing, managing, insuring, and deploying biologists. We have years of experience in planning and executing complex and time sensitive logistics to meet sampling goals. We also have years of experience in editing data and writing reports.

Saltwater has worked in the Alaska groundfish and the Alaska shellfish observer programs since their inception 20 years ago. In addition, we have worked on a variety of contracts for foundations and government agencies. We have recently completed working on one contract for NMFS: an Alaska marine mammal observer program (2006-2008), and are currently working on a second NMFS contract: the Pacific Islands observer program off Hawaii (2008-2013).

Each year more than one hundred private and government clients select Saltwater Inc. as their observer contractor in a hotly competitive environment. Our clients range from small boats to 600-ft floating processors to shore plants across Alaska to government agencies with multi million dollar projects. This broad array of clients choose Saltwater because of:

• Our ability to recruit, hire, and retain the best biologists.
• Our expertise in complex and time sensitive logistics.
• Our extensive field support including experienced coordinators in Anchorage, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, and Honolulu.
• Our reputation for providing unparalleled customer service 24/7.

Observers choose to work with Saltwater Inc. because:

• Our observers are the backbone of our business and we treat them accordingly-as respected members of our team.
• Our observer coordinators are individuals who were outstanding observers themselves. Because of their own experience doing the work, they are in a unique position to support observers in the field.
• Saltwater offers competitive salaries and an exceptional benefits package.
• Our technical support for observers includes housing in Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Seattle, Kodiak and Honolulu.
• Saltwater offers a wide array of observing opportunities, and we give prior Saltwater observers the first pick of assignments.