Marine Mammal Observers will gather information on marine mammal and seabird interactions with the salmon set gillnet fleet in Yakutat, Alaska in 2008.

While on assignment observers will collect scientific, management and compliance data on the commercial salmon set gillnet fleet.  Observers will identify marine mammals, seabirds, salmon species and other fish species.  This information will be used by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to determine the number of interactions (injury and/or mortality) during the course of fishing operations, identify fishing methods that increase/decrease interactions and mortality, collect biological samples and determine by-catch and discard levels of all catch species.

Yakutat Small Boat Harbor

Observers will be based out of various fishing areas in and around Yakutat to collect data on marine mammal interactions with the set gillnet fishing operations.  Observers may be based out of remote field camps and living in tents, canneries, apartments or cabins.  Observers may be based out of more than one port with various means of transportation such as skiffs, research vessels, float planes, ATVs or on foot.

Mountains around Yakutat

Working conditions in the field and/on the skiffs vary, and are almost always strenuous.  Observers often work out in the open and may spend hours at a time in cold or wet weather.  Sampling and paperwork require observers to work 5 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week.  An observers workday will depend on individual fishing schedules fishery openers and NMFS sampling protocols.

Setnet Skiff

Alaska waters are known for being rough, and seasickness is a possibility.  We recommend that observers be prepared with either seasick over-the-counter or prescription medicine prior to their deployment.

Setnet Site

Because the objectives of the observer and the crew are different, remote life can be stressful.  The most important trait we look for in an observer is maturity, which includes adaptability, common sense, tolerance, patience, the ability to listen and understand people with different viewpoints, and thinking before acting.  A flexible attitude and ability to adjust to whatever comes is very important, for example being able to “rough it”, and adapt to the established routine at the fishing sites.  Successful observers are tactful, self confident, and good communicators.

Setnet Skiffs at Buying Station

Duties:

• Collect scientific, management, and compliance data through interviews of vessel captains and crew, observations of fishing operations, photographing catch and bycatch, measurements of selected portion of the fishing gear, catch and bycatch, and collection of biological samples

• Data collection on fishing gear deployment and operations, marine mammal and bird presence and interactions, deterrents used against marine mammal and fish catch information

• Bird, marine mammal, and fish identification

• Collect biological specimens

• Conduct in-season data review and editing

• In-season data entry to computers

• In-season and final debriefings of data

Training: The marine mammal training class will be an intensive 2-week course, Monday through Friday held in Anchorage, Alaska with additional training in the field.  Training will begin Anchorage, Alaska in May 2008.

Requirements:

• Successful prior observer experience with at least 30 days at sea experience

• Bachelor's or higher degree in the natural sciences with a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological sciences, at least one undergraduate course in math, statistics or computer science

• Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing

• United States citizens or non-citizens who have legally lived in the US for at least 3 years and have legal Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) visa status

• Observer experience in small boat fisheries

• Current first aid (prior to training)

• Current CPR certification (prior to training)

• Physically able to carry out the duties of an observer

• Excellent people skills

• Be mature, self-motivated, and posses good judgment

• Able to be flexibility

• Ability to live in confined quarters

• Tolerate stress

• Successfully pass training with an average of 90% or better on homework, tests and quizzes

• Work independently, yet follow technical instructions

• Ability to work as a team member.

• Not be incapacitated by chronic or debilitating seasickness

• Observers must be able to; 1) swim 50 meters without floatation and then tread water for 15 minutes, 2) withstand and not be debilitated by chronic motion sickness, 3) tolerate physical and mental stress, 4) work and live in confined quarters with others, 5) live in primitive conditions, and 6) climb ladders, hike several miles, and carry heavy equipment.  A swim test will be conducted during training,

• Experience in primitive living/ remote camping and posses outdoor skills and etiquette

• Willingness to ride in small planes

• Experience with ATV operation

• Criminal background check will be performed

• Hunter safety course. If you still need your ADF&G hunter education certification, please go to AK Department of Fish & Game Website for the list of scheduled classes to be held in Anchorage. Classes are held all day on Saturday or two evenings during the week. The April 22nd class would be the last class you could take before the marine mammal training begins. You must sign up for the course in person at ADF&G. If you would like to register for this course, but are out of town, please let us know, and we will assist you to sign up.

Required Training (* please list this experience on your resume):

• Skiff operation

• Small boat handling

• Basic outboard operation and maintenance

• * Training and certification in wilderness preparedness

• * First aid training

• Salmon set net/drift gillnet experience

• Salmon and/or marine mammal research experience

• * Bear safety training

• * Hunter safety course and firearm permits

Please let us know if you are interested in being a lead observer. The lead observer(s) shall act as a field coordinator and primary debriefer to lower grade fishery observers.  He/she shall be the primary field contact to address sampling, data, and deployment issues.  The lead observer(s) shall be responsible for tracking observer deployments, final data review, data editing and entry and tracking debriefings. The lead observer will be responsible for submitting in-season reports to NMFS, and overseeing the maintenance of field equipment and supplies.  He/she may contact fisherman to schedule observer sampling trips and help ensure that the pre-boarding vessel safety checklist is completed.  The lead observer may also perform all standard observer duties.

If interested in Alaska Marine Mammals Observer Position please see how do I apply.