August 3, 2018 — Observer provider options for Atlantic Sea Scallop vessels have been expanded.
Sea scallop vessels that qualify for the industry-funded sea scallop observer program have a fourth provider to consider as NOAA Fisheries recently approved MRAG Americas, Inc. for the program.
Observers collect catch data, measure lengths, take biological samples, document information on interactions with other marine animals, along with operating costs, gear and fishing locations. The data is used to inform research and fishery management decisions.