Observer services provided

Explanation

Observers provide an independent source for the collection of high quality information from fishing operations.

This is a valuable input into the management of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, particularly the setting of sustainability levels and management controls.

Observer services are also used by external agencies (eg the fishing industry and the Department of Conservation (DoC)) to gather specific information for those agencies and as an input into their management requirements. Provision of observer services is based on the Ministry's capacity to supply the requisite number of observers with the required skill levels to cover requests from internal and external sources.

Expected results

Quantity, quality and timeliness

1. Information and/or data collected by observers throughout the year, in accordance with agreed client specifications.

2. Observer coverage delivered for an average cost not exceeding $500 per day.

3. Observer coverage (sea days) delivered to within +/- 10% of the agreed annual plan at either a species level or fishing area(s)/method level, depending on client specification.

4. Clear and transparent processes are operated to identify variations to the observer annual plan, and communicate these changes to clients and stakeholders.

5. Effective processes are in place to implement any changes required to the plan through the course of the operating year.

Cost