Use of observer data Sample Clauses

Use of observer data. When considering the possible advantages near real-time or accelerated data reporting by observers at sea, it is important to understand the current primary uses of observer data. For example, IATTC scientists conducting routine annual stock assessments need the data from the most recent year during the first quarter, in order to present the results at the IATTC Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings, which typically occur in May, so the inclusion of new data is cut off in March to allow the analyses to begin. However, some trips that begin at the end of one year do not finish until February or March of the following year, and so their data cannot be included in the analyses. Electronic recording and transmission of observer data while the vessel is at sea would deliver the raw data quicker, but, because only edited, verified data are included in the database, and the editing process cannot begin until the vessel returns to port, this would not alleviate the problem of processing the data in time for inclusion in the stock assessments. Data related to compliance with IATTC and AIDCP resolutions, IRP regulations, and dolphin-safe certification are used as soon as they are available, but must also first go through the editing process. Therefore, electronic data collection would not speed up the availability of data for these purposes. Near real-time catch and effort data are also relevant for monitoring compliance with catch limits or other limits that can be quantified or estimated from observer data, such as in IATTC Resolution C-16-03 and other resolutions on Pacific bluefin tuna and the individual-vessel and per-stock dolphin mortality limits established under the AIDCP. However, observers already transmit these data electronically weekly during fishing trips. PILOT PROJECT OPTIONS‌ The two approaches to electronic data collection and entry that might be explored in a pilot study are to 1) replace paper records entirely, and have observers record data directly on a tablet computer, with specially developed software, and 2) have observers continue to record data on paper forms, but digitize the data daily while still at sea. In both cases, the data could be transmitted to the IATTC or national program in near real-time, preferably independently of the vessel’s communications equipment. For both options, the IATTC staff would need to research, purchase, and distribute the electronic equipment, track equipment assignments to observers, develop addition...