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The objectives of a fisheries observer in the UK are to ensure compliance with fisheries management laws, regulations and plans, record catch composition, prohibited species, by-catch, size limits, discarding, area and gear restrictions, validate vessel logbooks and the labelling of processed fish.
An observer on a fishing boat in the UK monitors and collects data on the vessel's fishing location, gear used, and interactions with protected marine resources such as mammals, turtles, and birds. They record this data while onboard the vessel.
A fisheries observer is a professionally trained biological technician who monitors commercial fisheries and collects data to support science, conservation, and management of marine fisheries. They also support compliance with fishing and safety regulations.