Alaska Shellfish Observer

Alaska crab and scallop observers collect biological data while living onboard commercial fishing boats working in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska.

The shellfish and scallop fisheries are managed by quota, which is set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). They use observer data to monitor crab populations, set catch limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds, fish, and corals.

The Bering Sea is a highly productive ecosystem which is home to enormous fish resources as well as many marine mammal and bird species. In addition, observers are likely to witness a wide array of specimens coming up in the crab pots, including starfish, halibut, Pacific cod, sponges, algae and more. Observer data is critical to ensuring that these fisheries remain sustainable.

Boats in the crab fleet are mostly catcher vessels which range in size from 80-130 feet. Conditions vary widely – but all require observers to be flexible, resourceful, able to work long hours and do heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds). The workday is determined by the vessel’s fishing schedule and can range from 5-15 hours a day. Most of the assignments are based out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

Typical trip length is 10-14 days, but can last longer, and multiple back-to-back deployments are not uncommon.

Observer contracts align with the fishery seasons, which opens on October 15 and closes on May 30. As with all our programs, we encourage—and reward—repeat contracts. For more details on the program and observer requirements, see the summary on right or visit the ADF&G site.

• Collect crab shell measurements.
• Carry out crab  sexing.
• Sample and report by-catch.
• Collect information on daily fishing effort & activity.
• Radio reports to ADF&G.
• Identify threatened birds, fish and corals.

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) AND
• At least 180 sea days of successful offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi‑day deployments (multi‑week voyages preferred) AND
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions.

• Successful completion of at least 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of college‑level coursework from an accredited institution AND
• At least 30 sea days of cumulative offshore or research vessel service in Alaskan waters, North Pacific Ocean, or North Atlantic Ocean, consisting of multi‑day deployments (multi‑week voyages preferred) AND
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under physically and mentally demanding sea conditions.

General observer requirements, plus:

• Bachelor of Science in a biological science or limnology; or valid NMFS certification; or prior experience as a fisheries observer approved by ADF&G.
• One statistics course and one math course.

• Other fisheries education or work experience.

Candidates must pass an intensive 3‑week class with a score of 90% or better. ADF&G conducts training courses in Kodiak in September and December. Training dates will be posted on the Job Openings page.

Click the link below to fill out our online application form. If you have any issues, contact our observer team. For questions about the program, contact Stacey Hansen.