FMA Debriefing

FMA Debriefing

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FMA Debriefing and Quality Control
The success of the Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Division's observer
program
depends on the quality of data collected by observers. The data
submitted provides
information critical for fisheries management in
Alaska - as well as providing
insight into the entire ecosystem. The
importance of these data requires that
observers follow FMA's sampling
guidelines and methods for data
collection. To ensure methods are
consistent with our training, and the data
collected are sound, FMA
requires observers to complete a debriefing process
after each cruise.

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The debriefing process consists of the following elements:
Observers complete a vessel or processing plant report for each assignment. This report provides
details on the observed fishery, the vessel or plant configuration and the sampling procedures used by
the observer.
A debriefing interview is conducted by a staff member. The debriefer and
the observer discuss
sampling decisions made by the observer, any problems
and resolutions that occurred during the
observer's deployment and recommendations
for future sampling.
A thorough data check is conducted by the debriefer. Observers check and re-check their data at sea to
ensure quality data for inseason fishery management. Nonetheless, small errors are to be expected,
especially during long cruises. The debriefer and observer fix any identified errors prior to the data
being loaded on to the FMA's final database.
Finally, the observer completes a post-debriefing questionnaire. The questionnaire is anonymous and
provides observers the opportunity to comment on, and suggest changes to, the FMA Division and the
services we provide.
At the end of each debriefing, observers receive an evaluation of their
work and performance. This evaluation includes a list of specific
assessed points covering a variety of aspects pertinent to their overall
deployment, as well as comments addressing overall effort in completing
duties, level of documentation of activities, and any issues of note they
encountered during their debriefing. The evaluation will also include a
recommendation for their next briefing requirement.

File Typeapplication/pdfFile TitleFMA DebriefingFile Modified2015-11-03File Created2015-11-03