Observers go on board tuna fishing vessels across the region to report on fishing catches and methods. Often they travel with the fishing vessels, being away at sea for weeks or months at a time, to gather independent information about what is happening at sea.

All FFA member countries have observers, who are trained by FFA, which also provides support to observers in their roles. Reports by observers are fed back to the national governments and FFA in order to monitor implementation of fishing measures. Currently a regional strategy for the Observer Programme is in development to ensure the FFA sub-regional and national programmes meet these obligations and benefit from the opportunities it offers.

FFA Observer Programme Fact Sheet.