NOAA Keeps Deploying Fishery Observers But With Limits Amid Pandemic - Honolulu Civil Beat NOAA Keeps Deploying Fishery Observers But With Limits Amid Pandemic The NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office maintained full observer coverage of swordfish but had to temporarily cease observer coverage in American Samoa. Reading time: 5 minutes. Considered essential workers, federal fishery observers have continued monitoring Pacific commercial operations during the pandemic, but COVID-19 restrictions have forced them to reduce — or even cease — operations in some areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration dispatches observers to travel aboard fishing vessels to monitor the crew’s practices and what they catch – including any bycatch of endangered species. The goal is to preserve fish stocks and protect maritime ecosystems.