Science Center seeks hardy volunteers for fisheries surveys

U.S. West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey © NOAA Fisheries

Do you want experience at sea collecting data for fisheries management?

NOAA'S Northwest Fisheries Science Center is looking for a few hardy souls to volunteer for a leg of our 2018 West Coast Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey. Sail with us aboard a real commercial fishing vessel working with real commercial fishermen (and NOAA Fisheries scientists) as we collect data integral to the sustainable management of groundfish species of the Northeast Pacific Ocean.

Do you qualify?

• Have you been out to sea previously or do you know how vulnerable you are to seasickness?
  
• Can you carry 35 lbs. while walking on a moving surface?
  
• Can you stand for up to 15 hours on a steel deck in harsh weather conditions?
  
• Can you ascend and descend steel ladders and stairs?
  
• Can you hear a general alarm (hearing aids permitted)?
  
• Will you survive if you are unable to Tweet, Snapchat, post photos to Instagram, blog, or share "What is on your mind?" on whatever your preferred social media platform is for up to 10 days?
  
• Are you willing to cut into the heads of fish or surgically extract vertebrae, stomachs or gonads for the betterment of fisheries management?
  
• Bonus points: Do you know what a marine head is and have you ever operated one before?
  
• Must be available to attend training May 1-3, 2018.

• Help sort fish and invertebrates by species.
  
• Collect biological data from fish.
  
• Other duties to fulfill the mission.

• Invaluable experience with fisheries data collection.
  
• The chance to meet and work with real commercial fishermen.
  
• All-you-can-eat meals, including ice cream and candy!
  
• Travel to exotic ports-of-call.

• Pick your first and second choice leg, and contact or 541-867-0506.
• More information can be found here.