MEP provided and managed trained Fisheries Observers for every EU vessel fishing in the Northwest Atlantic Fishing Organisation (NAFO) regulatory area where, under the NAFO Agreement, all EU vessels have to carry a Fisheries Observer to monitor compliance with quota and species regulations. Personnel were trained in observer duties, sea survival and medical requirements. Catch and species records were sent to MEP from each boat every week and included on the scientific database, to collect and analyse the data for subsequent transmission to Brussels. Observers spent about three months at sea.
