The 6th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference held on
July 20 – 24, 2009, in Portland, Maine, USA.

A message from the Conference Chair:

What a week! We welcomed 300 delegates from 37 different countries to Portland, Maine, for the 6th International Fisheries and Observer Conference. After gracious welcoming remarks from the Mayor of Portland, we enjoyed four days exploring and discussing emerging observer programs and the many factors affecting observers and the data they collect - issues such as data accessibility, enforcement, confidentiality, stakeholders' role in self-monitoring, and technologies to augment at-sea data collection. From reviewing data extrapolation methods to patching pipes in our interactive safety training session, delegates had great opportunities to learn from renowned experts and to contribute towards the advancement of fishery dependent data collection programs the world over.

Even while we addressed these serious issues, we managed to find some time to relax and take in the beauty of our host city. I hope the conference was all that you anticipated, and that you were able to meet with old colleagues and to make new friends. Congratulations, delegates, on a successful conference, your enthusiastic participation signals a collective agreement to meet again at the 7th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference.

I am happy to share with you that we have several potential hosts for the next conference. The nations of Denmark, Chile, and Cameroon have each expressed strong interest in hosting, and the Steering Committee will work closely with them as they prepare their proposals for review. Whatever the final decision, the next conference will, no doubt, be great, building on the success of last week and the five previous conferences.

To the conference Steering Committee, Conference Coordinator, conference staff, and volunteers, I offer my sincere thanks for all your hard work and consistent attention to details. I also extend my thanks to the delegates who provided closing comments, particularly those who gave specific suggestions for the next conference.

Until we meet again, I wish you safe passage and fulfilled endeavors.

Yours truly,



Dennis Hansford
Conference Chair of the 6th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference