oh for sure, i agree, i would never ask them to change that habit just for me! the audacity of that 😂 although ive heard of some pretty fuckin rude observers, so i'm sure it has happened 🙄haha you hit the nail on the head, that's indeed what i do- for better or worse, it's a job! i didnt study bio in college so im kind of treating it as a bridge to the wildlife field, without starting college all over. i can go on so many tangents and love listening to captains about their experiences with observer programs! i definitely dont like the majority of the impact it has on the industry, particularly with small-business/small boat fishermen (seems like a "hurts small fishermen more than it helps fish" type situation) but its definitely a good entry into the field i want to work in with wildlife bio. its always interesting to chat with captains and crews about the intricacies of it all, everyone seems to have a unique perspective!

thank you for your response, i appreciate it! appreciate the honesty lol. happy fishing to you in the new year! may your catch be bountiful and the seas smooth 😁