ACD is the largest independent and most well respected monitoring company in Atlantic Canada that services all aspects of the commercial fishery. We are a privately held Nova Scotia company that has been in business for over 20 years and has maintained impartiality with all fishing associations, private industry stakeholders and government agencies.
When you select ACD as your service provider, you will receive a well trained local certified observer that will ensure your catch is monitored, inspected and documented in a professional manner. Honesty and integrity are the two key attributes for ACD observers and confidentiality of the collected data is a critical aspect we provide for our clients.
The at-sea observer program, similar to the dockside program, is overseen by DFO but operated by third- party companies like ACD. The program is used to monitor compliance with regulations and collect data on the gear used, locations fished, and species caught. At-sea observer trips help Conservation & Protection and DFO Science in the following ways:
In Atlantic Canada, independent industry supported monitoring programs have been used as an essential tool in the management of the commercial fisheries for the last 2 decades. These programs have been critical in determining the annual stock assessments for quota management and providing important scientific research to better understand all aspects of the industry.
ACD is certified by the Canadian Standards Board (CGSB) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to deploy At-Sea Observers onboard domestic fishing vessels to observe and document information related to commercial fishing operations. Our At Sea Observers collect data on all species caught, whether they have been kept or discarded and the gear used to catch
