The Centralised Observer Database (cod) incorporates all the data previously held in three Empress databases, namely the Observer, Observer Length Frequency and Observer surface longline databases.

In addition cod includes a copy of the observer collected data from the Age database for otoliths collected and catalogued. The Scientific Observer Programme (SOP) was created in 1986 to send observers, contracted to the then MAF Fisheries, to monitor the catches of commercial trawlers.

The cod database is the major source of length frequency data from commercial fishing operations, and so plays a major role in the stock assessment process. Currently the cod database holds information for over 100 species, with the major species including hoki, southern blue whiting, orange roughy, scampi, oreos, ling, jack mackerels, hake, barracouta, and silver warehou.

The New Zealand arrow squid data collected by scientific observers on both squid trawlers and jiggers, originally held in the squid, then obs_lfs database, is also stored in the cod database. The biological data consists mostly of southern arrow squid, Nototodarus sloanii, and a lesser amount of N. gouldi.

Data recorded on the non-fish bycatch form have been incorporated within the cod database. Species that have been recorded and entered into the database include bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, dusky dolphin, New Zealand fur seal, Hooker’s sea lion, leopard seal and a range of seabirds.

Number of sites: variable.

Extent of site: entire EEZ and beyond. Lat/Long provided for all data.

Number of replicates: N/A.

Measured variables: The cod database, contains the catch and effort information for observed commercial fishing vessels, ageing materials, length frequency and biological data for commercial species as measured by the observers, as well as relevant trip and tow information.

Sampling protocol & QA: bottom long line data, purse seine and troll, plus set net observer data.

Currently, otoliths represent the primary source of ageing material in marine research. The Observer Programme provides otoliths from catch sampling, principally for hoki, southern blue whiting, hake, and orange roughy. Additional high priority species include gemfish, ling, stargazers, red cod, jack mackerels, and silver warehou. Many other middle depth species are also sampled to a lesser extent.

Data for the following fishing methods are included in this database: bottom longline, surface longline, purse seine, troll,set net, and all trawl methods.

Quality assurance is imposed on the methods and data collection.