National Oceanic Resource Management Authority
National Oceanic Resource Management Authority
Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia — August 14, 2026
The Federated States of Micronesia National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (FSM NORMA) is taking an important step to strengthen and improve fisheries monitoring through the introduction of the Offline Longline Observer (OLLO) application.
From August 10–14, 2026, fisheries observers and NORMA staff participated in a five-day OLLO Training at the Pacific Community (SPC) Conference Room in Pohnpei. The training focused on building the knowledge and practical skills needed to record, review, and submit observer data electronically.
For many years, observers have used paper workbooks to record information while working onboard fishing vessels. While paper reporting has played an important role in fisheries monitoring, information must later be manually entered into electronic systems.
OLLO provides a more direct and efficient way of handling this information. Observers can enter data electronically while at sea, even without an internet connection. Once they have access to the internet, completed reports can be uploaded into the database, reducing the need for manual data entry from paper records.
“Moving from paper-based reporting to electronic reporting is an important step for our observer program. OLLO allows observers to record information digitally in the field and upload their reports once they are connected. This will help make the reporting process more efficient and improve how we manage fisheries data,” said July-O Saimon, Electronic Reporting Officer, FSM NORMA.
The five-day training included hands-on exercises, demonstrations, discussions, and troubleshooting activities designed to prepare observers for situations they may encounter during actual deployments.
Falcom Lohette, Fisheries Observer, highlighted the value of the practical training.
“The training gave us the opportunity to practice recording our information directly in the system we will use in the field. It also helped us understand why accurate and complete reporting is important.”
The training was led by Maloh Hosken, Regional Electronic Reporting Coordinator with SPC and certified trainer, with support from certified FSM NORMA personnel, including Observer Trainer Steve Peter, Observer Coordinator Tosuo Irons Jr., Electronic Reporting Officer July-O Saimon, Electronic Monitoring Officer Mavrick Adolph, and Debriefers Lancaster Walter and Arthur Segal.
“Technology is only useful when people know how to use it properly. This training gives our observers the skills and confidence they need to use OLLO and ensure the information they collect is recorded accurately,” said Mavrick Adolph, Electronic Monitoring Officer, FSM NORMA.
The successful completion of the training marks an important step in FSM NORMA’s transition from paper-based reporting to digital reporting. OLLO will help create a more efficient connection between observers collecting information at sea and fisheries managers using that information on shore.
Reliable and timely observer data is essential for fisheries monitoring, compliance, management, and the sustainable use of FSM’s marine resources.
FSM NORMA extends its appreciation to the Pacific Community, trainers, facilitators, observers, and staff who contributed to the successful implementation of the OLLO Training.
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For further information, please contact:
| Isabella Sipos Communications Officer, FSM NORMA isabella.sipos@norma.fm |
