A.I.S., Inc. has proudly supported and served the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic fishing communities since 2001 through several federal contracts, research projects, collaborations and industry funded programs.

Our staff and personnel work in the coastal communities from Maine to North Carolina. Working side by side with industry whether at sea, on the docks, or in council meetings for over 30 years has given us a profound appreciation and respect for this hard-working industry. Through this experience our commitment to offering exceptional service to this industry strengthens each year. Our managers, observers and support staff are dedicated to helping the industry meet its coverage requirements and foster sustainable fisheries for the next generation.

Northeast Fisheries Observation

At-Sea Monitoring

The ASM program started in 2010 when the New England groundfish fishery transitioned from a days-at sea to quota-based sector allocations. Vessels, organized into sectors, manage their annual quota and report catch data to NMFS, relying on AIS employees to provide real-time data compliance. We employ 20 to 40 carefully selected monitors annually, all trained in a three week NMFS program. As the primary vendor for five sectors, our team operates from our corporate office near the docks in New Bedford and from home offices throughout New England, ensuring responsive, local support for the industry’s compliance needs.

Industry Funded Scallop Observation

The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) is an intergovernmental body responsible for the scientific management of fisheries in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. An AIS manager has been part of the U.S. delegation to NAFO since 2012. U.S.-flagged vessels in this regulatory area must carry observers on 100% of their trips to monitor fishing effort, kept catch, and bycatch, with move-on provisions based on quota and bycatch regulations. AIS has been the primary provider of observer services for U.S. vessels in this area since 2012.

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Monitoring

The industry-funded scallop program, initiated in 2006, compensates vessels carrying observers through a government set-aside program by offering additional kept poundage, quota (IFQ), or days at sea (DAS). Observers undergo a 3-week training in Falmouth, MA, and monitor catch from dredge and trawl gear on commercial vessels targeting Atlantic Sea scallops. They collect data on gear, bycatch, kept catch, biological metrics, and protected species interactions, which in turn supports stock assessments, gear selectivity monitoring, spatial management, which ensures a sustainable scallop fishery. Annually, AIS employs 4 to 15 scallop fishery observers completing 200 to over 1000 days at sea.

Since 2001, we have provided fisheries observer support services to NMFS, shaping our company’s growth. In 2018, we secured our latest contract with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Our employees collect critical data on kept catch, bycatch, gear, fishing effort and biological samples across commercial fisheries from Maine to North Carolina. This data informs in-season management, stock assessments, and ecosystems studies. Vessel coverage rates are outlined by an annual sea day schedule issued by NMFS. AIS employs 30 to 50 observers, completing 3000 to 7000 sea days annually. Federally permitted vessels must carry an observer when selected and state gillnet vessels may be required to carry an observer if the fishery they are participating in is classified as category I or II due to potential interactions with marine mammals.

Leadership

Charlie Pitts
Program Manager

With over 20 years of experience, Charles Pitts Jr. is a seasoned expert in the Northeast Fisheries Observation Programs. Starting his career offshore, Mr. Pitts was an observer for 11 years, working on a wide variety of fishing vessels, from gillnets to scallop dredges, gaining extensive knowledge of East Coast fisheries.

As the Program Manager for Northeast Fisheries, Charlie leads a team of 11 managers and 80 field staff, overseeing the NE Fisheries Observation, At-Sea Monitor, and Industry Funded programs. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to ocean sustainability has been the driving force behind the success of these programs, contributing significantly to the goals of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Mr. Pitts holds a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology from Unity Environmental University (Formerly Unity College).

Contact:
Phone: 978-979-7167
Email: fisheriesmgmt@aisobservers.com

Rebecca Hailey
Vice President, Fisheries Operations

Rebecca Hailey, Vice President of Fisheries Operations at AIS Inc., brings 18 years of expertise in managing fishery surveys and observer programs along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. With over 1,200 days at sea supporting NOAA Fisheries surveys, she leads a team of 200+ employees, driving marine science and conservation efforts. She oversees critical projects, complex budgets, and fosters strong customer relationships.

Inspired by Dr. Eugene Clark, “The Shark Lady,” Rebecca’s passion for marine biology began in childhood. She is dedicated to preserving marine resources through essential observer programs. Starting as an entry-level Fisheries Observer, she quickly advanced to managerial roles, including Program Manager for the Southeast Observer Program.

Ms. Hailey holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from Old Dominion University and studied at Coastal Carolina University.

Contact:
Phone: 774-392-3434
Email: fisheriesmgmt@aisobservers.com