Observer of the Year Awards
The coveted “Golden Caliper” Award for PNA Observer of the Year in 2023 was taken out by Steve Wareo of Solomon Islands, marginally ahead of Louise Minding from PNG who came second and Edward Nandi, also of PNG, who came third.   
The award recognises exceptional performance amongst PNA fisheries observers and is based on a score incorporating the quality of data collected (50% weighting), Party and POA Coordinator ratings (20% weighting each) and sea days completed (10%).
The prizes for the competition winners are:
•    1st Place - $500, personalised Champion T-shirt and certificate.
•    2nd Prize - $300, personalised Champion T-shirt and certificate.
•    3rd Prize - $200 personalised Champion T-shirt and certificate.
The competition has been closely followed by Parties since its inception in 2016, with results announced at the annual PNA Observer Coordinators’ Meeting. Previous winners have gone on to further their careers in fisheries, both at home and abroad. 
Observers play an essential role in the fishery management system in the Pacific Islands, often referred to as the “eyes and ears” of fishery managers.  Data collected by observers feeds into scientific assessments of fish stocks, as well as allowing managers to review compliance of fishing vessels with licensing conditions.
Since its inception in 2013, the PNA Observer Agency (POA) has grown into one of the largest observer programs in the world.  In 2023, the POA coordinated over 23,000 observer sea days, contracting over 250 observers, providing valuable employment opportunities for Parties.