Stores the data recorded in the "Observer Trawl Catch Effort Logbook" by Scientific Observers, as well as conversion factor data. The format of logbooks changed slightly in 1990 and this is managed by having 2 sets of tables (pre and post 1990). From 1997, MFish commenced processing observer log book data itself (prior to this, NIWA conducted the processing). Hence, from 1997, all the logbook data on "obs" are actually a download of data from the MFish observer database. The duplication of these data is necessary so that the other research observer databases, e.g. "obs-lfs" can be linked with the correct trip details.

It should be noted that "obs" currently contains the master information in relation to conversion factor data. At some time stage in the future these data will be held in the MFish observer data.