Amy Van Atten, born in 1968 in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a dedicated professional in the field of marine conservation. Growing up as the oldest of five children, Amy aspired to study whaling and marine mammals, particularly focusing on the impacts of whaling and the reasons behind it. Over time, her passion evolved to include fisheries and accidental interactions between marine mammals and fishing activities. She pursued a career in the field of wildlife and fisheries biology and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in wildlife and fisheries biology with a minor in forestry. Later, she earned a master's degree in wildlife management from the University of Maine in Orono. Throughout her education, Amy's focus remained on managing natural resources, sustainability, and addressing diverse perspectives on resource utilization. In 1991, Amy entered the world of fisheries observer work after a brief stint as a mate on a bluefish charter boat in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. Her interest in marine populations and conservation led her to work on a harbor porpoise survey, contributing to the estimation of population size in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy through line transect survey methodology. Over the years, Amy's involvement in the field expanded, leading her to become the NOAA Observer Program Operations Coordinator. Her responsibilities grew to encompass program management, observer training, data collection, and analysis. 

Scope and Content Note 
The interview with Amy Van Atten, conducted on September 22, 2007, at the New Bedford Harbormaster House, delves into her personal and professional journey as a dedicated contributor to marine conservation efforts. Amy discusses her early interests, educational background, and how her fascination with marine mammals gradually evolved into a focus on fisheries and resource management. Throughout the interview, Amy provides valuable insights into her role as the NOAA Observer Program Operations Coordinator, including the challenges, responsibilities, and benefits of being an observer in the field. She discusses the training process for observers, the importance of data quality, and her involvement in the complex regulatory landscape of federal fisheries management. Amy also touches on the significance of her role in ensuring a balanced approach to resource utilization while fostering understanding between fishermen and observers.