history, problems and recommended solutions fisheries data collection in puerto rico and the us...
TRANSCRIPT
History, Problems and Recommended Solutions
Fisheries Data Collection in Puerto Rico and the US
Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico DNERUSVI Department of Fish and Wildlife
Caribbean Fishery Management Council NMFS Southeast Regional Office
NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science CenterMRAG Americas, Inc.
40 years of Data CollectionPuerto Rico data collection began in 1967;
USVI data collection began in 1974Commercial data only, some recreational data
in PR beginning in 2000Landings by individual species submitted on
fish tickets in PRLandings by species groups submitted on
CCRs in USVIPort agents collect some species information
and lengths
FrustrationFishermen and port samplers have collected
40 years of data, but it has not been used for management
Conventional stock assessments attempted 9 times since 2003, but were unsuccessful
Existing data MIGHT be useful for assessing or setting catch limits for only a few stocks
Fishermen and managers alike want to find ways to use the data already collected AND collect new types of data
Why do we need to change the data collection methods?
Need consistency and uniformity – keys to good data!
Without good data, the Annual Catch Limits will be set lower to account for uncertainty
Timely data will allow for better management, prevent quota overages, and minimize disruptions
Want fishermen, port samplers and managers to feel like their hard work has a purpose
Problems with current data collection system - PR
There is a number of unreported catch (48% of landings for whole island); varies by coasts
Catch reports not fast enough for in-season management
Do not have accurate estimate of effort by species
What we recommend - PRAddress non-reporting – improve correction
factorObjective – Determine numbers of non-
reporters by fishing port and seasonIntensive survey for one year, then lower level
of monitoring in following years.Repeat intensive survey every 5 years or so
New plan for port monitoringPort Agents continue conducting surveys of
landed catch to validate fishermen reportsMore bio-samples (length, weight, age), spread
among all ports
Initial List of Overfished and Predominant Species by Gear
Species PR STT/STJ STX
Silk Snapper (OF) Trap / H&L Trap / H&L
Parrotfish (OF) Trammel Net Trap / (Spear)
Queen Snapper H&L H&L
Yellowtail Snapper
H&L / (Trap) ? Trap / H&L / (Seine)
Lane Snapper Trap / H&L / (Gillnet)
Trap
White Grunt Trap / Trammel Net Trap Trap / H&L
Hogfish Spear-SCUBA Trap
Red Hind H&L / Trap / (Spear)
H&L / Trap Trap / H&L / Spear
Coney Grouper Further investigation needed
Queen Triggerfish Further investigation needed
TimelinessCurrently one month reporting period in all
islandsLag of two to four weeks after end of reporting
period before catch is reportedWant weekly reporting with one week lag
after reporting periodMay need to phase inOptions for collecting data
Drop off at agencies’ officesMailElectronic data reporting
Catch per Unit EffortNeed landings of individual species separated
by gearNeed to know where catch occurred
Area of coast (see map, next slide)Grid (5x5)Predominant depth by gear/day
Specifics for each gearNumber of units of gearMesh SizeSoak Time, etc.
Suggested Fishing Location Map (5x5)
Priorities for short termProvide management advice for selected
species within 2-7 years (PR/VI)Intensive length sampling
Enhance industry understanding and engagement (PR/VI)
Report landings by species (VI)Increase bio-sampling (VI)Increase landings reporting by dealers (PR)Estimate non-reporting by time and area
(PR)Validate landing reports (PR/VI)Enhance enforcement (PR/VI)
Priorities for long termLife history sampling
Aging, maturation, fecundityTrophic studies
Statistical model applicationPeriodic evaluation of program designOngoing monitoringMaintain sufficient reporting