Urban Coast InstituteMonmouth University

June 15-16, 2009

Presented by DiLorenzo, Tiedemann, Danko

IntroductionUrban Coast Institute is a Monmouth

University Center of DistinctionRequested by PEW Charitable Trusts

to hold workshop on Fisheries Statistics

Independent Report prepared by Susan Kennedy

Summary presented

Purpose of Workshop based on Kennedy White Paper and NRC reportIdentify and summarize the sources

and uses of recreational fishing data in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Identify gaps or potential problems with the data

Uses for Kennedy White PaperDistribution to recreational fishing industry,

scientists, managers to:

Form a consensus on gaps and problems in data sources

Make recommendations on how to close gaps and develop a plan to ensure the development, collection and application of data in the future.

Workshop Focus on Research Needs and Data GapsDesign of surveyAdequate surveying of different fishing

sectors, e.g. “fishing for hire” industryDifferences between states and data

collected and methodology useCatch and Release data/discard and discard

mortality dataSpatial scale of data collection and spatial

scale of the application of data

Catch & Release/Discard and Discard MortalityIssues:Released catch cannot be inspected in an

onsite surveyRounding errors are commonExaggeration of size and number or under

reporting due to the nature of “remembering”Species identification errorsSize and age distribution of released fish may

be different than “kept” fish

Discard Mortality EstimatesReleased or Discarded fish may not surviveBias on length/weight conversions Inaccurate discard mortality assumptions

(e.g. 10% for summer flounder)

NRC RecommendationsMandatory log books to monitor catch &

release including discard mortalityOn board observers to validate information

including numbers, species, condition and size composition of released fish

Spatial Scale of Data Collection and ApplicationManagement decisions today require a finer

spatial scale than previously usedPublic perception issues have arisen on

spatial stratification of intercept sampling and statistical methodology used

NRC Recommendations on Spatial ScaleEnhance estimation process by incorporating

finite population sampling theory to reduce bias when estimates are applied to smaller sampling areas.

Provide greater public outreach on sampling methodology and spatial scale to improve public understanding

Workshop GoalsProvide input into methods for improving

recreational fisheries statistics data collection and application

Identify steps to move forward

Identify funding mechanisms for states and NMFS to implement recommendations from the workshop.

Discussion ItemsMRIP, NEAMAPData CollectorsStatistical AnalysisUses of DataData Gaps

Discussion ItemsNational Saltwater Recreational

Angler RegistryState Recreational Data Collection

programsVessel Trip ReportsAmerican Littoral Society Fish

Tagging Program