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History, Problems, and Recommended Solutions
Fisheries Data Collection Improvements 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.
Bob Trumble
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 data have been used for management to only a limited degree
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 data more useful for assessment and management
Problems with current data collection system - PRLarge amount of unreported catch (>50% of
landings)Port agents do not check reported landingsBiological Sampling (length, weight, age)
does not follow statistical design Catch reports not fast enough for in-season
managementDo not have accurate estimate of effort
Problems with current data collection system - USVI
Catch not identified by individual speciesPort agents do not confirm reported landingsPort agents not able to take enough
biological samples (length, weight, age)Catch reports not fast enough for in-season
managementDo not have accurate estimate of effort
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 coastGrid (2.5 x2.5, 5x5, 10x10)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 yearsIntensive length sampling for length-based model
Enhance industry understanding and engagement
Report landings by speciesIncrease bio-samplingValidate landing reportsEnhance enforcement
Priorities for long term
Life history samplingAging, maturation, fecundityTrophic studies
Statistical model applicationPeriodic evaluation of program designOngoing monitoringMaintain sufficient reporting
Key Data Collection ElementsSampling Component Comments
Trip TicketsNeed area, gear
Total Catch Estimation/Trip Ticket Validation
Trip Counts
Aerial surveys; shoreside counts (docks, ramps)
Catch Weight Validation
Fisher interviews
Biosamples
Length SamplesMaturity/Age Samples
Buy fish
OversightRegional steering committee
Puerto Rico DNERUSVI DPNRSEROSEFSCHMSCaribbean CouncilStakeholders
Plan the science-based projects and review the performance of the projects
Sub-regional steering committees USVI and PR•Science tasks:
• Catch validation• Effort (trip counts)• Biological sampling
•Management task• Monitor ACLs