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