Assessing the Reliability of Fisher Self-Sampling Programs

Abstract

The transition to catch share management for groundfish fisheries in the waters off the northeastern USA will require more monitoring than is presently obtained through traditional programs. Other types of at-sea reporting may be necessary to address data gaps and complement other sampling programs like the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP). Validation of fisher self-sampling programs, such as the study fleet program of the School for Marine Science and Technology (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth), provides another monitoring option to be used in conjunction with existing systems. In this paper, data from the study fleet program were compared with other fisheries-dependent data sources in the region. We tested for significant differences in catch at the trip, species, and haul levels by disposition (i.e., kept and discarded). Effort and length measurements for six commercial species were also analyzed. Catch results were mixed but similar for commercial species across comparisons. The study fleet program and NEFOP had consistent reporting in comparison with dealer landings, which are reported to the National Marine Fisheries Service by seafood dealers that are issued a federal permit to sell fish. For comparisons of catch at the haul level, there was a significant difference between NEFOP data and study fleet data; median differences were small, and the study fleet reported less catch. For commercial species, there was no significant difference in catch (except for kept catch) between the study fleet data and NEFOP data. Study fleet catch data were more comprehensive than logbook data (e.g., study fleet data included catch of bycatch species). Effort data from the study fleet were more accurate and precise than logbook data and were similar to NEFOP data. There was no statistical difference in length frequencies based on study fleet data and NEFOP data.

Received April 16, 2010; accepted November 26, 2010

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the New Bedford fishing vessels that have participated in the study fleet project. Also, we thank the SMAST technicians and graduate students who contributed work to the project, especially David Martins and Crista Bank. The NEFSC study fleet program was a great source of information and collaboration. Thanks are extended to Fred Serchuk and other reviewers for their constructive reviews of the manuscript. Funding for the project was provided by grants from the Massachusetts Fisheries Recovery Commission, the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NA05NMF4721132 and NA07NMF4720359).