External Review of Commercial Fisheries Bio-Sampling Program in the Pacific Islands

In 2007, NOAA Fisheries received funding from Congress to establish fisheries monitoring programs to support requirements of the Reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 2006. The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center established a commercial fisheries bio-sampling program in the territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The pilot program's primary goals were to obtain detailed species identification, length- and weight-frequency data, fishing locations and trip-level effort data (e.g., hours fished by gear type) for the commercial catch, and to collect and analyze biological samples to determine life history characteristics, starting with the most important commercial species. These data have been collected and managed to improve capability to sustainably manage federal and insular fisheries within the U.S. Pacific Islands Region, to help meet requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Founded upon these goals, along with specific methods determined by Pacific Islands scientists, the unique cultural, market, and fisheries characteristics of each insular area shaped development of unique aspects within each territorial program as they exist today.

Sound science is critical for making informed decisions about managing fisheries resources. NOAA Fisheries constantly strives to improve the quality and timeliness of its internal and externally supported science. To that end, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center conducted this review in 2016 to evaluate the quality, relevance, and performance of the research and its usefulness for the management it supports. This review helped identify gaps and areas for improvement, to assist NOAA in planning for future needs within the Commercial Fisheries Bio-Sampling Program.

Panel of experts:

• Frank A. Camacho, University of Guam
• Bradley R. Moore, Secretariat of the Pacific Community
• Steven G. Smith, University of Miami

See External Reviews of Science Programs in the Pacific Islands for the panel reports and PIFSC response.

For additional information, including copies of presentations, please contact PIFSC.