Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review of the 2023 Benchmark Stock Assessment for American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center conducted a single-species benchmark stock assessment for the eleven bottomfish management unit species (BMUS) in American Samoa. A previous stock assessment for the American Samoa BMUS was conducted in 2019 using a surplus production model for the whole species complex. The 2023 benchmark assessment diverges significantly from this previous work as it implements the first integrated stock assessment for the bottomfish stock in American Samoa. This integrated assessment uses the Stock Synthesis (v 3.30) framework to integrate CPUE indices, size frequency, diver survey, and catch data into a single age-structured model. This integrated model was used to estimate biomass and stock status through time, and stock status was evaluated against MSY-based reference points described in the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the American Samoa Archipelago. Projections were provided to inform management in the setting of acceptable biological catch and annual catch limits.

NOAA Fisheries and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council announced the review of the draft 2023 benchmark stock assessment for American Samoa BMUS in the Federal Register on February 3, 2023.