Program Design Document

This document provides detailed information on the program standards and policies, reporting requirements and sampling programs, quality control and assurance documentation, and processes necessary for program adjustments and modification. Program requirements should be followed by all participating agencies as fully as possible to ensure effective implementation of the ComFIN/RecFIN(SE) data collection and data management systems.

The program is similar to the Atlantic Coast Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP), which is being developed for the states along the Atlantic coast. The FIN coordinates with the Pacific Fisheries Information Network (PacFIN), and the Pacific Recreational Fisheries Information Network (Pacific RecFIN) and the ACCSP to form a national program.

It needs to be pointed out that the development of a cooperative data collection and management program is a dynamic process and the document reflects the current situation for collection and management of fisheries data. Due to changes and improvements in methodologies, technologies, etc., there will be modifications to the program in the future.

P. O. Box 726

Ocean Springs, MS 39566-0726

Phone 228-875-5912 , Fax 228-875-6604