Guam Commercial Fisheries BioSampling (CFBS)

The Guam Commercial Fisheries Biosampling program, which collects length and weight frequency data for whole commercial catches, and samples 4-8 species for in-depth life history studies as well as DNA (finclips) and voucher specimens for the Fish Barcode of life, began in August, 2009. Guam has had very little market-based commercial size sampling over the years. However, the new bio-sampling program has been quite successful and robust, due to the cooperation and participation of the Guam Fishermen's Cooperative Association. Census sampling of a high percentage of the non-pelagic fishing trips has been conducted since late 2009. As with the other CFBS programs, catch, effort, and fishing location are recorded for a majority of the fishing trips and every fish or invertebrate harvested is identified, measured and weighed for each fishing method encountered with the exception of trolling. Life history samples are also collected and processed for a number of reef fish species. These data are considered confidential. Continuation is subject to availability of funds.

Provide monitoring support for commercial fisheries life history and fisheries assessment under the revised Magnuson Stevens Act.

1845 Wasp Boulevard, Bldg. #176, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818

Commercial Fisheries Biosampling

Data belong to the Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR). Data sharing is by cooperative WPacFIN agreement. Other access can only be granted by DAWR.

Requires signing a PIFSC non-disclosure statement for fisheries confidential data and approval from the data owner.

QC review prior to data entry, some automated QC during data entry, and further QC after data entry.

PIFSC ITS performs scheduled back-ups.

Data are collected by staff of the Guam Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) and entered by a WPacFIN JIMAR employee under a WPacFIN cooperative agreement.