Framework for Determination of Best Scientific Information Available and Stock Status in the Pacific Islands Region

National Standards are principles that must be followed to ensure sustainable and responsible fishery management, and National Standard 2 states that conservation and management measures must be based upon the BSIA. This regional framework describes the major steps used to determine BSIA, through a process consistent with the national framework outlined in NOAA Fisheries Procedure 01-101-10, the “NOAA Fisheries Framework for Determining that Stock Status Determinations and Catch Specifications are Based on the Best Scientific Information Available.”

The document clarifies roles and responsibilities of the agency and collaborative bodies, and increases transparency in how BSIA determinations are made as part of the management process.