RMI Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Data Collection MIMRA Coastal Fisheries Division 1st Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2017

Reimaanlok Data Collection Resource Status - UVC Socioeconomic household survey Seasonal Calendar/ Historic Timeline (Community Group work) Resource Mapping (community group work) Ciguatera Survey (Sampling and Mapping) MPA Management Effectiveness Survey ConservationGIS

Aquaculture Data Collection Socioeconomic household survey Habitat survey (species present, biophysical features, accessibility of site to community, etc.) Farming data (brood-stock, feed, production, growth, mortality, employment etc.) – Logforms and Site visits

Market & Export Data Collection Creel Survey OIFMC/KAFMC Landing and Market log forms (revenue and expenditure of domestic shipments from select outer islands – fish catch, ice and fuel) Community Catch Surveys FAD logbooks Farmed vs. Aquarium vs. Reef Fish & Inverts Exports Species, quantity, $ value, market destination, process type, and atoll origin. Method Used: Thru Inspections & Export Permits, submission of Log sheet and Packing list

Challenges Collection of Data Data Storage and Analysis Incomplete data submission/availability (i.e. complete market chain) Geography of the Marshall Islands Transportation Timing and seasonality Coastal Fisheries Division short-staffed Data Storage and Analysis Analysis done off-island Consolidating databases Market data conundrum. Market staff no time for data collection due timing.

Ways Forward Hire more staff. National “Marine Team” to consolidate data collections and methodologies Increase capacity building efforts (nationally and locally). Ensure inclusion of community recommendations of suitable site locations from community members with current knowledge of the areas. Push Local Governments to open up a Fisheries Officer position.