Urban Coast Institute Monmouth University June 15-16, 2009 Presented by DiLorenzo, Tiedemann, Danko

Introduction Urban Coast Institute is a Monmouth University Center of Distinction Requested by PEW Charitable Trusts to hold workshop on Fisheries Statistics Independent Report prepared by Susan Kennedy Summary presented

Purpose of Workshop based on Kennedy White Paper and NRC report Identify and summarize the sources and uses of recreational fishing data in the Mid-Atlantic Region Identify gaps or potential problems with the data

Uses for Kennedy White Paper Distribution to recreational fishing industry, scientists, managers to: Form a consensus on gaps and problems in data sources Make recommendations on how to close gaps and develop a plan to ensure the development, collection and application of data in the future.

Workshop Focus on Research Needs and Data Gaps Design of survey Adequate surveying of different fishing sectors, e.g. “fishing for hire” industry Differences between states and data collected and methodology use Catch and Release data/discard and discard mortality data Spatial scale of data collection and spatial scale of the application of data

Catch & Release/Discard and Discard Mortality Issues: Released catch cannot be inspected in an onsite survey Rounding errors are common Exaggeration of size and number or under reporting due to the nature of “remembering” Species identification errors Size and age distribution of released fish may be different than “kept” fish

Discard Mortality Estimates Released or Discarded fish may not survive Bias on length/weight conversions Inaccurate discard mortality assumptions (e.g. 10% for summer flounder)

NRC Recommendations Mandatory log books to monitor catch & release including discard mortality On board observers to validate information including numbers, species, condition and size composition of released fish

Spatial Scale of Data Collection and Application Management decisions today require a finer spatial scale than previously used Public perception issues have arisen on spatial stratification of intercept sampling and statistical methodology used

NRC Recommendations on Spatial Scale Enhance estimation process by incorporating finite population sampling theory to reduce bias when estimates are applied to smaller sampling areas. Provide greater public outreach on sampling methodology and spatial scale to improve public understanding

Workshop Goals Provide input into methods for improving recreational fisheries statistics data collection and application Identify steps to move forward Identify funding mechanisms for states and NMFS to implement recommendations from the workshop.

Discussion Items MRIP, NEAMAP Data Collectors Statistical Analysis Uses of Data Data Gaps

Discussion Items National Saltwater Recreational Angler Registry State Recreational Data Collection programs Vessel Trip Reports American Littoral Society Fish Tagging Program