Page 16

@ Conduct surveys of eggs, larvae, and post-yolk-sac
larvae to describe spatial/temporal spawning patterns,
egg/larval production curves, and fishery-independent
estimates of spawning biomass. (FY 1992-96)

@ Develop, test, and evaluate a system for indexing an-
nual levels of ecosystem perturbations, including glo-

. bal warming, affecting production of fisheries stocks.
(FY 1992-93)

3.3 Maximize Participation in NOAA-
wide Programs

3.3.1.1 Approach

Participate in the following NOAA-wide initiatives:
Coastal Ocean Program, Climate and Global Change), Data
Base Management, and Marine Technology Modernization.

3.3.1.2 Rationale

Involvement in NOAA-wide initiatives will allow Cen-
ter investigators to utilize expertise/technology of other
NOAA line offices or academia, while at the same time
leveraging the funding received by these extramural organi-
zations. The extramural organizations will benefit from
access to the long-term Center data bases on environmental
variables, biological resource trends, fisheries landings, and
economics data. They will also have access to the expertise
of Center.scientists and our support network.

3.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

© Potential Coastal Ocean Program proposals during FY
1992-96 include:

Growth and Regulation of Noxious and Toxic Phyto-
plankton Species

Comparative Systems Approach to Functional Habitat
Evaluation

Nucleic Acid Hybridization Probe Technology
Marine Biodiversity
The Sea Surface as a Nursery and Habitat

Georges Bank: Biological and Physical Controls of a
Severely Perturbed Ecosystem

Mid-Atlantic Bight Mackerel Study

Population Control of Benthic Bivalves
Population Control of Crustaceans

Satellite-derived Measurements of Oceanographic Vari-
ability in U.S. Coastal Waters

Biological Effects Research on Contaminants

Cod Recruitment on Georges Bank: Role of Predation
Development of Biological Indicators of Exposure and
Physiological Responses to Contaminants

Haddock Life History Model.

@ Potential Global Climate Change Proposals during FY
1992-93) include:

Turbulence Model and Planktonic Patch Structure

Stratification Study on Georges Bank and Its Effect on
Larval Fish Survival

Ecosystem Monitoring of the Northeast Continental
Shelf

Paleoecology of the Gulf of Maine

Copepod Calanus finmarchicus as an Indicator of Cli-
mate Change in the North Atlantic

Response of Living Marine Resources in Mid-Atlantic
Salt Marshes to Sea Level Rise

Climate Change and North Atlantic Fisheries: Fore-
casting from Historical Analogy

Effects of Temperature and Water Column Structure in
the Gulf of Maine on the Production Rates of Zooplank-
ton and Larval Fishes .

GOAL 4: INTEGRATE CONSERVATION
OF PROTECTED SPECIES AND
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

4.1 Identify and Resolve Conflicts
between MMPA, ESA, and Fisheries

4.1.1.1 Approach

Determine the significant ecological relationships be-
tween fishery resources and marine mammals, the seasonal



Page 33

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

All acronyms used in this series are defined upon first mention in each document. However, it is not unusual for the
second and succeeding mention of such acronyms to be widely separated from the first mention. To avoid any confusion,
the definition of each acronym in this document is listed below.

ASMFC
CWA
EPA

WHSTEP

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Clean Water Act

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Endangered Species Act

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

fishery management plan

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
interstate fishery management plan

individual transferrable quota

large marine ecosystem

Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Marine Mammal Protection Act

North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization
National Environmental Policy Act

National Marine Fisheries Service

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
optimum sustainable population

stock assessment and fishery evaluation

stock assessment workshop

Woods Hole Scientific and Technological Education Partnership

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1992 - 602-028


Page 10

addresses information needs by the councils, Northeast
Regional Operations Office, and Northeast Fisheries
Science Center. Cooperative approach may involve
both existing inhouse expertise and external contracts,
grants, and Cooperative Marine Education and Re-
search Program approaches. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct gear tests of separator trawls for minimizing
bycatch of juveniles and groundfish in northern shrimp
fishery. (FY 1991-93)

@ Conduct bilateral conservation engineering studies with
Canada to develop conservation measures for reducing
bycatch of transboundary groundfish stocks. (FY 1993-
96)* ; ;

GOAL 2: MAINTAIN CURRENTLY

PRODUCTIVE FISHERIES

2.1 Reduce Risk of Overtishing

2.1.1.1 Approach

*“ Work with the councils to ensure that scientifically
sound definitions of overfishing are in place and that man-
agement measures are adequate to meet Section 602 guide-
lines.

2.1.1.2 Rationale

Section 602 requires that scientifically sound defini-
tions of overfishing be in place and that management mea-
sures prevent overfishing of currently productive stocks.

2.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Guide the councils in developing amendments to FMPs
with effective management measures to maintain cur-
rently productive fisheries, e.g., Atlantic mackerel,
silver hake, squids. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct SAWs to review scientific definitions, assess

stocks, and identify levels of control required to main-
tain productive fisheries. (FY 1992-96)

2.1.2.1 Approach

Develop and improve stock assessments for moder-
ately exploited resources, including estimation of biological

reference points and improved data bases on monitoring.

2.1.2.2 Rationale

Quantitative evaluations of current stock status are
necessary to monitor the resource with respect to manage-
ment strategies designed to protect against overfishing.
Some of the currently productive resources in the region
have not been as extensively studied as the heavily exploited
stocks, and consequently, require improved biological and
survey information for monitoring.

2.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Maintain monthly data collection programs for com-
mercial fisheries landings and effort statistics and for
biological sampling of the catch. (FY 1992-96)

@ Expand coverage of the commercial data collection
programs, and develop software for direct entry of data
by dealers. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Maintain and expand, where possible, research survey
activities with respect to productive fisheries. Develop
additional survey methods such as hydroacoustic tech-
niques for pelagic species (e.g., Atlantic herring, Atlan-
tic mackerel) that are not well sampled in the bottom
trawl surveys. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Conduct and update assessments of moderately ex-
ploited species (e.g., Atlantic mackerel, hakes, Atlantic
surf clam, ocean quahog) using new methodology
where needed. (FY 1992-96)

@ Collect or collate appropriate biological data, and im-
prove estimates of biological reference points for these
species. (FY 1992-96)*

2.1.3.1 Approach

Conduct detailed analyses of effort directed towards
these species and of relationships between effort and exploi-
tation rates and patterns.

2.1.3.2 Rationale

Currently productive fisheries may be vulnerable to
rapid increases in effort due to movement of vessels from
overexploited depleted fisheries, to technological improve-
ments in vessel efficiency, andto changes in market demand
for these products.


Page 20

@ Review and evaluate complaints of harassment in the
Northeast by whale watch and private vessels. (FY
1992-96)*

GOAL 5: IMPROVE SEAFOOD SAFETY

5.1. Develop Methods to Assess
Seafood Safety

5.1.1.1 Approach

Examine and carry out research on analytical methods
to improve the detection of seafood contaminants and
biotoxins, and the assessment of potential consumer risk.
Conduct research on sources and distribution of potential
hazards and their bioaccumulation in edible tissues.

5.1.1.2 Rationale

Current analytical methods to determine the distribu-
tion and sources of potential health hazards in seafoods are
expensive and time consuming. Development of rapid and
inexpensive analytical methods is necessary for field and
market testing of seafoods to assess potential health hazards.
Much needed data on sources and distribution will be
obtained more easily for risk analysis. The ability to test at
sea or dockside for the presence of pathogens, biotoxins, and
other potential hazards will significantly enhance seafood
inspection activities, improve quality, and reduce consumer
tisk.

5.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Continue monoclonal antibody research for the identi-
fication of finfish and shellfish species, marine biotoxins,
and shellfish diseases in seafood and seafood products.
(FY 1992-96)

@ Expand monoclonal antibody research for the detection
and assay of paralytic shellfish poison, other patho-
genic organisms, and other contaminants related to
seafood safety. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Develop rapid, reliable analytical methods to assay
toxins, organic contaminants, and additives in seafoods.

FY 1992-96)

@ Develop analytical methods to quantify quality losses
in seafoods. (FY 1992-96)

5.2 Inform and Educate Industry and
Consumers on Seafood Safety

5.2.1.1 Approach

To improve the general knowledge of the American
public in seafood quality and safety, we must improve the
transfer of technology and information to industry, Sea
Grant, fishery development foundations, consumers, and
recreational fishermen on handling and processing methods
and potential health risks.

5.2.1.2 Rationale

A seafood inspection program cannot protect every
consumer from every potential risk. Recreational fishermen
should be well informed of potentially hazardous species,
harvesting areas, etc. Fishermen, as well as consumers, need
to be informed of the potential risks of mishandling seafood
products. Processors must be educated to apply new tech-
nology properly to avoid process-induced hazards. Tech-
nology transfer programs and other education efforts are
needed on a continuing basis to: (1) demonstrate new
processing and handling procedures; (2) educate fishermen,
processors, and consumers on risk avoidance (e.g., don’t eat
Atlantic mackerel livers); and (3) educate buyers and con-
sumers of real risk as opposed to perceived risk from seafood
consumption. .

5.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Transfer research results and technological develop-
ments to industry, Sea Grant, fishery development
foundations, seafood regulators, and consumers. (FY
1992-96)

@ Develop technical information on the effects of han-
dling, processing, and storage on seafood safety, nutri-
tional value, and quality losses in seafoods. (FY 1992-
96)

§.2.2.1 Approach

Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate health
tisks of fisheries.
5.2.2.2 Rationale

Presently, the shellfish fishery is closed on Georges
Bank due to toxic levels of paralytic shellfish poison. NMFS

lacks the authority to regulate this or other fisheries for
human health reasons. Establishing this authority can be


\ INTRODUCTION

The Northeast Region of the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMES) is composed of the marine and estuarine
waters from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to the Canadian
border, and from shore to the 200-mile boundary of the U.S.
Exclusive Economic Zone (Figure-1). Within: this area exist
distinct ecological regimes, including ‘the Gulf of Maine,
Georges Bank, and Southern New England - Mid Atlantic
Shelf. Each ecological regime has distinct aspects of three
common pressures: (1) overfishing by an overcapitalized
fishing industry; (2) conflicts between fishing on the one
hand and whale watching and marine mammal/endangered
species protection on the other hand; and (3) long-term
trends of habitat degradation and loss which affect the
conservation and management of living marine resources.
To these pressures are added the continually increasing
demand for high quality and safe seafood by the densely
Populated northeastern United States. on

“’ The Northeast Region has prepared this s five-year re-
gional implementation plan to address these.issues within
the context of the eight goals of the “NMFS Strategic Plan
for the Conservation and Wise Use of America’s Living
Marine Resources.” The remainder‘ofthis.““Introduction”
section generally describes the organizational units which
will carry out the implementation plan. The next section,
“Northeast Regional Implementation Plan,” lists the goals,

objectives, activities, and schedules for fulfilling the plan.”:

NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Representing the NOAA Assistant Administrator for
Fisheries, the Northeast Regional Director oversees a 30-
million-dollar NMFS research and management program
for the northeastern United States. With a responsibility for
the conservation and management of living marine te-
sources from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to the Cana-
dian border, the Regional Director provides policy guidance

Page 1

and coordination to ensure that authorities are exercised and
mandates are adhered to.

The Regional Director oversees two programmatic
elements: (1) the Northeast Regional Operations Office,
with responsibilities for management; and (2) the Northeast
Fisheries Science Center, with responsibilities for research
(Figure 2).

NORTHEAST REGIONAL OPERATIONS
OFFICE

The NMFS Northeast Regional Operations Office ad-
ministers the conservation and management of the living
marine resources of the northeastern United States as man-
dated by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Manage-
ment Act (MFCMA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean
Water Act (CWA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(FWCA), and numerous other federal authorities. The
Office works closely with federal, state, and private agen-
cies (including the regional fishery management councils
and the interstate fisheries commissions), as well as with
commercial and recreational fishing interests, consumers,
and the general public, to conserve and manage the region’s
living marine resources.

The Office operates through four management divi-
sions (i.e., Fishery Management Operations, Fishery Analy-
sis, Habitat and Protected Resources, and State, Federal, and
Constituent Programs) and two support: staffs (i.e., Informa-
tion Resource Management, and Management and Budget)
(Figure 3).

Fishery Management Operations
Division

The Fishery Management Operations Division pro-
vides scientific, technical, and administrative coordination

NORTHEAST REGION

Richard B. Roe
Regional Director

|

REGIONAL OPERATIONS
FICE

Jon GC. Rittgers, Director

FISHERIES SCIENCE
CENTER

Allen E. Peterson, Jr., Director

Figure 2. NMFS Northeast Regional Directorate.


ment center budget process, and the meshing of planning-
function elements, by defining and implementing an auto-
mated interconnective system.

C.1.2 Rationale

Linking budget elements over time and among manage-
rial levels with current-year operating plans will provide a
more cohesive structure for decision making.
C.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Design a system which enables financial management
center management with current-year operating plan
Project accountability. Test thesystem. (FY 1992-94)*

@ Implementation of system. (FY 1995-96)

@ Provide required input to headquarters on budget needs
from the budget-formulation phase to the execution
phase. (FY 1992-96)

@ Provide current-year budget management within the

Center. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL D: PLANNING AND EVALUATION

D.1.1 Approach

Using guidance from NMFS, develop a strategy for
solving regional issues; prepare program initiative and op-
erating documents; and evaluate research results through a
planned process.

D.1.2 Rationale
A regionwide commitment to a stronger process of
planning and evaluation is necessary to develop successful
budget enhancements in support of NMFS and NOAA
strategic plans.
D.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Conceptualize an interlinking system with decision
points which captures planning and evaluation ele-
ments over a strategic period and interacts with the
budget process. (FY 1992)
@ Design and.test system elements. (FY 1993-94)*

@ Implement system. (FY 1995-96)

Page 31

@ Until a new planning and evaluation process is imple-
mented, continue providing traditional planning docu-
ments to NMFS. (FY 1992-96)

© Until a new planning and evaluation process is imple-
mented, continue current evaltation process which
requires each program area be peer evaluated at least
every five years. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL E: INFORMATION

£.1.1 Approach

Provide sufficient library support, both in materials and
in reference and retrieval skills, for the staff to design,
accomplish, and report research.

£.1.2 Rationale
The proliferation of scientific literature has mandated
that the scientific staff have access to an up-to-date library
system.
£.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Work toward NOAA-recommended library staff levels
* at all facilities (except the National Systematics Labo-
ratory). (FY 1992-96)*

@ Preserve NMFS investment in library materials and
equipment. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Assure sufficient access to library materials locally for
the most critical areas of investigation. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Continue library collection development to reflect re-
search conducted at the Center, with an emphasis on
special collections retention and augmentation. (FY
1992-96)

@ Pursue appropriate training for library staff. (FY 1992-
96)

£.2.1_ Approach
Provide the technical services necessary to assure qual-
ity publications.

E.2.2 Rationale

Providing scientific, technical, and resource manage-
ment information in a published form is essential to meeting


habitat requirements of marine mammals, and the economic
costs and benefits of marine mammal protection to the
harvest sector and to the regional economy.

4.1.1.2 Rational

Marine mammals and sea birds are important sources of
mortality for important fish stocks. As marine mammal
stocks increase, so does competition for food resources with
predacious fish stocks which may be of particular interest to
managers. Studies are conducted to develop information on
the abundance and distribution of several marine mammal
populations and on marine mammal bycatch in regional
fisheries, to model optimal exploitation patterns and opti-
mum sustainable population size for marine mammals, to
contribute to the recovery of endangered species, and to
determine the cost to regional fisheries due to mammal
interactions.

4.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Analyze marine mammal and fishery resource distribu-
tion data to determine predation patterns and spatial
occurrence. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct research with the Alaska Fisheries Science
Center on ecosystem-level processes involving marine
mammals, and jointly design and convene an ecosys-
tem workshop. (FY 1992)

@ Develop a multispecies pelagic ecosystem model in-
cluding trophic dynamics of pelagic fish, birds, and
marine mammals of the Northeast Continental Shelf
Ecosystem. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Validate trophic dynamics of marine mammals through
coordinated at-sea research on spatial overlaps. (FY
1994-96)*

@ Develop management models incorporating optimum
sustainable population (OSP) levels for marine mam-
mals and harvest rates for fishes. (FY 1994-96)*

@ Provide descriptive and statistical analyses of harvest-
sector activity for each fishery: level of participation,
landings, revenues, and effort. (FY 1992-96)

@ Carry out studies of individual vessel and fleet spatial
and temporal fishing behavior, reaggregating data bases
on an individual vessel basis. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in shortnose sturgeon, humpback whale,
and northem right whale recovery team activities. (FY
1992-96)

Page 17

@ Develop models to permit the maximization of fishery
net benefits given levels of marine mammal harassment
and takes. (FY 1993-96)*

4.1.2.1 Approach

Work with councils and fishing industry to apply as-
sessments and incidental take data to develop means to
monitor and reduce levels of incidental take to meet MMPA
mandates,

4.1.2.2 Rationale

NMFS and the councils will be required to balance
fishery management with marine mammal conservation, as
per the MMPA. Controversial decisions may have to be
made on various fisheries, given their level of incidental
take,

4.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Incorporate observer and Marine Mammal Exemption
Program data for identifying magnitude of fisheries/
marine mammal conflicts. (FY 1992-96)

@ Review FMPs, in light of assessments, for gear restric-
tions and for seasonal and area closures to reduce level
of incidental take. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct conservation engineering studies to develop
gear options for reducing incidental take. (FY 1992-93)

@ Work with the NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs for
extension of observer program beyond 1993 to collect
incidental take information for success of management
measures. (FY 1992-93)

@ Conduct U.S./Canada bilateral management meetings
to develop and implement conservation measures for
reducing incidental take or maintaining optimum popu-
lation levels. (FY. 1992-93)

4.1.3.1 Approach

Conduct ESA Section 7 consultations on FMP and
ISFMP amendments.
4.1.3.2 Rationale

Endangered species are occasionally taken in commer-
cial fisheries. Recently, Kemp’s ridley turtles were taken in


@ Monitor the concentrations of PCBs, PAHs, and pesti-
cides in selected fish entering estuarine nursery areas in
the spring until they depart for offshore in the fall, and
compare with contaminant levels in environmental
media. Conduct depuration experiments in the labora-
tory to compute Langmuir adsorption isotherms. (FY
1992-94)*

@ Measure hepatic cytochrome p-450 activity in fish from
contaminated and relatively clean estuaries as a
biomarker of exposure to organic contaminants. (FY
1993-94)

6.2.3.1 Approach

Conduct research on fishery habitat degradation through
chemical contamination, including biological-effects stud-
ies linking chemical contaminants in estuarine-dependent
juvenile and adult fish to growth, reproduction, survivorship,
and mortality. Support research in environmental transport
and fate, ecosystem monitoring of contaminant levels, and
development of biomarkers for organism exposure to con-
taminants.

6.2.3.2 Rationale

_ _ With the heavy burden of chemical contaminants in
many of the Northeast’s estuaries, research is ongoing to
link chemical contaminants to effects on organisms. Trans-
lating biological effects to estimates of population response
of living marine resources to chemical habitat degradation is
the next step in assessing environmental effects in conserv-
ing and rebuilding depleted stocks. Mathematical modeling
approaches provide a tool to extend organismal responses to
habitat degradation to population responses. Comparative
studies of living marine resources that occupy similar habi-
tats, but exist at different locales along environmental stress
gradients, provide a tool to study organismal (physiological
acclimation and genetic adaptation) or population (demo-
gtaphic changes) responses to the stresses.

6.2.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Develop an understanding of the transport of contami-
nants by physical forces and biogeochemical cycles at
the 12-Mile (sewage sludge) Dumpsite. (FY 1992-96)

@ Establish an ecosystem monitoring program on the
Northeast Continental Shelf for organic and inorganic
contaminants in selected fish species. (FY 1992-93)*

Page 23

@ Determine trends in both modern and preindustrial
organic and inorganic contaminants by measuring con-
taminant profiles in deep sediment cores from estuarine
and coastal depositional areas in the northeastern United
States. (FY 1994-96)* Y

@ Monitor the effect of the cessation of sewage sludge
dumping at the 106-Mile (deepwater) Dumpsite by
measuring contaminant levels in epibenthic biota and
distribution/séverity of chitinoclasia in American lob-
sters (FY 1992)*

@ Conduct field and laboratory studies of the effect of
contaminants on the viability of the early life stages
(eggs and larvae) of winter flounder collected in Long
Island Sound (FY 1992-94), and develop a population
model to quantify potential contaminant effects. (FY
1993-96)

@ Examine mammalian immune function system assays
for applicability to finfish/shellfish as biomarkers of
chemical damage (FY 1992-94), and relate biomarker
intensity to microbial disease susceptibility (FY 1993-
95). Extend immune dysfunction biomarkers to envi-
ronmental samples. (FY 1994-96)

6.3 Determine if Artificial or Restored
Habitat Fulfills Resource Needs

6.3.1.1 Approach

Study, synthesize, and develop an appropriate regional
restoration and assessment program, in conjunction with the
NOAA Restoration Center, to determine effective methods
for restoring functional value to degraded fishery habitats.

6.3.1.2 Rationale

Restoration activities, either as established through
Superfund cases or agreed upon through the NEPA process,
will require evaluation of the effectiveness in restoring
functional values to fishery habitats.

6.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ In conjunction with the NOAA Restoration Center,
develop a regional program to assess restoration needs
and evaluate effectiveness of restoration projects in
fulfilling habitat needs for living marine resources. (FY
1992-96)*


@ Monitor 100 percent of the foreign directed and joint
venture Atlantic mackerel and squid fisheries for ma-
rine mammal interactions. (FY 1992-96)

@ Record all marine mammal and/or endangered species
- fishery interactions observed during domestic fishery
"coverage for categories I] and III vessels. (FY 1992-96)

@ Verify the MMPA category for the Northeast’s longline
fisheries. (FY 1992-93)*

@ Analyze fishery effort data collected over past decades
and bycatch data collected since the 1980s, and monitor

the levels of take in other fisheries using sea-sampling
data. (FY 1992-96)

4.4 Implement Endangered Species
Recovery Plans

4.4.1.1 Approach

Implement recovery plans for listed species.

4.4.1.2 Rationale

The ESA requires recovery plans to be implemented for
endangered species, as appropriate.
4.4.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Implement a recovery plan for the northern right whale
and the humpback whale. (FY 1991-92)

@ Implement a recovery plan for Kemp’s ridley and other
Atlantic sea turtles. (FY 1992-94)

4.4.2.1 Approach

Work with the councils to develop fishery management
regimes which work within the recovery plan requirements.

4.4.2.2 Rationale

Implementation of endangered species recovery plans
will require specific actions to be taken in the event of a
fishery conflict. The councils provide the avenue for com-
municating and discussing the implementation of these
plans.

Page 19

4.4.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Work with the councils to develop FMP amendments
that recognize requirements of endangered species re-
covery plans. (FY 1992-96)

4.5 Reduce Fishery and Passive
Viewing Effects on Protected
Species

4.5.1.1 Approach

Focus research on the effects of whale watching activi-
ties on right and humpback whale populations in the North-
west Atlantic.
4.5.1.2 Rationale

Whale watching is a popular recreational activity and an
important component of human interactions research.
4.5.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Use airship and fixed gear to observe and evaluate

interactions of humpback and right whales innortheast-

ern U.S. shelf waters. (FY 1992-94)*
4.5.2.1 Approach

Work with the NMFS Office of Protected Resources to
develop marine mammal protection regulations for the
whale watch industry.
4.5.2.2 Rationale

The rapid growth of the whale watch industry has raised
significant concerns over the interactions between whale

_watch parties and the natural behavior of whales. Evaluation

of regulatory needs, under the MMPA, is being done by the
NMFS Office of Protected Resources. These regulations
will require regional guidance and evaluation.

4.5.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Conduct a seasonal information and education program
for the whale watch industry on harassment guidelines.
(FY 1992-93)


Page 32

the information demands placed upon NMFS. Users in the
scientific community, in the fishery management arena, and
throughout both NOAA and other agencies look upon
research results and management actions for guidance and
evaluation. .

£.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Implement and manage an automated manuscript track-
ing system. (FY 1992-96)

@ Provide technical writing services as requested. (FY
1992-96)

@ Provide finished mechanicals, printing services, and
NMFS-generated publications. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Provide scientific, technical, and public constituents of
the region with data, information, reports, and publica-
tions relating to Center research. (FY 1992-96)

@ Provide graphic services to the staff for presentation
and publication. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL F: COMPUTERS

F.1.1. Approach

Computers of all sizes are found in ever increasing ways
in the process of carrying out the various functions and
responsibilities of the agency. The basic approachto provid-
ing overall computer support in the Northeast consists of
maintaining an interconnected mix of these variously sized
computer systems while utilizing the Northeast Regional
Fisheries Data Center Computer System as the hub for
information resource management throughout the region.

This data center provides the capacity for standardized
archival, maintenance, and universal access to the region's
many data resources. It is linked using the FTS2000 wide-
area network both to other NMFS regional computer data
centers and to individual desktop terminals, personal com-
puters, and scientific workstations within the region.

F.1.2 Rationale

The above approach is appropriate because it has been
shown to be economically sound; it places in the hands of the

scientist and administrator the computing power and soft-
ware required to carry out agency functions; and it follows
the trends of industry technology.

F.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Maintain operations and maintenance of the Northeast
Regional Computer Data Center. (FY 1992-96)

@ Provide computer applications software and data con-
version support for the transfer from the VAX computer
systems to the IT-95 computer systems. (FY 1992-93)

@ Install IT-95 computer system replacement for the
present VAX Computer Data Center. (FY 1993)

@ Complete the data dictionary/directory inventory for all
master data sets archived and maintained in the North-
east Region. (FY 1992)

@ Complete analyses of requirements for regional rela-
tional data bases required to meet the goals and objec-
tives of the NMFS long-range strategic plan. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Design and implement a regional relational data base
which can be accessed on the IT-95 computer system.
(FY 1993)

@ Install a local-area network at each of the major facili-
ties throughout the Northeast Region. (FY 1992-93)*

@ Install geographical information system workstation
capability at each of the major facilities throughout the
Northeast Region. (FY 1992-93)*

@ Install analytical modeling workstation capability at
each of the major facilities throughout the Northeast
Region. (FY 1992-93)*

@ Upgrade all PC-XT microcomputers still in use through-
out the region to 32-bit technology. (FY 1993)*

@ Establish regional bulletin board systems to support
management administration needs for ready-reference
information. (FY 1994)*

@ Inventory IT-2000 computer support requirements for
the Northeast. (FY 1996)


Page 14

@ Provide advice to council committees on the technical
effectiveness of proposed measures and current man-
agement. (FY 1992-96) -

@ Participate in plan development teams whenever pos-
sible to provide technical expertise in development of
FMP amendments. (FY 1992-96)

2.4.3.1 Approach

Through council executive committees and NMFS
regional directors’ meetings, review effectiveness of coun-
cil actions in maintaining fisheries below the defined over-
fished level.

2.4.3.2 Rationale

Effectiveness of council actions is evaluated at council
executive committee meetings and discussed among NMFS
tegional directors. A common point of concer is the initial
education of council appointees to fishery management

issuesand MFCMA responsibilities. These concerns can be’

handled in numerous ways, including through the annual
council chairmen’s workshop.

2.4.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Develop an information and education program for
council members to increase their understanding of
scientific and management analyses. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Analyze options for emergency Secretarial manage-
ment in fisheries either approaching “overfished” or
being “overfished.”. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL 3: ADVANCE FISHERY
FORECASTS AND
ECOSYSTEM MODELS

3.1. Describe Functional Relationships
and Processes that Control Fishery
Systems

3.1.1.1 Approach

Through a combination of broadscale ecosystem moni-
toring (including bottom trawl surveys), process-oriented
field studies on a narrower scale, and laboratory studies to
investigate cause and biological effect, the potential effect of
harvesting, short- and long-term (global climate change)
environmental changes, and habitat degradation on living

marine resources can be estimated using fishery forecasting
techniques and mathematical modeling.

3.1.1.2 Rationale

The management of depleted groundfish stocks in the
Northeast requires an understanding of the probable recov-
ery patterns under changing ecological conditions and re-
duced fishing mortality to optimize management strategies.
The changing ecological factors include possible effects
from habitat degradation (e.g., contaminants, habitat loss,
noxious.algal blooms, hypoxia accompanying eutrophica-
tion), changes in the abundance of top predators (e.g., skates,
dogfishes) resulting from excessive harvesting, and long-
term climate change from global warming.

It would include multispecies interaction models to
extend the International Council for the Exploration of the
Sea’s (ICES) approach to bio-economic forecasting and
technical fisheries interaction models.

3.1.1.3. Major Activities and Schedules

@ Investigate the behavior of multispecies ecosystem
models to examine biofeedback from fishing, trophic
cascade effects, marine mammal/fishery interactions,
and potential global climate change effects on North-
east fisheries from a retrospective study. (FY 1992-
96)* :

Evaluate the rates of growth and maturity of selected
northeastern living marine resources and their changes
over time in response to stock abundance and environ-
mental variability. (FY 1992-96)

@ Supply feedback to fishery system models caused by
profit-driven effort changes, including augmenting
SAFE reports (FY 1992-96) and bio-economic model-
ing. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Conduct new winter/summer bottom trawl survey to
provide data on fisheries biology. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Determine the effect of the extraordinary temporal,
spatial, and numerical expansion of Atlantic mackerel
biomass on other components of the Northeast Conti-
nental Shelf Ecosystem (e.g., larval gadoid mortality/
adult recovery) and on resources, and recommend miti-
gation options. (FY 1992-96)

@ Determine the role of dominant fish predators, includ-
ing apex predators, small sharks, skates, and gadids, in
controlling recruitment. (FY 1992-96)

@ Determine the effect of elasmobranch population ex-
pansion on early life stages of depleted groundfish


Page 6

MFCMA established the New England and Mid-Atlantic
Fishery Management Councils to manage these fisheries,
with guidance from the Northeast Regional Operations
Office and Northeast Fisheries Science Center. In addition,
interjurisdictional fisheries are managed by the ASMFC.
By supporting FMP and ISFMP development with policy
guidance and scientificand management information,amend-
ments will be developed to control effort.

1.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Work with the councils and the ASMFC to establish
criteria for moratoria, control dates, and effort control
measures for recreational and commercial. fisheries.

(FY 1992-96)

@ Review and edit the permit system for establishing

participation in fisheries and for supporting effort con- ©

trol measures. (FY 1992)

e Establish an annual administrative fee for the pérmit
system, consistent with the MFCMA, to recover costs
for administration of the system. (FY 1992-93)

@ Work with the councils to develop and implement
management measures which will establish multi-year-
class stability in the stock structure. (FY 1992-96)

@ Analyze effectiveness of management measures, in-
cluding trip limits, quotas, bag limits, area and seasonal
closures, and gear restrictions, for effectiveness in
reducing fishing mortality and in improving enforce-
ability of action. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct fishery analysis of, and conservation engi-
neering studies for, selectivity of fishing gears in reduc-
ing fishing mortality. (FY 1992-96)

1.1.2.1 Approach

Work with the NMFS Office of Conservation and
Management and with the NMFS Southeast Region to
Prepare and implement Secretarial FMPs, where appropri-
ate, which will reduce effort on overfished highly migratory
species. Efforts will require international negotiations to
complement Secretarial actions for an effective rebuilding
strategy.

1.1.2.2 Rationale

Highly migratory species were brought under Secre-
tarial management via 1991 amendments to the MFCMA.
As operational management of Atlantic bluefin tuna contin-
ues in the Northeast Region, resources will be required for

permitting and assessing the U.S. fishery, as well as for
documenting harvest consistent with ICCAT quotas. The
Northeast Region will also support management actions for
swordfish, billfishes, and sharks as harvested in northeast-
em U.S. fisheries.

1.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Integrate scientific and management information of
NMFS Northeast and Southeast Regions in develop-
ment of Secretarial FMPs for highly migratory species,
including swordfish, sharks, tunas, and billfishes. (FY
1992-96)

@ Review and assist in the public hearing process for
Secretarial FMPs for highly migratory species man-
dated by MFCMA. (FY 1992-96)*

1.1.3.1 Approach.

Develop and improve quantitative stock assessments
for ovérfished resources. Evaluate resource trends, fishing
mortality rates, and abundance of major stocks in the region.
Integrate recreational harvest with commercial harvest trends.”

1.1.3.2 Rationale

Quantitative evaluations of current stock status are
critical for development of appropriate management strate-
gies to rebuild depleted stocks. Relative abundance indices
from research surveys and commercial statistics are the
major sources of information on stock status. Using these
data, this approach calls for regular updating of assessments
and development of new analytical assessments on impor-
tant stocks.

1.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Maintain monthly collection, processing, and reporting
of fishery landing and effort statistics and of biological
sampling of the catch through federal and state collec-
tion systems. (FY 1992-96) .

@ Expand coverage of the data collection program and
develop new user-friendly computer software for fish
dealers who would directly computerize landings and
purchase records. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Conduct standardized research surveys of finfish and
shellfish to provide unbiased indices of abundance of
pre- and post-recruits: Collect and process biological
samples for age determination and for estimation of
biological parameters for major species for input into
assessment analyses. (FY 1992-96).


8.4 Re-evaluate NMFS Role in U.S.
Aquaculture ~

8.4.1.1 Approach

None

Page 29

8.4.1.2 Rationale

None

8.4.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules -

@ None

APPENDIX

PLAN FOR ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Goal A: Human Resources

A.1.1 Approach

Develop programs and activities in the Northeast Re-
gion to improve professional, technical, and support staff
proficiency, and recruit high-quality personnel.

A.1.2_ Rationale

The development of a high-caliber, representative,

' professional work force is essential to providing the best

available scientific information and management advice, as
well as ensuring a fair and equitable work place.

A.1.3_ Major Activities and Schedules

@ Establish promotion policies and procedures from a
broad regional perspective to ensure they are equitable
among programs and facilities. (FY 1992-96)

@ Develop strategies to foster known promotion potential
of personnel, especially in the scientific and technical
fields. (FY 1992-96)

@ Evaluate and monitor the region’s work force profile of
minorities, women, and handicapped persons. (FY
1992-96)

@ Review the work environment in consonance with the
tegion’s and headquarter’s affirmative action plans.
(FY 1992-96)

@ Recommend appropriate avenues for recruitment of
minorities, women, and handicapped persons, includ-
ing expanding upon the list for distributing job vacancy

announcements, particularly to historically minority
institutions and organizations. (FY 1992-96)

@ Foster upward mobility, bridge positions, stay-in-school
positions, junior fellowships, and other special employ-
ment authorities in specific occupational or organiza-
tional elements. (FY 1992-96)

@ Encourage supervisors toreview and update their staff's
individual development plans periodically to determine
and monitor their long-term career objectives and de-
velopment. (FY 1992-96)

@ Encourage long-term training of employees consistent
with the mission of NMFS. (FY 1992-96)

@ Determine the effectiveness of training programs and
benefits accruing to the region and to the career needs
of the individuals. (FY 1992-96)

@ Periodically review the internal policies, procedures,
and philosophies of personnel management. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Encourage technicians and junior scientists to author
scientific and management manuscripts and to publish
in peer-reviewed journals. (FY 1992-96)

@ Explore cooperative education options for the North-
east Region to fill positions that are difficult to recruit
for and/or with high tumover. (FY 1992-96)

@ Use the cooperative education program to attract mi-
norities, women, and handicapped persons with inter-
ests in marine sciences. (FY 1992-96)

@ Provide opportunities for the use of student interns for
conducting work/study on fishery and marine science
and policy issues. (FY 1992-96)


Page 26
7.1.4.2 Rationale

Atlantic salmon stocks have been depleted for over a
century due to habitat alterations and overfishing in the
distant-water fisheries. U.S. agreements to assess these
stocks in NASCO and ICES require that this research be
conducted.

7.1.4.3 Major Activities and Schedules

e Coordinate the salmon tag recovery program. (FY
1992-96)

@ Conduct research on Atlantic salmon stock identifica-
tion. (FY 1992-96)

@ Coordinate contract research on Atlantic salmon pro-

duction in U.S. rivers, and associated studies of the
sources of mortality of various stocks. (FY 1992-96)

7.1.5.1 Approach

Participate in international commissions relating to the’

exploitation of, and management for, shared fishery re-
sources.

7.1.5.2 Rationale

Multinational cooperation is necessary for the rational
management of transboundary resources.

7.1.5.3 Major Activities and Schedules

© Conduct joint assessments of large pelagic fishes under
the auspices of ICCAT. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in the assessment processes of the Canadian
Atlantic Fisheries Stock Assessment Committee and
the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization. (FY 1992-
96)

© Participate in the International Whaling Commission's.
Scientific Committee assessment activities with re-
spect to large and small cetaceans. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in ICES’s Marine Mammal Committee ac-
tivities. (FY 1992-96) .

7.2. Establish and Improve International
Agreements to Promote Research
and Communication

7.2.1.1 Approach

Participate in activities of international fishery manage-
ment and consultative organizations as dictated by U.S.
Statutes.

7.2.1.2 Rationale

U.S. participation is mandated in numerous interna-
tional organizations relating to the research, assessment, and
management of Northwest Atlantic fish stocks.

7.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

© Participate in United States - Canada joint discussions
on stock assessment for transboundary stocks in Cana-
dian Atlantic Fisheries Stock Assessment Committee
and other bilateral fora. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in NASCO activities regarding Atlantic
salmon from U.S. home waters. (FY 1992-96)

© Participate in ICCAT assessment activities for bluefin
tuna, swordfish, and other species. (FY 1992-96)

@ Chair the ICES Advisory Committee on Fishery Man-
agement, ICES Multispecies Assessment Working
Group, and ICES Atlantic Salmon Working Group, and
participate in other ICES activities as appropriate. (FY
1992-96) .

@ Participate in a joint NOAA-France (IFREMER) study

to develop mixed-species assessment methods. (FY
1992-96)

7.2.2.1 Approach

; Participate in research programs on long-term produc-
tivity of living marine resources and its variability.

7.2.2.2 Rationale

Studies of ecosystem dynamics can provide a basis of


tional Sea Grant College Program), and with other federal
and state agencies, the conservation of habitats in the nine
special-emphasis bays in the Northeast identified under the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded National
Estuary Program.

The Division also coordinates protected species man-
agement programs in the Northeast as established under the
MMPA and ESA. Efforts include: (1) management of the
Marine Mammal Exemption Program; (2) assessment and
monitoring of marine mammal strandings and mortalities;
(3) development of recovery plans for endangered species,
and (4) drafting of guidelines and regulations for managing
human interactions with protected species.

State, Federal, and Constituent
Programs Division

The State, Federal, and Constituent Programs Division
administers programs of federal financial assistance to states
and other nonfederal interests (including universities, re-
gional fishery management councils, interstate fisheries
commissions, and regional fishery development founda-
tions) for carrying out projects consistent with program
mandates and/or authorizing legislation (e.g.,
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act, Anadromous Fish Conser-
vation Act, Saltonstall-Kennedy Act) relating primarily to
the conservation, management, and utilization of fishery
resources in the Northeast. The Division also administers
the review of programmatic documentation required in
executing grant programs.

Working closely with the states, the ASMFC, the Great
Lakes Fisheries Commission, and Sea Grant programs, the
Division coordinates the interjurisdictional management of
coastal and anadromous fishery resources and the respective
interests of the commercial and recreational fishing indus-
tries. The Division also works closely with other agencies
and private interests in addressing aquaculture issues within
the management regimes of the aquacultured species, and in
establishing regional policies on such issues.

NORTHEAST FISHERIES
SCIENCE CENTER

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is the research
arm of NMFS in the Northeast. Directed by the Northeast
Science and Research Director, the Center plans, develops,
and manages a multidisciplinary program of basic and
applied research to: (1) understand better the living marine
resources and the habitat quality essential for their existence
and continued productivity; and (2) describe and provide to
management, industry, and the public, options for utilization
and conservation of living marine resources and mainte-
nance of environmental quality consistent with regional and
national goals and needs. The Center primarily conducts its

Page 3

research from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to the Cana-
dian border.
To carry out its mission, the Center organization in-

“cludes a Center Directorate, three support staffs (i.e., Re-

search Planning and Coordination, Program Support, and
Data Management Support) and three research divisions
(i.e., Conservation and Utilization, Environmental Processes,
and National Systematics Laboratory) (Figure 4). Research
is cartied out at seven laboratories strategically located
along the New England and Mid-Atlantic coasts: (1)
Gloucester (Massachusetts) Laboratory which emphasizes
seafood utilization, safety, and chemistry; (2) Woods Hole
(Massachusetts) Laboratory which emphasizes fish stock
assessments, fisheries biology, fisheries statistics, and eco-
system models; (3) Narragansett (Rhode Island) Laboratory
which emphasizes fisheries ecology and ecosystem dynam-
ics; (4) Milford (Connecticut) Laboratory which empha-
sizes experimental biology; (5) Sandy Hook (New Jersey)
Laboratory which emphasizes fishery habitat research; 6)
Oxford (Maryland) Laboratory which emphasizes fish pa-
thology and toxicology; and (7) National Systematics Labo-
ratory (Washington, DC) which emphasizes finfish and
Shellfish identification and systematics (Figure 5).

Conservation and Utilization Division

The Conservation and Utilization Division studies liv-
ing marine resource populations, their fisheries and selected
other human interactions, their biological and ecological
interactions, their management, and their consumption by
humans. The Division operates through five branches (i.e.,
Fisheries Statistics and Economics, Population Biology,
Population Dynamics, Resource Utilization, and Ecosystem
Dynamics).

The Fisheries Statistics and Economics Branch collects
and analyzes commercial and recreational fisheries data.
Commercial data come from landings in major ports and
from catches at sea. Recreational data largely come froma
contractor-operated, telephone survey of marine anglers.
These data are provided directly to fishery researchers and
managers, and are also used by the Branch to determine the
status and trends in commercial and recreational fishing
industries, as well as to determine the economic effects of
different fishery management regulations.

The Population Biology Branch surveys finfish and
shellfish populations to gather distribution, abundance, and
biological data. Whole specimens and selected body parts
of more than 40 species of finfish, shellfish, and mammals
are collected and analyzed to determine such basic biologi-
cal factors as age, growth, maturity, fecundity, food habits,
survival, etc.

The Population Dynamics Branch studies the distribu-
tion, abundance, and basic biology of commercially and
tecreationally important stocks of finfish and shellfish to
determine recruitment, fishing mortality, yield, etc. From
these studies, the Branch assesses the status of these stocks


Page 2

REGIONAL OPERATIONS
OFFICE

Jon C. Rittgers, Director

-MANAGEMENT
& BUDGET
Laura J. Robinson
Administrative Officer

INFORMATION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Nicholas A. Anderson
Computer System Analyst

[

a

FISHERY MANAGEMENT
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Richard G. Seamans, Jr., Chiet

HABITAT. & PROTECTED
RESOURCES DIVISION
Thomas E. Blgford, Chiet

FISHERY
ANALYSIS DIVISION
Peter D. Colosi, Chief

STATE, FEDERAL &
CONSTITUENT.
PROGRAMS DIVISION
Harold C. Mears, Chief

Figure 3. NMFS Northeast Regional Operations Office.

between the Regional Director and the New England and
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils as established
under the MFCMA. The Division works closely with
council members and staffs, as well as with NMFS and state
scientific and technical experts and the NOAA General
Counsel, in developing, implementing, and monitoring the
performance of fishery management plans (FMP) prepared
by the councils, and of interstate fishery management plans
(ISFMP) prepared by the state/federal management boards
under the auspices of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission (ASMFC). The Division: (1) administers
special programs to open/close or monitor fisheries under
management or development; (2) reviews FMPs to ensure
consistency with national standards and with regional and
national policies and procedures; (3) identifies and reports
needs for amendments to FMPs; and (4) facilitates and
expedites the approval and implementation of FMPs and
amendments.

The Division develops, implements, and monitors regu-
lations for the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery pursuant to U.S.
commitments in the International Commission for the Con-
servation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and cooperates and
coordinates with other NMFS regions and the NMFS Wash-
ington Office on the development and implementation of
Secretarial FMPs for other highly migratory species. The
Division also maintains the Northeast Regional Federal
Fishery Permit System to carry out permitting operations
required by various federal fishery regulations.

Fishery Analysis Division

The Fishery Analysis Division: (1) evaluates and re-
ports on issues and trends in fisheries relating to FMPs and
regulations; (2) evaluates the effectiveness of agency pro-
grams and regulations to meet conservation and manage-
ment goals and mandates; and (3) tracks and reports on
national and international economic trends in the fishing

industry affecting agency programs and policies. Working
closely with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the
Division conducts analyses for the Regional Director in
support of policy formulation and of other divisions’ pro-
grams, and for the councils and NMFS Washington Office
staff in support of FMP development. The Division's
analyses are based on current fishery data and information,
‘on accepted biological, economic, and engineering tech-
niques, and on computer programs useful for simulating and
evaluating FMP effects related to fishing gear, fish harvest,
and economic fishery management controls. The Division
works closely with the councils, with national and interna-
tional scientific, economic, and fisheries engineering ex-
perts, and with the fishing industry to identify and evaluate
alternative management options, measures, and technolo-
gies.

The Division alsoassists inthe development of research
priorities for grant programs, and evaluates proposals for
such grants.

Habitat and Protected Resources
Division

The Habitat and Protected Resources Division works to
minimize adverse effects of human activities on riverine,
estuarine, and marine habitat by carrying out NMFS respon-
sibilities under the MFCMA, ESA, CWA, FWCA, and other
federal authorities. Among other activities, the Division:
(1) works with the councils to prepare habitat sections of
FMPs; (2) evaluates regional environmental threats to re-
sources or habitats, and negotiates interagency agreements
to conserve marine and estuarine habitats; and (3) coordi-
nates regional input to the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission’s licensing process. The Division manages the
Northeast Region Estuarine Program in Chesapeake Bay,
and coordinates within NMFS, with other. NOAA line
offices (including the National Ocean Service and the Na-


stocks, and recommend mitigation options. (FY 1992-
94)

@ Determine the effects of biomass flips of pelagic
zooplanktivorous fish on the standing stocks and turn-
over rates of the zooplankton community in relation to
grazing effects and ecosystem productivity. (FY 1992-
93)

@ Investigate stratification variability on Georges Bank
and its effect on larval fish survival in cooperation with
the GLOBEC program of the National Science Founda-
tion. (FY 1992-95)*

@ Develop a model of the recruitment process of Atlantic
cod and haddock on Georges Bank in cooperation with
the GLOBEC program of the National Science Founda-
tion. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Conduct laboratory studies on the suitability of “nox-
ious” algal blooms as a food source for selected shell-
fish (FY 1992-96) and on the role of algal lipid bio-
chemistry as an index of mollusk nutrition. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Develop natural history information on the identity,
distribution, and prevalence of disease-causing agents
in selected mollusks and crustaceans that are resource
species, examine their mechanisms of transmission,
and develop rapid screening techniques. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct laboratory studies of the biomagnification
potential of heavy metals in phytoplankton to bivalve
mollusks (FY 1992-96) and conduct: in situ, cage-
culture experiments on the uptake and elimination of
heavy metals by phytoplankton. (FY 1994-96)*

3.2 Develop Higher-Order Forecasting
Models for Resource Populations,
Fishery Systems, and Ecosystems

3.2.1.1 Approach

From models of large marine ecosystems (LME), from
investigations relating oceanographic variability toresource
variability, and from models of mixed-species, multifleet
interactions, derive predictions to support the fishery man-
agement process.

3.2.2.2 Rationale

The LME models will examine the trophic linkages
supporting resource species and the potential carrying ca-
pacity of the Northeast Continental Shelf Ecosystem, This
can be compared to the multispecies yields to examine

Page 15

different scenarios for restoring depleted fish stocks. Envi-
ronmentally-driven variations in the distribution and/or
abundance of resource species provide one approach to
project current ecosystem behavior into the future to predict
the response to global climate change. Many of the over-
fished resource species on the Northeast Continental Shelf
are caught as nontarget species in mixed fisheries directed at
other resources, and the multispecies nature of our ground-
fish assemblage necessitates the development of multispecies
interaction models to develop adequate biological reference
points to evaluate the effect of harvesting.

3.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ The LME research program involves ecosystem moni-
toring of the Northeast Continental Shelf utilizing ship-
board surveys, remotely-sensed data, and the Ships-of-
Opportunity-Program platforms (FY 1992-96), publi-
cation of proceedings from the “Stress Mitigation and
Sustainability Workshop” (FY 1992), development of
ecosystem models to evaluate predator/prey interac-
tions or contaminant effects on winter flounder (FY
1992-94), and development of proposed projects for the
Coastal Ocean Program and the Climate and Global
Change initiative. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Utilize ecosystem monitoring program results to com-
pare environmental variability to changes in the abun-
dance and/or distribution of selected resource species
(FY 1992-93),* and develop process-oriented research
to investigate the role of density-independent environ-
mental factors on the recruitment and survival of se-
lected resource species. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Model the effects of mixed-species fishery interactions
in the Northeast Continental Shelf Ecosystem, incorpo-
rating bycatch information. Include dynamic models of
effort reallocation (FY 1992-95), spatially and tempo-
tally disaggregated dynamic fleet models (FY 1993-
96), mixed-species fishery analysis for Mid-Atlantic
groundfish (FY 1992-95), and analysis of Gulf of Maine
groundfish using equilibrium biological and economic
conditions. (FY 1993)

@ Develop a predator/prey data base to support
multispecies virtual population analysis models, and
examine the response to various management alterna-
tives. (FY 1992-96)* :

@ Develop indices of larval fish physiological conditions
using advanced molecular biological methods. (FY
1992-96)

@ Develop image analysis systems and undulating oceano-
graphic recorder for ecosystem monitoring and sample
analysis. (FY 1992-94)-


Page 5

New Hampshire

Gloucester
MaSSachusetts

Woods Hole
eRgaNsett

il f
sari Sok

Pennsylvania

Figure 5. “Location of NMFS research and management facilities in the Northeast Region.

studies is to understand better the relationship between
environmental variability and fishery resource variability,
and ultimately to be able to predict the effects of the former
on the latter.

The Experimental Biology Branch conducts field and
laboratory studies to evaluate the effects of toxic chemicals
primarily on the reproductive success of fishery resources.
The objective of these studies is to evaluate the effects of
toxic chemical contaminants on individual animals, and,
through the application of a life-history model, on the
population dynamics of selected species.

The Environmental Assessment Branch conducts field
and laboratory studies to define the relationship between
habitat quality and fishery resource productivity. .The
objective of these studies is to establish linkages between
anthropogenically compromised habitat status and adverse
effects on fishery resources, particularly those effects which
compromise ecological adaptability and increase morbidity
and mortality.

National Systematics Laboratory

The National Systematics Laboratory lays the founda-
tion for species identification so that fishery managers, port
agents, ecologists, and others can determine the identity of
species that are harvested or are important components of
the ecosystem. Differences between species of fishes,
shrimps, lobsters, crabs, squids, and octopi are uncovered
through research on morphological and anatomical charac-

ters of specimens in museum collections and in the field.
These differences are translated into keys to enable
nonspecialists to identify specimens correctly. Correct
names are found through study of an extensive literature in
many languages. Hierarchical classifications are constructed
to serve as a basis for organizing biological information.

NORTHEAST REGIONAL
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN’

GOAL 1: REBUILD OVERFISHED
MARINE FISHERIES

1.1 Reduce Fishing Effort on Overfished
Stocks

1.1.1.1 Approach

‘Support FMP and ISFMP amendments that will control
effort and harvest in overfished fisheries.
1.1.1.2 Rationale

The populations of the principal groundfishes, sea
scallops, American lobsters, and large pelagic fishes are

overfished in the Northeast. The principal reason for this
overfishing is excess effort by the fishing industry. The

*  Allitems in this section listed under the "Major Activities and Schedules” subsections, and followed by an asterisk (*), are unfunded activities.


either through cooperative work with the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and state public health and environ-
mental protection agencies, or through legislative fix.

5.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Develop a regional NMFS/FDA and states protocol for
monitoring fisheries for-human health reasons. (FY
1991-92)

@ In conjunction with the NOAA General Counsel and
Office of Legislative Affairs, develop legislation to be
able to close fisheries for human health reasons. Leg-
islation may require amendment of MFCMA. (FY
1992-93)

@ Work with the councils to provide for the closure of
unsafe shellfisheries due to biotoxin levels. (FY 1992-
93)

@ Investigate toxic algal blooms in federal waters and the
fate of biotoxins in the marine food web to determine
effects on fishery resources and public health. (FY
1992-96)*

@ Continue research on organic contaminants associated
with the 106-Mile Dumpsite. (FY 1992-93)

GOAL 6: IMPROVE FISHERY HABITAT
PROTECTION

6.1 Use Legal Authority to Protect and
Restore Resources

6.1.1.1 Approach

Implement the Northeast Environmental Policy through
an integrated, cooperative approach with the councils and
other federal and state fishery and environmental agencies.

6.1.1.2 Rationale

The Northeast Environmental Policy focuses on NMFS
working more cooperatively on regional habitat conserva-
tion in support of fishery management.

6.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Convene environmental assessment workshops to de-
velop positions and strategies on major fishery habitat
issues of the Northeast. (FY 1992)

Page 21

@ Coordinate the “best available” scientific information
into habitat sections of FMPs tomeet both MFCMA and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) require-
ments. (FY 1992-96)

@ Review habitat sections of FMP amendments for con-
sistency with MFCMA mandates to conserve habitats
for managed species, prior torecommending the amend-
ments for approval. (FY 1992-96)

@ Work with the ASMFC and Mid-Atlantic Council to
strengthen habitat sections of ISFMPs and FMPs for
anadromous finfish, including river herring, striped
bass, and American shad, to conserve fishery habitats in
the Mid-Atlantic area. (FY 1992-96)

@ Through interagency coordination, stress the impor-
tance of coastal, estuarine, and riverine habitats for the
conservation of endangered species, including shortnose
sturgeon and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. (FY 1992-96)

6.1.2.1 Approach

As NMFS' trustee to Northeast Superfund sites, and as
NMFS'’s representative for the Oil Pollution Act, represent
NOAA in restoration activities of affected sites.

6.1.2.2 Rationale

The upcoming settlements of the New Bedford
Superfund case will require development and implementa-
tion of restoration activity for the site. Similarly, settlements
under the Oil Pollution Act, including those associated with
the World Prodigy and Exxon Bayways spills, will require
comparable restoration activities. Since the NMFS North-
east Region has the majority of marine Superfund and oil
spill sites, a long-term program is being planned. Effective
coordination among scientists and managers will prove key
in the design of restoration plans and in the evaluation of the
effectiveness of restoration projects. Regional activities
will require close coordination with the NOAA Restoration.
Center.

6.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules ~

@ As NOAA trustee, work with the NOAA General
Counsel and other federal and state trustees to oversee
development and implementation of restoration plans
for Superfund and Oil Pollution Act sites. (FY 1992-
96)*

@ Coordinate with the NOAA Restoration Center to out-
line regional restoration activities within national guide-
lines. (FY 1992-96)*


“PBO3114034

Tiffin

ee.

poAMosrig, .

. .
<a, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/NER-2
i 3

This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of preliminary results,
S fa interim reports, or special purpose information, and has not undergone external scientific

ee OF on oven

Stewardship of the Northeast's
Living Marine Resources:
Northeast Implementation Plan
for the NMFS Strategic Plan

Richard B. Roe
‘Northeast Region, National Marine Fisheries Serv., Gloucester, MA 01930

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Rockwell A. Schnabel, Acting Secretary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
John A. Knauss, Administrator
National Marine Fisheries Service
William W. Fox, Jr., Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
Northeast Region
Northeast Regional Operations Office
Gloucester, Massachusetts

February 1992

REPRODUCED BY:
US, Department of Commerce
National Technical Information Service

‘Springfield, Virginia 22181



Page 8

@ Produce stock assessmentand fishery evaluation (SAFE)
Teports to evaluate status of fishery, in context of status
of stocks and plans for management, to establish a time
frame for reducing fishing mortality to below level
defined as overfishing. (FY 1992-96)

@ Guide the councils to develop “rebuilding plans” with
controlled access measures tailored to specific fisher-
ies. (FY 1992-94)

@ Guide the councils to develop management measures to
address fishery resource needs between recreational
and commercial interests. (FY 1992-96)

1.2.2.1 Approach

Support the councils in assessing status of overfished
stocks and respéctive fisheries. Participate in preparing
SAFE reports.

1.2.2.2 Rationale

Section 602 guidelines call for annual SAFE reports.
These reports should contain the best scientific information
on the status of the stocks and will be used to monitor the
Progress of management. Improved biological and eco-
nomic analyses are essential for meeting Section 602 guide-
lines.

1.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Prepare the annual Status of the Fishery Resources off
the Northeastern United States, SAW reports, and
economic and socio-economic overview reports as
components of the SAFE report. (FY 1992-96)

© Participate in preparation of a national status-of-the-
stocks overview document, and in national SAWs, to
improve the quality of assessment information. (FY
1992-96)

1.2.3.1 Approach
Provide scientific assessment and management guid-

ance in developing and monitoring of rebuilding strategies
through FMPs. . . :

1.2.3.2 Rationale

For overfished resources, rebuilding programs must be
developed and implemented under Section 602 guidelines.
To evaluate proposed rebuilding programs requires detailed
analyses on the biological and economic consequences of
Proposed management actions. Both fishery management
councils in the region, as well as the Regional Director, need
technical assistance in order to evaluate and monitor the
effectiveness of management measures.

1.2.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Provide analytical support to councils in evaluating
current stock status and biological, social, and eco-
nomic effects of present and proposed measures. (FY
1992-96)

@ Provide guidance on recreational/commercial fisheries
allocation issues. (FY 1992-96)

© Participate in the New England Council’s Technical
Monitoring Group, the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scien-
tific and Statistical Committee, and the ASMFC’s Sci-
entific and Statistical Committee. (FY 1992-96)

1.2.4.1 Approach

Provide analyses and data collection systems for fisher-
ies now under direct management of the Secretary of Com-
merce,

1.2.4.2 Rationale

Reauthorization of the MFCMA has given direct man-
agement responsibility for fisheries on highly migratory,
large pelagic species to the Secretary of Commerce. The
available data base for these fisheries needs considerable
improvement in order to provide adequate technical advice
to the Secretary.

1.2.4.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Design and develop a data base for large pelagic fisher-

ies including both commercial and recreational sectors.
(FY 1993-96)*



@ Expand the scope of research bottom trawl surveys to
winter and summer to improve the index data base and
to collect additional data on biological parameters. (FY
1993-96)*

@ Conduct and update assessments of heavily exploited
gtoundfish and shellfish stocks in New England and
Mid-Atlantic regions. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in assessments of heavily exploited large
pelagic and highly migratory stocks, e.g., swordfish,
tunas, sharks, Atlantic salmon, striped bass. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Developnew analytical assessments for several heavily
exploited finfish, e.g., American plaice, winter floun-
der, bluefish, and invertebrate stocks, e.g., sea scallops
and American lobster. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Participate in stock assessment review fora to improve
peer review of assessment analyses and increase coop-
eration within the agency and with state, university, and
council staff scientists. (FY 1992-96)

@ Evaluate the accuracy and precision of the marine
recreational fisheries statistics survey data for over-
fished stocks and integrate these data into assessments
where possible. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Investigate other approaches and sources of recre-
ational fishing data from charter and party boat sectors
for improving the data base. (FY 1993-96)*

1.1.4.1 Approach

Develop detailed models of fishing effort directed at
overexploited stocks. These will include models relating
fishing effort. to size- or age-specific fishing mortality, and
social and economic aspects of vessel and fleet activity.

1.1.4.2 Rationale

Descriptive and predictive models of the relationships
between fishing effort and fishing mortality rates are needed
to evaluate the efficacy of proposed effort reduction strate-
gies. The effect of effort reduction on the industry as well
as the opportunities for fishermen to shift to other fisheries
needs to be assessed through detailed-economic studies.

1.1.4.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Maintain and expand collection of effort statistics
through the vessel interview program. (FY 1992-96)*

Page 7

@ Conduct general linear modeling studies to standardize
effort in the major overexploited fisheries in the region.
(FY 1993-96)*

@ Describe harvest-sector activity in the major fisheries
by determining vessel and fleet participation, earnings,
and behavior of individual vessels over temporal and
spatial scales. (FY 1992-96)

@ Collect data on detailed vessel costs and performance in
order to evaluate individual vessel fishing strategies
and the consequent effect of effort restrictions. (FY
1993-96)*

© Appraise the role of underutilized species in supporting
programs to reduce effort on overexploited stocks. (FY
1993-96)*

1.2. Implement MFCMA Section 602
Guidelines for Prevention of
Overfishing

1.2.1.1 Approach

In concert with councils, prepare overfishing defini-
tions that are scientifically acceptable and appropriate for
management use.

1.2.1.2 Rationale

Section 602 guidelines require a definition of overfish-
ing for each managed stock. Definitions must be scientifi-
cally based, with biological reference points, and provide a
basis upon which trends in recovery of exploited stocks will
be evaluated.

1.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Through stock assessment workshops (SAW), annu-
ally review fisheries to determine if managed (or
unmanaged) stocks are overfished. (FY 1992-96)

@ Maintain and improve data base on biological data,
such as growth, fecundity, and stock identification, for
estimation of reference points. (FY 1992-96)

@ Evaluate possible reference points in relation to current
stock status in the course of stock assessments to
determine if a stock is currently overfished. (FY 1992-
96)

~ @ Review overfishing definitions for all managed species
not presently defined, and for all species planned for
management, as developed by the New England and
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and the
ASMFC. (FY 1992-96)


Page 28

well asreview by numerous resource management agencies.
A cooperative approach to streamline this procedure will
ensure that all concerns are raised at an early stage and that
potential habitat effects are addressed.

8.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Implement a joint state/federal application and permit
process for siting and monitoring of aquaculture facili-
ties. (FY 1992-96)

@ In conjunction with Sea Grant institutions, conduct
conservation engineering studies for minimizing con-
flicts between marine mammals, e.g., seals, and main-
tenance of salmon pens. (FY 1992-93)*

@ Support grant-based research programs to establish
‘environmental standards for placement of aquaculture
pens. (FY 1992-94)*

8.1.2.1 Approach

Establish bilateral U.S./Canadian standards for impor-
tation of Atlantic salmon spawn from Europe into the Gulf
of Maine aquaculture industry.

8.1.2.2 Rationale

Importation of non-native salmon spawn poses a risk to
the depleted stocks of Atlantic salmon from U.S. rivers. As
Canada and the United States share a common oceanic basin
and common river drainages, a bilateral agreement is appro-
priate.

8.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ In conjunction with the NMFS Office of Research and
Environment, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and
through participation in NASCO, develop and imple-
ment national and international regulations for impor-
tation of Atlantic salmon spawn into northeastern U.S.
and southeastern Canadian aquaculture industry. (FY
1992-93)

8.1.3.1 Approach

Work with the NMFS Office of Research and Environ-
ment to maintain current standards for regional importation
of disease and predators with mussels and other shellfish
planned for culturing.

8.1.3.2 Rationale

Shellfish disease and predators are major concerns to
the northeastern shellfish aquaculture industry. Regulations
and programs exist at the state and federal level to evaluate
the effects on resident populations from introduced exotic
species, predators, and disease.
8.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ In coordination with Sea Grant and the Chesapeake
Basin states, conduct an international workshop on the

ecological effect of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
introductions, (FY 1992)

8.2 Permit Cultured Products in
Marketplace without Jeopardizing
Wild Stocks

8.2.1.1 Approach

None

8.2.1.2 Rationale

None

8.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ None

8.3 Determine Aquaculture Potential in
Recovery of Protected Species and
Depleted Fisheries

8.3.1.1 Approach

None

8.3.1.2 Rationale

None

8.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ None


forecasting the productivity of living marine resources, and
can provide a sound basis for: management of both the
resources and their habitat. Many of the studies involve
large-scale programs and transboundary systems which are
the focus of major international research efforts.

7.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Continue cooperation with the state of Maine and with
Canada on monitoring the status of Atlantic herring
recovery in the Northwest Atlantic. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in the ICES Study Group on Cod Stock
Fluctuations: Cod and Climate Change. (FY 1992-96)

@ Participate in the ICES Biological Oceanography Com-
mittee relative to the analysis of unusual phytoplankton
blooms and to the measurement of primary productivity
in the ocean. (FY 1992-96)

© Continue joint activities for research and monitoring of
large marine ecosystems with the Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission, International Union for
the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,
* United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization,
United Nations Environment Program, Scientific Com-
mittee on Oceanographic Research, ICES, and Interna-

tional Council for the Exploration of the Mediterra- _

nean, working through the NOAA Office of Interna-
tional Activities. (FY 1992-96)

@ Continue cooperative data exchange and analysis with

several nations on the ecology of large sharks. (FY
1992-96)

7.3 Influence Trade Negotiations for
More Competitive U.S. Seafood
Products

7.3.1.1 Approach

Evaluate regionwide trade opportunities for U.S. fish-
ery products by providing real analyses of markets.

7.3.1.2 Rationale

U.S. fishery products need to compete in the interna-
tional market, as international demand for seafood focuses

Page 27

on resource blocks not harvested, e.g., Atlantic mackerel
and Atlantic herring, and on new products, including roe of
sea scallops and sea urchins. Additionally, aquaculture is
growing in New England, providing an additional source of
U.S. product for placement in, and competition with, the
international market.

7.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Collect and supply data on ex-vessel and. wholesale
market levels of product demand, on various invento-
ties, and on imports for demand analysis. Establish a

-nationwide market news data base to facilitate model-
ing of world fisheries trade. (FY 1992-96)

@ Renew econometric assessment of foreign markets for
U.S.-caught Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring.
Estimate derived demand by foreign fleets for the U.S.-
offered total allowable level of foreign fishing. Evalu-
ate the role of these species in foreign assistance pro-
grams. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Monitor regionwide market activities for changes in
import/export patterns. Evaluate the effects that such
changes will have upon rebuilding strategies for man-
aged species. (FY 1992-96)

@ Continue efforts to develop options for marketing U.S.-
caught Atlantic mackerel through the Food for Peace
Program. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL 8: IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES
FOR U.S. AQUACULTURE

8.1 Determine Effects of Aquaculture
on Habitat and Wild Populations;
Reduce Adverse Effects

8.1.1.1 Approach

Establish a cooperative interagency state/federal ap-
proach to protect habitats, fisheries, and marine mammals
from placement of salmon-pen aquaculture operations.

8.1.1.2 Rationale

Placement of aquaculture salmon pens requires ap-
proval by various state ‘and federal regulatory agencies, as


Page 4

FISHERIES SCIENCE
ENTER

Allen E. Peterson, Jr., Director

RESEARCH PLANNING
& COORDINATION

PROGRAM SUPPORT

George D. Grice, Chief

Mary G, Laird, Chiet

DATA MANAGEMENT
SUPPORT

Joan B. Palmer, Chief

c

|

CONSERVATION &
UTILIZATION DIVISION

Vaughn CG. Anthony, Chief

ENVIRONMENTAL
PROCESSES DIVISION

Robert A, Murchelano, Chief

NATIONAL SYSTEMATICS
LABORATORY

Bruce B. Collette, Director

POPULATION DYNAMICS BRANCH

Bleyen A. Muraweht, Chior

EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY BRANCH

POPULATION BIOLOGY BRANCH

Stephen H. Clan, Cater

Anthony Calabrese, Entel

OCEANOGRAPHY BRANCH

FISHERIES STATISTICS &
ECONOMICS BRANCH

Darey! J. Chriete:

entet

RESOURCE UTILIZATION BRANCH

Davia . Mountain, Acting Cnter

ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT BRANCH

Robert J. Le niet

ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS BRANCH

Kenneth Snermen, Chiet

Figure 4. NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center.

and advises fishery resource managers for formulation of
FMPsand ISFMPs. It also evaluates management practices
and provides feedback to managers on the effects of those
practices. .

The Resource Utilization Branch conducts studies to
assure the public of safe and wholesome seafood products.
Research focuses on: (1) nutritional content of fresh and
Processed seafoods; (2) reduction of wasted flesh during
seafood processing; (3) improvement in seafood harvesting
and processing efficiency; and (4) development of new
seafood products from nontraditional seafood species. The
Branch also develops methods for species identification in
seafood products based on biochemical (i.e., isoelectric
focusing) and immunological (i.e., monoclonal antibody)
techniques, and develops methods for determining and
measuring microcontaminants in seafood.

The Ecosystem Dynamics Branch studies ecosystem
components and ecological processes to predict changes in
finfish and shellfish stocks and in marine mammal popula-

tions in response to changes among other ecosystem compo- -

nents and ecological processes. Ecosystem component

Aone b. Steen enter

research focuses on zooplankton and larval fishes which are
near the bottom of marine food chains, and on sharks and
marine mammals which are at the top of those chains.
Ecological processes research focuses on recruitment dy-
namics and food chain dynamics.

Environmental Processes Division

The Environmental Processes Division conducts field
and laboratory research based on monitoring and process-
oriented studies to characterize the biological, chemical, and
physical environment of fishery resources, and to determine
how it varies, both naturally and from human activity. The
Division operates through three branches (i.e., Oceanogra-
phy, Experimental Biology, and Environmental Assess-
ment).

The Oceanography Branch conducts short- and long-
term studies to assess the role of environmental variability
on the survival, abundance, and distribution of larval, juve-
nile, and adult fishery resources. The objective of these


Page 18

the winter fishery off North Carolina for summer flounder.
This incident resulted in the closure of the coastal trawl
fishery and in evaluation of the needs for turtle excluder
devices.

4.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Work with councils, states, and ASMFC to develop
management measures for FMPs and ISFMPs (e.g.,
summer flounder) to minimize incidental take of coastal
sea turtles. (FY 1992-93)

@ Work with councils and ASMFC to complete Section 7
consultations on FMP and ISFMP fisheries occurring in
habitats of endangered species, including riverine habi-
tats of shortnose sturgeon and estaurine habitats of
Kemp's ridley sea turtles. (FY 1992-96)

4.2 Determine Status of Protected
Species

4.2.1.1 Approach

Determine the current size and status of all marine
mammal populations in the Northwest Atlantic and the
status of endangered/threatened species in terms of the
MMPA and ESA.

4.2.1.2 Rationale

Basicinformation on marine mammal populations must
be obtained to address various management and conserva-
tion needs and to determine changes in future populations.

4.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Develop improved methods of estimating population
size from line-transect sighting surveys and from sight-
resight studies. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Determine OSP for the Gulf of Maine - Bay of Fundy
harbor porpoise population and for pelagic delphinid
species taken incidentally in Mid-Atlantic Bight fisher-
ies. (FY 1992-96)* ~

@ Determine the status of endangered North Atlantic
humpback and right whales to implement recovery
plans. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Determine the status of shortnose sturgeon and endan-
gered marine turtles to implement recovery plans. (FY
1992-96)

4.2.2.1 Approach

Provide scientific and management support to list or
delist, as appropriate, species or populations, as per the ESA.

4.2.2.2 Rationale

Inconjunction with recovery plans and updated assess-
ments, requests will be brought forward to NMFS to either
list or delist species. Regional scientific and management
expertise will be required to provide technical guidance on
actions to list or delist.

4.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Review population estimates and recovery trends for
the Atlantic population of sperm whales. (FY 1992-93)

@ Review population estimates and trends for the Atlantic
harbor porpoise for potential listing. (FY 1992-96)

4.3 Monitor Marine Mammal “Take” by
Fisheries and Assess Significance

4.3.1.1 Approach

Through observers, monitor marine mammal “take” by
fisheries and assess its significance for establishing levels of
“allowable biological removal.” .

4.3.1.2 Rationale

Estimates of takes are essential for marine mammal
population assessments and for determining the effect on
those species and stocks. Knowledge of species interactions
contributes to the development of a complete understanding
of the bycatch problem. At-sea observers are the key
element in collecting this data.

4.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Monitor 10 percent of the Gulf of Maine groundfish/
Atlantic mackerel gillnet fishery, and 20-35 percent of
the swordfish drift gillnet fishery. (FY 1992-93)


Page 24

@ Identify restoration projects for the Northeast that are
appropriate to meeting regional fishery management
needs and consistent with the NMFS/U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers memorandum of agreement. (FY 1992-
94)*

6.3.2.1 Approach

Assess the trophic enhancement opportunities to living
marine resources provided by a temperate estuarine artifi-
cial reef compared to that of natural benthic habitat in the
reef area to estimate the reef’s ecological function and value
as a habitat-loss mitigation option.

6.3.2.2 Rationale

Artificial reefs are being proposed to mitigate habitat
loss or modifications in several estuaries in the Northeast,
although there is limited information on how well they will
serve for this purpose. This study will provide some of the
trophodynamics and forage availability information required.

6.3.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ In cooperation with the EPA, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and the state and University of Delaware,
obtain and interpret food habits of fishery-important
species associated with the Delaware Bay artificial reef.
(FY 1991-95)

@ Again in cooperation, obtain and interpret the quantity
and availability of epibenthic prey species supported by

the reef habitat. Compare with the adjacent nonreef
benthic habitat. (FY 1991-95) :

6.4 Restore Depleted Stocks Adversely
Affected by Habitat Modifications

6.4.1.1 Approach

Cooperatively work to restore historical runs of Atlan-
tic salmon, striped bass, river herring, and American shad.
6.4.1.2 Rationale

Runs of many of the Northeast’s major anadromous
species are well below historical levels. Cooperative work

has been ongoing in assessing and restoring these runs,
through interagency commissions and working groups.
Further work is needed as these species become managed
under ISFMPs.

6.4.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Participate in interagency working groups and techni-
cal committees to guide restoration of New England
Atlantic salmon rivers. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct cooperative research with the state of Maine
on habitat effects on Atlantic salmon. (FY 1992-95)

@ Work with the states and the ASMFC in developing and
evaluating management measures for.anadromous spe-
cies, including striped bass, river herring, and Ameri-
can shad. (FY 1992-96)

@ Inconjunction with the states, assess the status of stocks
‘of anadromous species considered for management by
ISFMPs. (FY 1992-96)

6.4.2.1 Approach
Administer the emergency striped bass research pro-
gram and conduct research on fishery and habitat effects on

stock status. The Northeast Regional Office supportsa state/
federal program on river herring and American shad.

6.4.2.2 Rationale

Emergency striped bass legislation dictates that coordi-
nated fishery and habitat research will be conducted.
6.4.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Produce the annual report to Congress. (FY 1992-96)

@ Organize and chair the annual striped bass research
workshop. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct research on stock separation and the predictive
power of survey programs. (FY 1992-96)

@ Evaluate various research projects funded by the study
and provide comment on various management propos-
als. (FY 1992-96)


Page iv

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i |

f |

i
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i SSS
: | oO ee
: 1 na ouerens

Lad ia tf w 6a" 8"

Figure 1. Northeastern U.S. Coastal Zone, Continental Shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone.


2.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Carry out studies of individual vessel and fleet spatial
and temporal fishing behavior, and analyze fishing
strategies to determine factors affecting multispecies
effort. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Conduct effort standardization modeling, and analyze
relationship between effort and fishing mortality rates
at age. (FY 1993-96)

@ Estimate foreign and domestic demand, resource value,
and effects of technological change on these resources.
(FY 1993-96)*

2.1.4.1 Approach

Develop and implement an annual permit system, con-
sistent with effort control criteria, to provide accurate records
of participation in specific, managed fisheries.

2.1.4.2 Rationale

The Northeast Federal Fisheries Permit System is a
simple, no-cost system which lists all vessels permitted to
fish in any managed fishery of the Northeast, regardless of
their actual effort or landings. This results in an inaccurate
assessment of directed effort to any managed fishery, and
has required additional criteriato determine active participa-
tion in a fishery.

2.1.4.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Establish an administrative fee for the permit system,
consistent with the MFCMA, to recover costs for ad-
ministration of the system. (FY 1992)

@ Develop a process for eliminating vessels from the
existing permit file, publishing it in the Federal Regis-
ter. (FY 1992)

@ Annually update federal fishing permit files. (FY 1992-
96)

2.1.5.1 Approach

Implement management measures to control both the
incidental take of managed, nontarget stocks and the bycatch
of juveniles.

Page 11

2.1.5.2 Rationale

Maintaining currently productive fisheries and reduc-
ing the risk of overfishing require reducing the bycatch of
both the nontargeét stocks and the juveniles of targeted
stocks, to allow for recruitment to the fishery.

2.1.5.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Guide the councils to develop management measures to
reduce bycatch of juveniles from.currently productive
fisheries, e.g., silver hake. (FY 1992-96)

@ Implement management measures to limit incidental
take of overfished managed species in a directed FMP
fishery. (FY 1992-96)

2.2 Reduce Uncertainty in Stock
Assessments

2.2.1.1 Approach

Improve the accuracy and precision of stock assess-
ments by incorporating additional sources of data.

2.2.1.2 Rationale

Assessment analyses for several species could benefit
by improved biological and research survey indices. In
addition, data on recreational catches and catch discarded at
sea could reduce uncertainty in estimates of removals, and
hence, of mortality rates, from certain stocks,

2.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Enhance the scope and accuracy of landings and effort
data collection and processing, and expand the biologi-
cal sampling of the catch. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Maintain the time series of survey indices. Conduct
additional studies on survey methods to improve both
survey precision and calibration of gear and vessel
effects. Improve accessibility and reliability of histori-
cal data files. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Analyze and incorporate information from recreational
fishing surveys and from domestic observer data on
discarding into assessment analyses. Study statistical
sampling design of these programs and improve them if
possible. (FY 1992-96)*


2.3.3.1 Approach

Evaluate each currently productive fishery for applicability
to being managed under an ITQ or other controlled-access
scheme.

2.3.3.2 Rationale

Current management regimes, under open access, are
ineffective as competition for the resource exceeds conser-
vation. Conversely, controlled-access schemes that estab-
lish property rights, including ITQs, offer a partnership
opportunity for the industry to benefit from conservation
and rebuilding of the stocks.

2.3.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Evaluate SAFE information, trend of historical effort,
and future demand for access for managed species,
including Atlantic mackerel, silver hake, sea scallop,
and American lobster. (FY 1992-93)

@ Establish “controlled access” standards/criteria that
recognize recreational versus commercial interests and
access. (FY 1992-96)

@ Collect social and economic data to assess the socio-
economic effects of controlled-access programs on
existing fisheries, in order to meet Sec 303(b)(6) of the
MFCMA. (FY 1992-96)

2.3.4.1 Approach

Establish an administrative fee process for licensing the
right to harvest under an ITQ system. The process should
include authority to sell harvest rights for a “fair market
value” commensurate with the “common property” value of
the resource.

2.3.4.2 Rationale

The Northeast Region operates the only ITQ fishery --
for Atlantic surf clams and ocean quahogs. The fishery
operates under a federally managed, tag-based accounting
system that allows harvest by a small sector of the fishing
industry, with no cost recovery for the common resource
value allocated under the ITQs. This is inconsistent with the
majority of federal resource lease laws. The MFCMA does
not provide the additional authority required to establish and
recover these fees.

Page 13

2.3.4.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Work with NOAA General Counsel and Office of
Legislative Affairs to develop legislation consistent
with agricultural lease laws. The legislation should be
aligned with MFCMA re-authorization. (FY 1993-94)

2.4 Correct Ineffective Elements of
Management Processes

2.4.1.1 Approach

Provide evaluation of allocation decisions affecting
commercial and recreational fisheries.

2.4.1.2 Rationale

A significant number of the arguments in support of
various allocations are specious. Standards are beginning to
be recognized on a national scale, but additional advice and
education will be required.

2.4.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Continue to provide guidance in recreational/commer-
cial fisheries allocation issues and in recreational fish-
eries data collection issues. (FY 1992-96)

2.4.2.1 Approach

Participate in councils’ and ASMFC’s scientific and
statistical committees, technical monitoring groups, and
plan development teams.

2.4.2.2 Rationale

Many of the proposals for FMP amendments are devel-
oped and evaluated by subcommittees of the councils.
Ineffective or unworkable proposals can potentially be
clarified at this stage, and more effective measures can be
highlighted.

2.4.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

© Participate whenever possible in council committees to
evaluate technical measures. (FY 1992-96)


Page iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Northeast Regional Director
Northeast Regional Operations Office
Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Northeast Regional Implementation Plan .
Goal 1: Rebuild Overfished Marine Fisheries ..
Goal 2: Maintain Currently Productive Fisheries
Goal 3: Advance Fishery Forecasts and Ecosystem Models ... woe
Goal 4: Integrate Conservation of Protected Species and Fisheries Management
Goal 5: Improve Seafood Safety ...
Goal 6: Improve Fishery Habitat Protection
Goal 7: Improve Effectiveness of International Fisheries Relationships
Goal 8: Improve Opportunities for U.S. Aquaculture .

Appendix: Plan for Administration and Management
Goal A: Human Resources ..
Goal B: Facilities .
Goal C: Budget
Goal D: Planning and Evaluation
Goal E: Information
Goal F: Computers

List of Acronyms Used in this Document ..

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Northeastern U.S. Coastal Zone, Continental Shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone
Figure 2. NMFS Northeast Regional Directorate .....
Figure 3. NMFS Northeast Regional Operations Office .
Figure 4. NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center...
Figure 5. Location of NMFS research and management facilities in the Northeast Region

co
| Preceding Page Blank |




Page 22

@ Establish a regionwide restoration program to design
and evaluate restoration of fishery resources and habi-
tats at the New Bedford Harbor site and at other sites
identified through Superfund and Oil Pollution Act
settlements. (FY 1992-96)*

6.1.3.1 Approach

Develop regional interagency fish and wildlife contin-
gency plans as directed in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

6.1.3.2 Rationale

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 directs NOAA and the
US. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop regional fish and
wildlife contingency plans. These plans provide for the
assessment of, response to, and restoration of, damaged fish
and wildlife resources, and for the evaluation of the effec-
tiveness of restoration efforts. NMFS will be required to
Participate in developing these plans at the regional level.

6.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Work with the EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
NOAA line offices, and state marine resource agencies
todevelop regional fish and wildlife contingency plans.
(FY 1992-93)*

6.2 Quantify Effects of Habitat
Modifications and Contaminants on
Resource Populations

6.2.1.1 Approach

Establish a cooperative strategy with the councils and
with state and federal management and regulatory agencies
to quantify resource loss due to habitat modifications.

6.2.1.2 Rationale

Regulatory actions and development pressures have
resulted in a long-term degrading of the resource habitats
and in overall resource loss for the Northeast. To address
this trend, a cooperative strategy among environmental
regulators and marine resource managers will need to be
strengthened.

6.2.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Develop a cooperative strategy, through workshops, to
quantify resource loss from habitat loss and environ-
mental degradation. (FY 1992-94)

Review participation in regional, cooperative state/
federal programs for researching habitat degradation
linkages in quantifying habitat and resource loss. (FY
1992-93)

@ Work with Sea Grant and the states to direct a propor-
tion of NMFS-managed grants programs to identifying
linkages between habitat loss and environmental degra-
dation and resource loss. Guide programs towards
quantitative assessment. (FY 1992-96)

6.2.2.1 Approach

Conduct scientific studies on the functional values of
habitats in support of living marine resource management
and fishery habitat conservation.

6.2.2.2 Rationale

Habitat degradation from physical habitat loss or from
chemical factors (i.e., contaminants, nutrients, biotoxins,
hypoxia) interact in a complex, and as yet not well under-
stood manner, to influence the functional value of habitat for
resource species. Better knowledge of the functional value
of selected estuarine habitats to prerecruits, juveniles, and
adults of resource species will enable the agency to evaluate
the comparative nursery value of different habitats. How
that nursery support value is modified by habitat loss, toxic
chemical contamination, nutrient overenrichment, hypoxia,
and noxious algal blooms remains an area of concern.

6.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Compare distribution, abundance, growth, and survival
of estuarine-dependent marine resource species in se-
lected habitats in the Mid-Atlantic/Southern New En-
gland region to develop a data base to evaluate the
functional value of habitat. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Determine the effects of low levels of oxygen on the
behavior, growth, feeding, and survival of selected
estuarine-dependent species in the laboratory (1992-
94)*, followed by a field study in Long Island Sound.
(FY 1993-95)*




Page 30

@ Maintain and expand the cooperative agreement pro-
grams with regional colleges/universities, particularly
the joint Cooperative Marine Education and Research
Program, to provide educational opportunities for prom-
ising students in marine sciences. (FY 1992-96)

@ Encourage technicians and scientists to. become in-
volved more actively in outreach programs, such as the
Woods Hole Scientific and Technological Education
Partnership (WHSTEP). (FY 1992-96)

@ Expand the WHSTEP concept-to other private and
public school systems throughout the region. (FY
1992-96)

@ Review activities related to annual and special awards,
and their effectiveness, and ensure equity in awards
across grade levels, programs, facilities, and occupa-
tions, and members of minority groups, women, and
handicapped persons. (FY 1992-96)

@ Promote the Employee Assistance Program to employ-
ees or spouses/children confronting personal problems.
(FY 1992-96)

@ Promote and encourage special rotational assignments
for regional employees. (FY 1992-96)

@ Conduct exit interviews of employees leaving the sys-

tem as a means to better the work environment. (FY
1992-96)

GOAL B: FACILITIES

B.1.1_ Approach

Provide facilities. and a full range of facility support
services to the region that will help staff in their effort to meet
the goals of NMFS.
B.1.2 Rationale

Program activities require an appropriate environment
for optimum productivity.
B.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Evaluate conditions at each regional NOAA/NMFS-
owned and leased location. (FY 1992-96)

@ Assure that regional facilities provide a safe and health-
ful work setting for staff and visitors. (FY 1992-96)

@ Assure that regional facilities are operated in a manner
that has no adverse effect upon the environment. (FY
1992-96)

B.2.1. Approach
Maintain a research and public information aquarium at
the Woods Hole facility.
B.2.2 Rationale
Provides a unique facility for controlled-environment
studies and educational services to NMFS constituents.
B.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Maintain physical plant. (FY 1992-96)
@ Maintain exhibits. (FY 1992-96)

@ Upgrade plant and displays. (FY 1992-96)*

B.3.1 Approach

Provide small-vessel support to science programs and
coordinate large-NOAA-vessel support.

B.3.2 Rationale
Adequate collection platforms are required for science
programs.
8.3.3. Major Activities and Schedules
@ Acquire, operate, and maintain an adequate number of
inshore vessels (i.e., less than 65 feet) within the Center.
(FY 1992-96)

@ Coordinate charter and NOAA-operated research ves-
sel activities for the Center. (FY 1992-96)

@ Coordinate with science programs and other govern-
ment agencies the foreign research vessel operations in
joint activities with the Center. (FY 1992-96)

GOAL C: BUDGET

C.1.1. Approach

Improve the tracking of the regional financial manage-


GOAL 7: IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS OF
INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES
RELATIONSHIPS

7.1 Use International Agreements to
Conserve Resources and Habitats

7.1.1.1 Approach

* Formalize U.S./Canadian bilateral management dis-
cussions for transboundary stocks of Georges Bank, Gulf of
Maine, and Atlantic offshore waters.

7.1.1.2 Rationale

The fisheries of the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and
Atlantic offshore waters are jointly harvested by both the
United States and Canada. While management measures are
applied to the resources by both countries, these measures
differ in their approach and overall goals. Close coordina-
tion between the two countries will facilitate an effective
bilateral management approach in rebuilding these
transboundary stocks.

7.1.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Conduct semi-annual U.S./Canadian regional fisheries
management meetings. (FY 1992-96)

@ Analyze bilateral management regimes for overfished
Georges Bank stocks, e.g., haddock. (FY 1992-94)

@ Analyze bilateral management regimes for overfished
Gulf of Maine stocks, i.e., Acadian redfish and floun-
ders. (FY 1992-94)
7.1.2.1 Approach

Improve accessibility and reliability of research vessel
survey data bases and age data files, and conduct coopera-
tive short-term and long-term population biology studies.

7.1.2.2 Rationale

U.S. and Canadian scientists have cooperated closely
‘on transboundary stock research for many years. This has

Page 25

provided options for collection and access of data, sharing
of expertise, and other benefits which have greatly enhanced
research capability and output of the organizations involved.

7.1.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Collect, transmit, and archive survey data. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Conduct aging exchange studies to ensure quality con-
tro! and consistency in age interpretation. (FY 1992-
96) .

@ Conduct joint population biology studies. (FY 1992-
96)

@ Participate in scientific meetings and workshops. (FY
1992 - 1996)

7.1.3.1 Approach

, Participate in North Atlantic Salmon Conservation
Organization (NASCO) meetings, working toward a goal of
managing foreign interception of Atlantic salmon of U.S.
origin.

7.1.3.2 Rationale

The United States, as a member of NASCO, partici-
pates in management discussion and scientific evaluation of
fishing pressures on Atlantic salmon from U.S. waters. As
the fishery is closed to U.S. fishermen within the Exclusive
Economic Zone through an FMP, managing foreign inter-
ception remains a concern.

7.1.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules
@ Provide technical andmanagement expertiseto NASCO
as part of treaty arrangements. (FY 1992-96)
7.1.4.1 Approach
Conduct research on the status of Atlantic salmon and

the fishery and habitat constraints to improving depleted
stocks.


@ Develop economic and biological models for assessing
the value and status of these resources and for evaluat-
ing the effects of various management scenarios. (FY
1993-96)*

1.3 Reduce Bycatch of Overfished
Stocks

1.3.1.1 Approach

Integrate at-sea sampling data on bycatch and discard-
ing practices into stock assessment and economic analyses.

1.3.1.2 Rationale

_ Overexploited fish and invertebrate stocks often are
subjected to high bycatch rates of small, juvenile fish which
are discarded at sea. The effect of this source of mortality on
the resource can only be measured by integrating data
collected by domestic observers. In addition, vessel behav-
ior is affected by bycatch rates and management measures
proposed to alleviate the problem.

1.3.1.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Provide domestic observer coverage to determine catch,
discard, and landings from selected fisheries, and in-
crease this coverage and sampling design based on
results of analysis of data to date. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Improve the data base and software for accessing the
observer data to facilitate their use in biological and
economic analyses. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Analyze spatial and temporal patterns of bycatch and
discarding in the region, and incorporate these data into
stock assessments for key species. (FY 1992-96)*

@ Conduct studies of individual and fleet spatial and
temporal fishing and discarding behavior, and analyze
the economics of alternative management scenarios for
reducing bycatch. (FY 1993-96)*

1.3.2.1 Approach
Work with the councils to establish and implement area

closures when fishery would result in an unacceptable level
of bycatch on juveniles and nontarget species.

Page 9

1.3.2.2 Rationale

~~ Excessive bycatch occurs as fishermen encounter large
numbers of juveniles or nontargeted species. In many cases,
these areas of excessive bycatch can be predicted from
previous survey information. In other cases, urgent action
is needed when a high concentration is encountered. In
either case, action must be allowed through an approved
FMP or taken by Secretarial emergency action.

1.3.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

® Analyze management measures for protection of juve-
niles and nontarget species consistent with stock re-
building plans. (FY 1992-96)

@ Define prerecruitment mortality at different levels for
effect on stock rebuilding plan. (FY 1992-96)

@ Work with the councils to prepare and implement
management measures with seasonal closures for areas
of high juvenile concentration, spawning schools, or
nontargeted finfish. (FY 1992-93)

@ Work with the councils to implement Flexible Area

* Action System closures when fishery would result in
unacceptable levels of bycatch of nontarget, overfished
species. (FY 1992-96)

1.3.3.1 Approach

Work with the councils to apply conservation-engi-
neering-based gear regulations to reduce bycatch of juvenile
and nontarget, overfished species.

1.3.3.2 Rationale

Conservation engineering has a key role in review and
application of gear regulations and restrictions for fisheries
managed under the Multispecies FMP, Summer Flounder
FMP, and Northern Shrimp ISFMP. Information from these
reviews is used by the councils in development of new
management measures.

1.3.3.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Maintain a cooperative conservation engineering ap-
ptoach to fishing gear design and modification that


Page 12

2.2.2.1 Approach

Increase number of analytical assessment analyses on
stocks in the region, and determine important sources of
uncertainty in them.

2.2.2.2 Rationale

Many current assessments only provide relative abun-
dance indices overtime. Full analytical assessments include
analyses of stock size and exploitation rates and patterns
over size or age as well as biological reference points for the
stocks. To increase the number of full assessments will
require additional personnel as well as the exploration of
new methods in certain cases.

2.2.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Evaluate and apply, where appropriate, new assessment
methods, increase the number of analytical assess-
ments, and improve their accuracy and precision. (FY
1992-96)*

@ Participate in regional, national, and international stock
assessment review fora to obtain peer review of assess-
ment analyses and to exchange ideas and information
on alternative methods. (FY 1992-96)

. @ Explore multispecies assessment methods to account
for additional sources of uncertainty in the analyses and
to provide important information on species interac-
tions (FY 1994-96)*

2.3 Promote Controlled-Access
Fisheries and Establish “Property
Rights”

2.3.1.1 Approach

Evaluate performance of the Atlantic surfclam and
ocean quahog fishery. under the individual transferrable
quota (ITQ) management system.
2.3.1.2 Rationale

This FMP was the first U.S. fishery regulated under the

MFCMA to implement a property rights scheme. Docu-
thenting the performance of the fishery before and after

implementation: of the ITQ system will be an important
example for any future property rights systems.

2.3.1.3 .Major Activities and Schedules

@ Periodically update stock assessments of these resources,
and conduct investigations of the effect of plan mea-
sures on stock abundance and biological characteris-
tics. (FY 1993-96)

@ Evaluate economic performance of the fleet in this
fishery, and collect detailed data on vessel activity,
costs, and revenues. Develop bio-economic models of
the fishery. (FY 1993-96)

@ Evaluate social and economic effects of present and
proposed effort control regimes on the fisheries of the
Northeast. In conjunction-with the councils, collect
social and economic data to prepare management mea-
sures which meet MFCMA guidelines while address-
ing concerns within the social and economic structure
of these fisheries. (FY 1992-96)

2.3.2.1 Approach

Obtain and analyze detailed information on harvest-
sector activities of fisheries in the region, and develop
models of vessel and fleet behavior, market demand, costs,
and revenues.

2.3.2.2 Rationale

Information on the activity of the fleets will be essential
in the development of a property rights system. This
information will be needed to develop a system of alloca-
tion, to determine resource rents, and to evaluate the likely
effect on the industry of proposed schemes.

2.3.2.3 Major Activities and Schedules

@ Collect detailed data on harvest-sector activities for
each fishery, (FY 1994-96)

@ Develop econometric models of foreign and domestic
demand, multispecies effort, resource value, and tech-
nological change. (FY 1993-96)*

@ Evaluate alternative property rights arrangements with
Tespect to the bio-economics of the fishery. fy 1993-
96)*