Coincident with the logbook requirement was the implementation of Federal permits for longline vessels and observer coverage for longline vessels operating within 50 nmi of the NWHI north of andincluding French Frigate Shoals. This report describes the federally mandated daily longline fishing log collection system and the methods used for assimilating and analyzing the data, and presents some typical results. These piers are located within 10 minutes of each other. These vessels are required to mail their logs to the SWR PAO in Honolulu.
Logs are spot-checked for accuracy and completion.
When the captain is unavailable or the log is mailed in, the trip type is determined by analyzing the times of the sets, the number of light sticks used, the type of gear used, the area fished, and the previous history of trip types for that particular vessel. Inquiries are made concerning any interactions between vessels with endangered or protected species. If interactions are reported, the captain is consulted about the circumstances. These reports are provided to NMFS protected species personnel. Once the logbooks are obtained, the FMEP staff edits each log sheet to ensure its accuracy and the proper completion of all questions.