We don't have good harvest data on which to base allocation decisions under the Rafidie court decision that requires available shellfish to be allocated evenly between tribal and non-tribal fishers. The state needs to make sure it has its house in order so that it can defend its numbers. Current estimates are inflated. Data from catch record cards will increase the accuracy of our harvest estimates. The department doesn't have the resources to implement this program.
Funding is required.
This provides a useful tool the agency can use to monitor crab populations.