This website was established
in 1998 to provide a convenient, up-to-date source of
information on the status of fishery resources off the
northeast coast of the U.S. The initial version of the
website was as reported in NOAA Technical Memorandum
NMFS-NE-115,"Status of Fishery Resources off the
Northeastern United States for 1998." Beginning
in January of 2000, NEFSC scientists began revisions
to species synopses
and other chapters. These revisions have in most cases
been posted on the website and will be further revised
as new information is made available. Latest revision
dates are as indicated on the species synopses and other
chapters (see main page and species list), and links
are provided to earlier versions and to relevant documents
or advisories posted elsewhere. Articles on fishery economics
and other fishery-related topics will be posted as they
become available.
The NEFSC develops assessments for
62 finfish and invertebrate species stocks in cooperation
with other federal and
state agencies and academic institutions. Assessments
are completed using a variety of models and data sources;
but they fall under two broad categories, these being
detailed or "benchmark" assessments and "updates". The
former may be of a pioneering nature, incorporating new
or revised analytical techniques and /or including several
additional years of data, and would normally be subject
to peer review through established fora such as the Northeast
Regional Stock Assessment Workshop (SAW) process or the
Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee (TRAC).
Updates, in contrast, are done using previously peer-reviewed
data sources and methods and are often not subjected
to peer review.
Timing and character of assessments are driven by management
needs, which vary from year to year due to many factors
including fishery conditions, data availability and legislative
mandates. Scientists from Canada and the USA complete
assessments for stocks of interest to both countries
each spring for subsequent peer review by the TRAC each
June; and SAW working groups typically complete assessments
for peer review by the SAW Stock Assessment Review Committee
(SARC) in June and November. Annual updates for other
groundfish and invertebrate stocks are also completed
by SAW working groups or Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission Technical Committees.
For further information
Clark, S.H., ed. 1998. Status of fishery resources off
the Northeastern United States for 1998.
NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]
Tech. Memo. NMFS-NE-115. 149p.