Peer Review Plans

Title and Description:
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Lobster Stock Assessment Model Development
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) is advancing current assessment methodologies for Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) lobster populations by developing new spatially-structured stock assessment models. The development of spatially structured models for NWHI lobsters was recommended by an expert workshop in 2002 that reviewed current assessment techniques, available data, and management needs.  The report to be produced and disseminated by the PIFSC, prepared in collaboration with academic scientists, will describe the structure and performance of a new spatially structured assessment model for NHWI lobsters and apply it to assess the current status of lobster populations in the NWHI.  The new model incorporating metapopulation dynamics was initially developed in 2004 and further extended in 2006.  A report of the extended model is being drafted and will be submitted for peer-review in March 2008. The expected date for dissemination of the final report including responses to reviewer comments is October 2008. The purpose of the modeling research is to improve tools for assessing NWHI lobster as a component of the NWHI ecosystem and advance long-term ecosystem monitoring.  The model will help inform and guide decision-making by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, NMFS, and other partners responsible for conservation and management of lobster resources and insular ecosystems across the Pacific Islands Region.

ID:  7 Info. Type:  ISI
Estimated Dissemination Date:  4/1/2009
Contact Person: Rebecca Rootes  NOAA Locator

Date First Posted in Peer Review Agenda:  12/16/2005

Estimated Peer Review Start Date:  12/1/2008
Review type:  panel
Expected number of peer reviewers:  3 or fewer
Peer reviewers will be selected by:  the agency

Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers?  no

Will there be opportunities for the public to comment on the work product to be peer reviewed?  yes

How? The report describing the model, including appropriate modifications to address responses of review panelists, will be presented for comment to the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee. Meetings of the Council and SSC are open to the public and the times and locations advertised through the Federal Register

When?  The report presentation will be targeted for SSC and Council meetings in March 2009.
 
Will the agency provide significant and relevant public comments to the peer reviewers before they conduct their review?  no

Primary disciplines or expertise needed in the review:  Review has already been completed.  Panelists included a stock assessment scientist, a quantitative ecologist, and a mathematical modeler.

Comments on Peer Review:
The report will be posted at http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov when available.