Peer Review Plans

Title and Description:
Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports (multiple stocks) - 2007
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) is responsible for stock assessments for over 22 species or species groups listed in the groundfish fishery management plan (FMP) for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands region. Management recommendations for these living marine resources are provided by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC). The report produced and disseminated by the AFSC describes the condition and current status of groundfish resources in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands region. These assessments are subject to in-house review before dissemination to the FMP plan teams and the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). The information is provided to the NPFMC to be used as the basis of their management decisions, which are subsequently approved and disseminated by the Secretary of Commerce through NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.

ID:  84 Info. Type:  ISI
Estimated Dissemination Date:  12/10/2007
Contact Person: Rebecca Rootes  NOAA Locator

Date First Posted in Peer Review Agenda:  6/16/2007

Estimated Peer Review Start Date:  11/21/2007
Review type:  panel
Expected number of peer reviewers:  4-10
Peer reviewers will be selected by:  a designated outside organization

Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers?  yes

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

How?  The information will be reviewed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (NPFMC) Science and Statistical Committee (SSC). Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the fishery management council process emphasizes constituent and stakeholder participation in the development of fishery management plans and includes a rigorous scientific review of the information supporting proposed fishery management actions. Meetins of the NPFMC, including meetings of the SSC, are open to the public, meeting announcements are published in the Federal Register and public testimony is accepted.

When?  At the NPFMC Council meeting (Dates:  October 1-3, 2007, Dec. 3-5, 2007).

Will the agency provide significant and relevant public comments to the peer reviewers before they conduct their review?  yes

Primary disciplines or expertise needed in the review:
Population Dynamics, Fish Life History-Strategies, Survey Methodology