Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Program (FMAP)

The Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Program (FMAP) monitors the catch and effort by U.S. longline fishing vessels based in the Western Pacific Region. It collects and processes catch and effort data reported to NMFS by longline vessel captains in federally mandated logbooks and prepares quarterly and annual summary reports of fishing effort and catch. Non-confidential summary data are disseminated to the public and to agency partners in support of fishery management. The data are used by various PIFSC in-house research programs and are disseminated abroad in the form of non-confidential summaries for stock assessments and other studies. The data are also used to prepare status reports such as the annual reports under the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Fisheries Management Plan and Fisheries of the United States. Finally, the data are routinely provided upon request to colleagues in State and Federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations, foreign fisheries agencies, academic institutions, and the general public. Whenever confidential data are provided, strict measures are enforced to ensure that data recipients have proper authorization and abide by non-disclosure agreements.

FMAP also functions as a critical interface between PIFSC and the general public. The program provides information to affected fishers, members of the fishing community, and other constituents on federally regulated fisheries and emerging regulatory issues. The day-to-day operational interface provides an open channel for timely dissemination of information and communication between fishers, industry, and the PIFSC. Various non-confidential data summaries and other informational handouts are provided to foster improved communication and working relationships with constituents.