Multi-stage project brings together policymakers, fishermen, and scientists to help identify information to be included in new model aimed at improving existing models and data used to manage New England groundfish.
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UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) researchers Steven X. Cadrin, Professor of Fisheries Oceanography, Brooke Wright, Research Technician, and Alex Hansell, PhD student, were funded by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Environmental Defense Fund to help improve stock assessment data and processes for New England groundfish.
Their project, “Developing Applications of Fishery Catch Rates for New England Groundfish Stock Assessments,” aims to improve the data and models used to manage New England groundfish (including witch flounder, halibut, and white hake) by collaborating with commercial fishermen to develop a standardized catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) series for current and future New England groundfish stock assessments.
The multi-stage project involves a review of existing CPUE models and brings together policymakers, fishermen, and scientists to identify information to be included in the model. Additionally, the research team will provide an analysis of the new model, vessel trip report, study fleet data, and additional research findings.
The research is supported by a $25,004 grant from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, New England Fishery Management Council, and Northeast Fisheries Science Center as well as $7,500 in matching funds from the Environmental Defense Fund.
Read the full press release.