Mr. Colvin briefly described the results of a recent comparison made by NMFS of certain catch data derived for New York’s catch of marine species by “for hire” vessels from two sources - - the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Survey (MRFSS) and the new NMFS For Hire Survey (FHS).  He distributed an informal report from NMFS giving the highlights of the comparison.  This comparison was precipitated by the 2003 controversy of the accuracy of MRFSS catch and effort data and the concern that efforts be made to improve the quality of these data in 2004.  He reminded the Council that NMFS head Bill Hogarth met with a large number of invited representatives of the recreational fisheries organizations and party/charter captains Associations in September 2004 to discuss issues and concerns about the MRFFS and For Hire survey and how they were conducted, how the results were viewed and used as well.  At the meeting a “follow-up--things to do list,” was created, which included this MRFSS vs. FHS comparison; at the top of the list was a commitment from NMFS to return at a subsequent meeting to report on their progress.  Mr. Colvin stated that this subsequent meeting occurred on 30 March 2005.  He believes that NMFS is making progress in addressing the for hire vessel industry’s concerns.

 

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