PROGRAMS on Shrimp fishery research, Fishery observer programs , Oil platform ecology and Sea turtle ecology to assess, manage, maintain and enhance invertebrate and fish stocks in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the southeast coast of the United States, by:

Analysis of fishery dependent landings and independent catch statistics information

Evaluation of fishery management plans and regulations, particularly for brown shrimp, white shrimp, pink shrimp, royal red shrimp, rock shrimp, bottom and reef fishes, through inshore and offshore stock assessments

Evaluation of effects of species movement on fishing activities

Evaluation of fishery effects from interactions with endangered species and marine mammals

Development of models to forecast future landings

Monitoring of industrial activities, such as offshore petroleum platform removal and fishing techniques, which adversely affects fishery stocks

To determine, monitor and describe fishery stock population characteristics, such as species distributions, abundance-at-age, recruitment to fishery and mortality parameters. Utilizes single species or multi-species models, such as VPAs (virtual population analysis), with input from both fishery dependent data resources. Develops new models which integrate ecological data, historical relationships and landings statistics data in order to support management of fishery stocks. Determines and predicts effects of fishing on stock sizes of both directed and non-directed catch. The accomplishments of this mission is undertaken through four highly integrated programs.

PROGRAMS

Shrimp fishery research

Fishery observer programs

Oil platform ecology

Sea turtle ecology