SEFSC Research Progress and Objectives

IAC Spring Meeting

April 7-9, 2010

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Pelagic Observer Program2009 Gulf of Mexico Enhanced Observer Coverage

2009 Project Objectives:- Attempt 100% observer coverage during peak BFT

spawning- Collect robust data regarding BFT discards- Collect data regarding spatial and temporal patterns of

BFT bycatch- Collect as many biological samples from landed fish or

dead discards as possible

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Pelagic Observer Program2009 Gulf of Mexico Enhanced Observer Coverage

Results:- Coverage period was March 30th – June 11th

- Estimated coverage of ~85%- 68 observed trips, 613 sets, 29 different vessels- Landings: 3163 YFT, 1889 SWO, 11 BET- BFT bycatch: 47 landed, 73 released alive, 190 released

dead, 10 lost (320 total)- BFT average measured length 249 cm, average weight

of landed fish 228 kg- 44 males, 66 females

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Pelagic Observer Program2009 Gulf of Mexico Enhanced Observer Coverage

Samples made available to researchers in 2009:

Tissue/Sample Type Total collected

Gonad 113

Liver 118

Muscle 117

Skin 117

Otolith 93

Dorsal fin spine 112

Vertebrae 111

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Pelagic Observer Program2010 Gulf of Mexico Enhanced Observer Coverage

2010 Project Objectives:

- Use available funding to achieve highest possible coverage level

- Continue monitoring of BFT bycatch

- Continue collection of biological samples

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Pelagic Observer Program2010 Gulf of Mexico Enhanced Observer Coverage

2010 Project update:

- Funding available for an estimated 40-50% observer coverage. Expected CV for BFT discard estimates at this coverage rate is approximately <= 0.2 (see NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-588)

- Observer deployments began on March 11th and will continue as long as funding allows (anticipated to be approximately June 11th)

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Pelagic Observer Program

40-50% coverage will fully accommodate research objectives of POP AND additional funding will allow expanded research programs for BFT, including:

The SEFSC anticipates that ~800K will be available to: Obtain required training and equipment to build capacity

for production ageing at the SEFSC

Augment existing sampling programs to obtain BFT tissues (e.g. otoliths, tissue) for production ageing, natal origin, movement and other purposes

Conduct survival studies using electronic tagging and appropriate release techniques (PLL).

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Pelagic Observer Program

This additional research is of enormous value to stock assessment and will enable marked improvements in stock assessment data and methodologies.

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Habitat UtilizationPrince et al. In review. Ocean Scale Hypoxia-Based Habitat Compression of Atlantic Istiophorid Billfishes. Fisheries Oceanography.

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Habitat Utilization

•A tagged BUM was released off the Cape Verde Islands. It was monitored for ~43 days.

•Cross-sections of vertical habitat usage are shown.

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Habitat Utilization

2010 Proposed Research:

• At the 2010 BUM data preparatory meeting SEFSC staff will examine catchability within and outside the OMZ.

• If there is expansion of the OMZ with time, and q varies across the OMZ, it will be necessary to revise CPUE standardization methodologies.

The relationship between CPUE and abundance for tropical pelagic billfish and tuna in uncompressed (a) and (b) compressed environments.

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Ichthyoplankton Research in GOM

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1. Examining historical larval bluefin catch locations

2. Defining relationships between bluefin larvae occurrences and environmental variables…

3. … leads to the development of models predicting suitable habitat for larvae

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• Daily satellite images were used to help guide sampling to cover Loop Current, warm-core eddy, and frontal waters

• Preliminary results show an association between larval bluefin tuna, and thermal fronts

1. Access to high-resolution satellite imagery allowed us to target oceanographic features to sample

2. Distribution of larval bluefin tuna from targeted neuston net tows

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Ichthyoplankton Research

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Ichthyoplankton Research in the GOM

This year, SEFSC scientists have developed a new habitat model using remotely sensed satellite data, and we are using the 2010 Spring Icthyoplankton cruise to test this new model.

Similarly to last year, we have secured permission from Mexico to sample in their waters, and we have a number of Mexican fisheries scientists on board the 2010 cruise.

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Habitat Assessment Improvement Plan

• FY2010 HAIP Proposal: Pending funding.• Primary Investigators: Michael J. Schirripa (SEFSC), Patrick

Lehodey (CLS, France), Eric Prince (SEFSC) and Jiangang Luo (UM-RSMAS)

• Objectives: We propose to model the habitat of Atlantic blue marlin using an approach developed for a Spatial Ecosystem And Populations Dynamics Model (SEAPODYM). The model will be calibrated and evaluated using fishing data and electronic tagging data. The results will be useful for CPUE standardization.

Dan Foster, Charles Bergmann and others….

Department of CommerceNOAA Fisheries – Southeast Fisheries Science CenterEngineering andHarvesting Branch

Experiments in the Gulf of Mexico to Evaluate Bluefin Tuna Bycatch Mitigation Measures in the Yellowfin Tuna Fishery

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Additional Research Funding

Ongoing gear studies will continue

Roughly 600K will be made available through Virginia Tech to fund extramural research (e.g. genetic studies, tagging etc.)

HMS Monitoring Programs Commercial

Pelagic Observer Program Shark Bottom Longline Observer Program Shark Gillnet Observer Program Logbook Reporting Requirements (HMS Logbook)

Mandatory if selected Authorized but not implemented for CHB

Dealer Reports Recreational

MRIP/LPS Recreational Billfish Survey Non-tournament billfish/swordfish call-in Automated Landings Reporting System MD & NC tagging programs

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QUESTIONS?