Assessment of the Distribution and Abundance of Coastal Sharks in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Seaboard, 1995 and 1996

During 1995 and 1996, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), conducted pilot studies to develop survey methodology and a sampling strategy for assessment of coastal shark populations in the Gulf of Mexico and western North Atlantic. Longline gear similar to that used in the commercial shark fishery was deployed at randomly selected stations within three depth strata per 60 nautical mile gridf rom Brownsville, Tex. to Cape Ann, Mass. The survey methodology and gear design used in these surveys proved effective for capturing many of the small and large coastal sharks regulated under the auspices of the 1993 Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for Sharks oft he Atlantic Ocean. Shark catch rates, species composition, and relative abundance documented in these pilot surveys were similar to those reported from observer programs monitoring commercial activities. During 78 survey days, 269 bottom longline sets were completed with 879 sharks captured.

Charter and Party Boat Operators in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico: A Social Structure Perspective

To better address the charter and party boat fishery needs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, fishery managers must understand the linkages between the industry and other groups and organizations that affect its success. Gulf state charter and party boat operators were interviewed to ascertain the extent of their social network linkages, membership in community organizations, business community relationships, and linkages to information sources. Approximately one-third to one-half of the charter and party boat operators did not belong to local community organizations that could assist their business through tourism promotion or natural resource protection. Despite their limited integration in the community, the vast majority of operators gave and received referrals from other businesses. Of four major information sources, the National Weather Service and the County Marine Extension agents were rated highest and lowest, respectively, in mean importance to charter and party boat operators. Results suggest that business success can be enhanced by strengthening network ties between operators and local businesses, chambers of commerce, and tourism organizations. For this to occur, individual operators and charter/party boat organizations need to become more effective in representing industry interests. Informational linkages between industry and govemment agencies also need improvement.

Characteristics of Billfish Anglers in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean

A mail survey of 1,984 U.S. billfish tournament anglers was completed to examine their fishing activity, attitudes, trip expenditures, consumer's surplus, catch levels, and management preferences. A sample of 1,984 anglers was drawn from billfish tournaments in the western Atlantic Ocean (from Maine to Texas, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) during 1989. A response rate of 61% was obtained (excluding nondeliverables). Anglers averaged 13 billfish trips per year, catching a billfish 40% of the time while 89% of billfish caught were released with <1 billfish per year per angler retained. Catch and retention rates varied by region. Expenditures averaged $1,600 per trip, but varied by region. The annual consumer's surplus was $262 per angler, but increased to $448 per angler if billfish populations were to increase. An estimated 7,915 tournament anglers in the U.S. western Atlantic spent $179,425,000 in pursuit of billfish in 1989. Anglers opposed management options that would diminish their ability to catch a billfish, but supported options limiting the number of billfish landed.