Abstract
Fishery dependent data is a critical component of understanding population and fishery dynamics. Beyond catch monitoring and stock assessments, there are opportunities to use fishery dependent data in developing fishery management options, supporting decisions, and achieving management objectives. Three case studies in the Northeast U.S. are presented to illustrate novel uses of fishery dependent data. In the first case study, fishermen’s insights informed factors to consider for developing a generalized linear model of landings per unit effort (LPUE) in the U.S. Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) fishery. The model is presented in the context of predicting the LPUE for use in annual days-at-sea allocations for the fishery. With expert judgment to make more informed assumptions, this tool could be used to provide an alternate approach for projecting LPUE. The second case study is an evaluation of a bycatch avoidance program in the U.S. Atlantic sea scallop fishery. Data from the avoidance program and at-sea observers were analyzed using loglinear models to identify patterns of fishing behavior by program participants and non-participants through time. Results demonstrated differences in the fishing behavior of fishing captains who participated in the bycatch avoidance program when yellowtail flounder bycatch was perceived to threaten economic yield due to fishery closures. Finally, the impact of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) fishery on the stock is approximated based on the overlap of occupied area (as estimated by a species distribution model) and fishery footprint. The findings suggest a limited degree of overlap between the US fishery and the modeled area occupied by the squid on the US continental shelf. In conclusion, the dissertation demonstrates a variety of nonconventional applications of fishery monitoring data to support fishery management and decisions for sustainable fishing.