1. Research & Monitoring Activities

2. Overview • Research • Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs)/Scientific Research Permits (SRPs) • Selected Research (HMS & SEFSC) • Grants and Contracts (HMS & SEFSC) • Surveys & Monitoring • Database overview

3. Research Activities Conducted Under HMS EFPs, and SRPs, (March 2010)

4. Selected Research • FEC/Charleston Bump Pelagic Longline EFP • Purpose: To collect baseline data and assist NMFS in determining the efficacy of time/area closures under current fishery conditions • Design: 2 boats, 289 sets, 500 hooks per set; ½ sets in closed areas, ½ sets outside; 100% observer coverage • Status: Research program timing extended through Sept. 2010

5. PLL Closed Area ResearchResults Feb. 2008 – Jan. 2010 Trips completed: 14 in 2008; 13 in 2009; 1 in 2010. 148 sets completed: 35 Charleston Bump closed area; 48 Florida East Coast closed area; 65 open areas

6. PLL Closed Area ResearchResults Feb. 2008 – Jan. 2010 No bluefin tuna Closed Areas SWO Kept 990 (142 Released Alive (ra)), 217 Dead Discards (dd)) BUM 29 (22 ra, 7 dd); WHM 4 (4 ra, 0 dd); SAI 95 (72 ra, 14 dd, 7 kept, 2 lost) Sea turtle interactions: Leatherback 3; Loggerhead 0 Open Area SWO Kept 301 (38 ra, 75 dd) BUM 30 (24 ra, 6 dd); WHM 7 (4 ra, 3 dd); SAI 38 (25 ra, 13 dd) Sea turtle interactions: Leatherback 0; Loggerhead 2

7. Grants and Contracts • Title: Determining the relative proportion of roundscale spearfish and white marlin throughout the Atlantic Ocean -- Grantee: Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS); Award Period: From 1 July 2007 through 30 June 2008; extended until June 30, 2010 • Title: Estimating post-release survival of blue marlin caught on J-hooks and circle hooks in the western North Atlantic recreational fishery -- Grantee: VIMS; Award Period: From 1 July 2007 through 30 June 2008; completed June 30, 2009

8. Other 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 Recreational Billfish Survey Non-tournament billfish/swordfish call-in Automated Landings Reporting System MD & NC tagging programs MRFSS/LPS/MRIP Pilot Projects

9. Marine Recreational Information Program Characterization of Rod & Reel HMS Fisheries in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Status: Completed Sept. 2009 Non-Tournament HMS Recreational Landings Reporting for Private Boats in Puerto Rico. Status: Phase 1 completed Jan 2010 Florida HMS Private Angler Telephone Survey: Status: Final Report in review

10. HMS Research Database Purpose To compile published research for Atlantic HMS Database Access database format User friendly; easy to search (do need to know how to use Access) Updated with 2009 information Peer-reviewed papers Technical memorandum Some Col. Vol. Sci. Pap. papers included (2001-2007 & 2009) Current SCRS stock assessments MARFIN/Saltonstall-Kennedy Programs/HMS Grants

11. HMS Research Plan Develop an integrated research plan for all Atlantic HMS Identify current and past research. Identify current needs for stock assessment and management Identify research needs and gaps ST in collaboration with HMS Division, SEFSC, NEFSC, and non-agency institutions and researchers. Target Completion Date: approximately September 2010

12. Discussion • Thank you for your attention • Questions? • Comments? • Concerns?