Advisory Paper on the use of Spawning Potential Ratio as a Management Reference Point by NMFS

Client: Center for Marine Conservation

This project developed a paper to enhance decision making in U.S. fishery management by improving the general understanding of the fishery management tools known collectively as spawner-recruit ratio (SPR). SPR is one of many methods ...[read more]

Agreement for SONGS Mitigation Monitoring Project

Our main goal while writing this paper was to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the factors that might affect production on an artificial reef, and the various methods and their underlying assumptions ...[read more]

Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program

Client: NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center

The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires observation of Category I and II fisheries, which include several salmon fisheries in Alaska. In 2004, MRAG received a contract to provide observers in 2005 to help assess the ...[read more]

Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program II

Client: NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Under this contract with NMFS, Alaska Region, MRAG will provide observers for the monitoring of marine mammals in the Alaska region. ...[read more]

An Evaluation of Rebuilding Plans for U.S. Fisheries

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

This project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of rebuilding within the U.S. through three phases. Rebuilding is necessary when overfishing leads to depleted fish populations. The first phase of the project provides ...[read more]

Analyses of Data Collected for the Offshore Texas Shrimp Fishery Project

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

Analysis of issues involved in the evaluation of the Bering Sea Pollock Fishery under the Marine Stewardship Council

Client: WWF United Kingdom

This project developed comments for WWF on the evaluation of the Bering Sea Pollock Fishery under the Marine Stewardship Councils principles and criteria. The MSC evaluation has been commissioned directly by an Alaska fisheries industry ...[read more]

Analysis of Observer Data on West Coast Groundfish

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

MRAG helped NOAA Fisheries convene a workshop to gather together representatives from observer programs, the marine insurance industry, US Coast Guard, fishing industry, commercial observer providers and others to provide insight on solving issues associated ...[read more]

Analysis of Some Critical Issues in the Design of Fishery Independent Bottom Trawl Surveys for West Coast Groundfish

Client: NMFS, Northwest Fisheries Science Center

The Alaska Fishery Science center ceased involvement in west coast trawl surveys after the triennial shelf survey in summer 2001 and the annual slope survey in fall 2001. The Northwest Fishery Science Center assumed ...[read more]

Applying the Precautionary Approach to NAFO

Client: WWF United Kingdom

Assistance to the Preparatory Conference for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

Client: Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

The Preparatory Conference for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) requires a consulting group to undertake a desk study covering the following areas: - a review of the WCPFC Convention be undertaken ...[read more]

Auction and Tender as Allocation Mechanisms in Fisheries and their Resource Rent Implications

Client: Austral Fisheries

Best Practices in Fisheries Management and Annual Catch Limit Guidelines

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

MRAG Americas conducted two working groups (2 sessions each), convened by the Lenfest Ocean Program in the summer of 2007, of governmental and non-governmental participants to assess the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act requirements and develop technical ...[read more]

Best Practices in Fisheries Management and Annual Catch Limit Guidelines

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

MRAG Americas conducted two working groups (2 sessions each), convened by the Lenfest Ocean Program in the summer of 2007, of governmental and non-governmental participants to assess the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act requirements and develop technical ...[read more]

Best Practices in Fisheries Management and Annual Catch Limit Guidelines

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

MRAG Americas conducted two working groups (2 sessions each), convened by the Lenfest Ocean Program in the summer of 2007, of governmental and non-governmental participants to assess the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act requirements and develop technical ...[read more]

Best Practices in Fisheries Management and Annual Catch Limit Guidelines

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

MRAG Americas conducted two working groups (2 sessions each), convened by the Lenfest Ocean Program in the summer of 2007, of governmental and non-governmental participants to assess the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act requirements and develop technical ...[read more]

BPA for NOAA MOBIS Contract

Client: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Chilean Hake Certification

Client: Scientific Certification Systems

MRAG provided a scientist to participate in the assessment of Chilean hake for certification under the Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. Chilean officials put the project on hold, and the status is uncertain. ...[read more]

Collection of socioeconomic data for the South Atlantic shrimp fishery

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

This survey project is an extension of the Gulf of Mexico survey and covered the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and East Florida. The survey materials and methods were slightly modified from those ...[read more]

Complete the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the generic amendment addressing essential fish habitat (EFH) requirements for all fisheries

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Consolidated Report on the Peer Review of Red Snapper Research and Management in the Gulf of Mexico

Client: NMFS, Office of Science and Technology

NMFS conducted three review panel meetings to provide a peer review of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) research and management in the Gulf of Mexico. MRAG created a report consolidating thirteen independent reviewers' comments. The ...[read more]

Creation of a Bilingual Guide: Guide to Regulations and Biology for Law Enforcement Officers in Puerto Rico, and Complimentary Field Guide for Suggested Procedures to Follow in the Field

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

MRAG Americas designed, edited and developed a bilingual regulations guide in both Spanish and English, using text and images provided, for law enforcement offices in Puerto Rico. The guide contained information on the biology and ...[read more]

Development of a NMFS Research Program for the Red Snapper Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico in Response to the 1997 Peer Review

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

Following the completion of the red snapper peer review, MRAG helped NMFS develop a response procedure to integrate the collective advice of a number of southeast scientists and managers familiar with aspects of red snapper ...[read more]

Development of an analytical framework for assessing the effects of Alaska groundfish fisheries on listed species, including Stellar sea lions

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

MRAG provided assistance to NMFS in conducting a workshop to develop a framework for analyzing the potential effects of north Pacific groundfish fisheries on species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) both individually, and ...[read more]

Development of an Atlas of Bycatch in U.S. Fisheries

Client: Oceana

The project compiled statistics on bycatch and discard of fish and invertebrates in U.S. commercial fisheries as completely as possible. These statistics were taken from published or publicly available sources where available. For some fisheries, ...[read more]

Development of bycatch avoidance/bycatch reduction measures for the North Pacific groundfish fisheries

Client: North Pacific Fishery Management Council

The North Pacific Council requested assistance to an advisory group preparing recommendations to the Council for reducing bycatch. MRAG staff attended meetings of the advisory group, and prepared a report with statistical advice for improving ...[read more]

Development of EFH sections for the SEIS for Amendment 18 of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish FMP

Client: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

MRAG coordinated preparation of the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for an environmental impact statement for the Reeffish Fishery Management Plan of the Gulf of Mexico region to meet requirements of NEPA and the Magnuson-Stevens Act. ...[read more]

Development of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Essential Fish Habitat for the U.S. Caribbean Region

Client: Caribbean Fishery Management Council

MRAG coordinated preparation of the EIS for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the four fishery management plans of the US Caribbean region to meet requirements of NEPA and the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The project included ...[read more]

Document PacFIN and RecFIN

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission contracted MRAG Americas to conduct an external review of the data flow and statistical design of the PacFIN and RecFIN systems on the U.S. west coast (Washington, Oregon and ...[read more]

Economic Model Development to assess impacts of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities on Gulf of Mexico Fisheries

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

MRAG’s role is to primarily assist with literature reviews to identify studies previously undertaken to assess economic information on commercial and recreational fishing. Goal is to (1) summarize available production cost, harvest, ex-vessel and ...[read more]

Economic Valuation of Coral Reefs and Adjacent Habitats in American Samoa

Client: Jacobs/GIBB

The objective of the project was to undertake an economic valuation of coral reefs and adjacent habitats in American Samoa to guide future use of resources and management for the territory. ...[read more]

Education and Outreach Materials for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) Observer Program

Client: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

As part of the Interim Action to implement measures to reduce overfishing of the Northeast Fishery Complex under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, NMFS is expanding its existing observer program. The more extensive ...[read more]

Electronic Fisheries Monitoring Workshop

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

Provide a two-person team to supply rapporteur duties and write the proceedings of a North Pacific Council conference on electronic monitoring. We will provide verbal summaries of the presentations and discussions during the workshop on ...[read more]

Environmental Impact Statement Inputs: Description and cost of an observer program for the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery

Client: URS / Dames and Moore

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Model Reruns

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

In this project, MRAG will incorporate new geological data and use changes to the habitat use database to improve the EFH model previous prepared by MRAG. ...[read more]

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Risk Analysis for West Coast Groundfish

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

MRAG initiated development of an analytical procedure for consolidating available information and for using that information to model EFH, Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, and impacts of fishing on EFH, for the West Coast groundfish ...[read more]

Evaluation and analysis of current field sampling and inseason catch estimation procedures used in North Pacific groundfish fisheries

Client: NMFS, Alaska Fisheries Science Center

This project evaluated and recommended alternative approaches for current field sampling and in-season catch estimation procedures used in the observer program for the North Pacific groundfish fisheries. The project consisted of two primary tasks: the ...[read more]

Evaluation of Rebuilding Plans, Selected Updates

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

MRAG Americas provided updated information and graphs on a select number of fisheries under rebuilding plans for the Lenfest Ocean Program. These updates are intended to be included in a report that will be released ...[read more]

Facilitation and consultation of USVI FHC Meeting to Revise Commercial Fishing Regulations

Client: USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife

USVI DFW requested MRAG to facilitate meetings of the Fishery Advisory Committees from St Thomas and St Croix to revise commercial fishery rules and regulations. ...[read more]

Facilitation of National Fisheries Forum on Red Snapper

Client: Diversified Business Communications

Fisheries Management and Biodiversity on the Patagonian Shelf

Client: World Bank

Fisheries: Status, Trends, Biodiversity Impacts and Quality for Management (CI Whitefish)

Client: Conservation International

The purpose of this consultancy was to provide Conservation International (CI) with an analysis of the status, trends, biodiversity impacts and quality of management of three fisheries: Russian Alaskan pollock (RAP); Argentine hake, and Namibian ...[read more]

Gulf of Mexico Essential Fish Habitat Amendment

Client: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Gulf of Mexico Productivity - Susceptibility Analysis of 26 Reef Fish Species for Annual Catch Limits

Client: The Ocean Conservancy

MRAG Americas will utilize the risk assessment framework developed by Australia CSIRO. This framework allows to evaluate the risk level associated with 26 reef fish species in the Gulf of Mexico based on their ...[read more]

Gulf of Mexico Project: Total Mortality Scorecard 2006

Client: The Ocean Conservancy

Conduct an assessment of total fishing mortality for five species in the Gulf of Mexico: red snapper, vermilion snapper, red grouper, gag grouper and greater amberjack for the 2006 calendar year. The assessment will ...[read more]

Gulf of Mexico Total Mortality Scorecard

Client: The Ocean Conservancy

For this project, MRAG will conduct a retrospective five-year assessment of total fishing mortality for five species in the Gulf of Mexico: red snapper, vermilion snapper, red grouper, gag grouper and greater amberjack. The ...[read more]

Habitat use database

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

For this project, MRAG prepared a habitat use database to be used in conjunction with West Coast EFH models. ...[read more]

Hoki Certification

Client: WWF New Zealand

MRAG reviewed proposed Performance Indicators and Scoring Guidelines against current best practice for the 2005 MSC reassessment of the New Zealand hoki fishery written by the certifiers, SGS, and provided recommendatons for improvements to meet ...[read more]

Icelandic Cod Management Review

Client: Icelandic Ministry of Fisheries

In this study, we aimed to investigate the scientific advice for management of the Icelandic cod stock with a focus on two main questions: 1) Could problems with assessment accuracy have been foreseen on ...[read more]

Identify and Evaluate International Marine Mammal Conservation

Client: NOAA Office of International Affairs

The NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs is in a unique position to engage foreign nations and multilateral organizations to take steps forward to reduce marine mammal bycatch. The project identified international threats to ...[read more]

Improved Retention, Improved Utilization-- Halibut Mortality Avoidance Program (HMAP)

This project developed a Halibut Mortality Avoidance Program (HMAP) for factory trawl fisheries in the northeast Pacific that would decrease Pacific halibut discard mortality by sorting and discarding halibut on deck rather than in the ...[read more]

Integrated Marine Ecosystem Model

Client: NMFS, Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Develop an ecosystem model to serve as a policy exploration tool. Primary outcomes are to increase stakeholder’s awareness of alternative management options and identification of management options that may improve the economy and ecology of ...[read more]

Integrated Marine Ecosystem Model

Client: NMFS, Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Develop an ecosystem model to serve as a policy exploration tool. Primary outcomes are to increase stakeholder’s awareness of alternative management options and identification of management options that may improve the economy and ecology of ...[read more]

Interpretation of the Precautionary Approach to Fisheries Management

Client: WWF United States

This project produced a report on the inclusion of the concepts related to the precautionary approach to Marine Stewardship Council standards and criteria. ...[read more]

Iraq Marshlands

Client: Development Alternatives, Inc.

Lessons Learned from Recent MPA Designations in the U.S.

Client: National Fisheries Conservation Center

Lessons Learned from Recent Marine Protected Area (MPA) Designations in the United States, summarizes strengths and weaknesses and provides recommendations for future MPA planning efforts. MRAG Americas staff was part of a team of researchers ...[read more]

Maintenance and Modifications of NERO Days-At-Sea Electronic Database System

Client: NMFS, Northeast Regional Office

Management of Grand Banks Fisheries

Client: WWF Canada

This project consisted of a review and suggestions for management of the Grand Banks Fisheries ...[read more]

Marine stewardship council certification of icefish at Heard Island

Client: Scientific Certification Systems

Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund

Client: Resources Law Group, LLP

Currently the state legislature is considering new legislation known as the Massachusetts Oceans Act that embodies many of the ideas of ecosystem-based management and calls for the creation of a comprehensive ocean management plan for ...[read more]

Methodology to assess opportunities for enhancement of consultation and coordination between government agencies and fishers in the US Caribbean

Client: Caribbean Fishery Management Council

The Caribbean Council has concluded that limited entry is an appropriate management method to address overfishing in the region. This project provided a methodology for the development and establishment of an effective consultation/communication mechanism in ...[read more]

Modeling the effects of fisheries on the recovery of Steller sea lions in the north Pacific

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

The western Alaskan populations of Steller sea lions have declined considerably over the last three decades, despite legislation and millions of dollars spent to achieve the contrary. At this time, we still do not ...[read more]

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Trawler Buyout

Client: Environmental Defense

Dr. Rosenberg will advise the client on the inter-relationship of the proposed TNC/ED private buyout of bottom trawlers and the public west coast groundfish buyout efforts, assist with agency contacts and negotiations ...[read more]

MSC certification of Pacific cod

Client: Scientific Certification Systems

MRAG provided two scientists to participate on the assessment of Pacific cod for certification under the Marine Stewardship Council guidelines. The team has developed performance indicators and scoring guidelines, and assessed the fishery against the ...[read more]

National Core Coastal Indicator Workshop

Client: Coastal States Organization

MRAG Americas is assisting the Coastal States Organization in the planning and facilitation of a workshop to identify core national indicators that reflect the state of the Nation’s coastal resources and communities. Planning the workshop ...[read more]

New England Bycatch Analysis

Client: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

This project provided NOAA Fisheries with analyses of the adequacy of commercial sea sampling for bycatch. The project resulted in a list of recommendations concerning bycatch sampling design and strategies to optimize precision for fixed ...[read more]

North Pacific Observer Technology

Client: North Pacific Fishery Management Council

MRAG researched and prepared a report that investigated catch and vessel monitoring technologies that could be used to augment observer programs, increase accuracy of data collected by observers, and potentially replace some observers to improve ...[read more]

North Sea Fisheries Management

Client: WWF European Policy Office

For this project, MRAG devised a long-term management plan for the North Sea Fisheries ...[read more]

NPRB Steller Sea Lions in a Changed Environment Study

Client: North Pacific Research Board

Investigate and evaluate whether or not the western DPS of Steller sea lions is at or near a new equilibrium in abundance, possibly through an analysis of vital rates and other population dynamic indices in ...[read more]

Observer-Based Surveys of Ocean Haul Netting from Beaches in New South Wales

Client: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

New South Wales (Australia) has a recent legal obligation to prepare management plans for fisheries under its jurisdiction; the management plans require observations of commercial fisheries to determine bycatch composition and quantities, habitat interactions, and ...[read more]

Pacific Coast Groundfish EFH EIS Economic Impacts and Analytical Tools

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

This is an extension of the Pacific Coast Groundfish EFH EIS project (US0558). Develop and automate analytical tools and produce effective interfaces for deployment with NMFS and Council staff analysts. Undertake theoretical analyses ...[read more]

Pacific Halibut Certification

Client: Fishing Vessel Owners Association

MRAG assisted the Fishing Vessel Owners Association by gathering literature needed for the certification, and cross referencing the documents to the certification performance indicators. ...[read more]

Pacific Halibut observers working with Electronic Monitoring equipment for bycatch characterization

Client: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Deploy 8 to 16 months of observer coverage on Halibut IFQ vessels in North Pacific to work with Electronic Monitoring equipment. ...[read more]

Pilot Observer Program for the US Caribbean

Client: Caribbean Fishery Management Council

The commercial fisheries on the US Caribbean are multi-species, multi-gear, artisanal in nature, and principally coral reef-based. The commercial fishing fleets of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto consist of small, open wooden or fiberglass ...[read more]

PNG BDM Management / Alternative Management Options for Target Sedentary Species in the South Western Pacific

Client: Conservation International

Presentation of Red Snapper Review to Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Client: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Program to Collect Socioeconomic Data from Offshore Gulf Shrimp Fishermen in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

MRAG is heading a team of economists and fishery specialists that has developed and implemented a survey tool to gather social and economic information from the offshore shrimp fishery to help fishery analysts assess how ...[read more]

Program to Collect Socioeconomic Data from Offshore Gulf Shrimp Fishermen in Texas

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

This survey project covered offshore shrimp vessel owners in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Florida. The survey materials and methods were slightly modifiede, yet overall similar to those used for the Texas survey, which was ...[read more]

Project Nemo

Client: WWF United States

For this project, a pre-assessment review of 25 fisheries was undertaken to determine their potential statuses for MSC certification. Each fishery was rated on nine criteria that were distilled from the MSC's larger list ...[read more]

Providing observers in the Alaskan groundfish program

Client: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

MRAG has been issued certification to provide observers directly to vessels in the Alaskan groundfish program. ...[read more]

Provision of Proposal Writing & Technical Assistance to JHT, Inc.

Client: JHT Incorporated

MRAG Americas provided expertise and knowledge about NOAA’s procurement process to a large contractor, JHT Incorporated, in an effort to continue to build a relationship between the two companies. JHT has been a service ...[read more]

Rapporteur and moderator for a NMFS workshop on determining optimal observer coverage rates.

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

MRAG Americas conducted a workshop that brought together representatives from observer programs around the country to discuss observer coverage level issues and needs and to initiate a process that would lead to the establishment of ...[read more]

Rapporteur and moderator for a NMFS workshop on determining optimal observer coverage rates.

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

MRAG Americas conducted a workshop that brought together representatives from observer programs around the country to discuss observer coverage level issues and needs and to initiate a process that would lead to the establishment of ...[read more]

Rapporteur for National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) workshop: U.S. Fisheries Observer Insurance Issues.

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

MRAG helped NOAA Fisheries convene a workshop to review differences in existing fisheries observer contracts and insurance requirements, provide a clarification of labor laws for observer managers and providers, discuss different options that may exist ...[read more]

Rapporteur for National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) workshop: U.S. Fisheries Observer Insurance Issues.

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

MRAG helped NOAA Fisheries convene a workshop to review differences in existing fisheries observer contracts and insurance requirements, provide a clarification of labor laws for observer managers and providers, discuss different options that may exist ...[read more]

Review and Advice for Stock Assessment Procedures of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Client: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission experienced problems with stock assessments that arrived late or did not pass review. MRAG Americas reviewed existing stock assessment procedures and recent stock assessments, interviewed stock assessment participants, evaluated ...[read more]

Review and Analysis of Data Collection and Monitoring Processes for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery

Client: Archipelago Marine Research, Ltd.

The purpose of this project is to produce an independent and unbiased review and critical analysis – including recommendations for improvements – of the current (2007) monitoring and data collection systems in place for the ...[read more]

Review and Analysis of Data Collection and Monitoring Processes for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery

Client: Archipelago Marine Research, Ltd.

The purpose of this project is to produce an independent and unbiased review and critical analysis – including recommendations for improvements – of the current (2007) monitoring and data collection systems in place for the ...[read more]

Review of Red Snapper Bycatch Data in the Gulf of Mexico

Client: Environmental Defense

MRAG will assist Environmental Defense to understand NMFS research and regulations pertaining to red snapper bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico and review a memo that they have prepared on the topic. ...[read more]

Review of Red Snapper Bycatch Data in the Gulf of Mexico

Client: Environmental Defense

MRAG will assist Environmental Defense to understand NMFS research and regulations pertaining to red snapper bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico and review a memo that they have prepared on the topic. ...[read more]

Review of the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Programme

Client: Alaska Fishery Science Center

This independent review looked at the overall performance of the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (NPGOP), and focused on components under the control of NMFS and how NMFS could best move towards achieving the goals ...[read more]

Risk and Reward: Developing efficient access rights regimes for exploratory and developmental fisheries

Client: Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics/ Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Scientific & Technical Services for NMFS, Office of Protected Resources

Client: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Under the BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement), MRAG Americas, Inc. and KT Consulting are providing a highly qualified team of full time personnel (6) who have the experience and background to successfully conduct the analyses, consultations ...[read more]

Scientific & Technical Services for NMFS, Office of Protected Resources

Client: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Under the BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement), MRAG Americas, Inc. and KT Consulting are providing a highly qualified team of full time personnel (6) who have the experience and background to successfully conduct the analyses, consultations ...[read more]

Scientific Review of the harvest strategy currently used in the BSAI and GOA groundfish fishery management plans

Client: North Pacific Fishery Management Council

The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC) convened this panel to provide an independent scientific review of the current harvest strategy embodied in the NPFMC fisheries management plan (FMP) for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands/Gulf of ...[read more]

South Carolina Cooperative Research Program

Client: Conservation International

St. Thomas Pilot Observer Program

Client: NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Science Center

The purpose of this project was to assess the potential for obtaining information on bycatch, discards, and biological data from commercial fisheries off St. Thomas in the US Caribbean. The project focused on methods for ...[read more]

Stage 1 of the EIS for the West Coast Groundfish Trawl IQ Program

Client: Northern Economic, Inc.

MRAG Americas teamed with Northern Economics to prepare an environmental impact statement for a proposed individual quota system for the west coast (US) trawl fishery. MRAG Americas will lead the effort to assess impacts on ...[read more]

Status Review of Three Grouper Species in the US Caribbean

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

Compilation of background information on the population status of goliath and Nassau grouper and red hind for the creation of materials to educate the general public of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands regarding ...[read more]

Stock Assessment Advisory Services for Lenfest Ocean Program

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

Provide expert scientific advisory services in stock assessment and fishery management. Give confidential advice on specific analyses, including but not limited to stock assessments, concerning a fish stock or stocks under management. Present ...[read more]

Stock Assessment Review of North East Groundfish

Client: The Ocean Studies Board, NRC

Striped Bass MSC

Client: Tavel

MRAG was subcontracted by Tavel Certification to be a member on a team of experts certifying the Maryland striped bass fishery to the MSC standard for sustainable fisheries. The first phase of the project ...[read more]

Supply of IFQ Observers

Client: TechSea

While the MRAG application for observer providor certification under the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program was under review, Bryan Belay coordinated observer provision to TechSea. ...[read more]

Support services for CEFAS staff based in the USA

Client: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, UK

The work on this project is purely administrative. It provides a means by which CEFAS can contract their own personnel whilst they are working on sabbatical at research establishments based within the USA to undertake ...[read more]

Survey to collect vessel and gear characteristics data from shrimp fishermen.

Client: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office

This project is directly linked to the Program to Collect Socioeconomic Data from Offshore Gulf Shrimp Fishermen in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi (US0580). NOAA Fisheries intended to remove the vessel and gear characteristic sections ...[read more]

Technical Support for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Review Process

Client: National Marine Sanctuary Program (NOAA)

National Marine Sanctuaries are required to undergo five-year management plan reviews (MPR) pursuant to sections 304(2)(A), (B), and (C) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as amended. However, there has not been a MPR at ...[read more]

The status of hake fisheries off western Africa and the role played by subsidised fishing fleets

Client: WWF United Kingdom

This project investigated the impacts of subsidized fishing vessels on the sustainability of hake fisheries of three African case-study countries: Namibia, Morocco, and Mauritania. The project was one of several commissioned by the World Wide ...[read more]

U.S. North East Region Data Collection Program Review

Client: NMFS, Northeast Regional Office

NOAA Fisheries in the Northeast Region currently has on the order of 28 separate data and information collection systems operated across several different offices including the Northeast Regional Office (NERO) at Gloucester and Northeast Fisheries ...[read more]

Video monitoring system to estimate reef fish bycatch on bottom longline vessels in Gulf of Mexico

Client: NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Science Center

In partnership with industry, the NMFS, SEFSC and SERO will conduct a pilot study to test video monitoring hardware and software to determine the feasibility of developing a cost-effective and reliable system of monitoring bycatch, ...[read more]

Western Atlantic Herring Management Simulation Analyses

Client: Lenfest Ocean Program

Western Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, can be described as a metapopulaiton (McQuinn 1997) that ranges from Labrador to Cape Hatteras, with numerous spawning areas and egg and larval distribution patterns (Sinclair 1988, Sinclair and Iles ...[read more]

Whitefish Fishery Status

Client: Conservation International

Workshops to assess fishers' attitudes toward potential capacity and effort reduction programs in the US Caribbean

Client: Caribbean Fishery Management Council

This project was designed to assess the potential for using capacity and/or effort reduction as components of the fisheries management strategy for fishing in waters of the US Caribbean. We prepared background reports and presentations, ...[read more]

WWF-NAFO Simulations

Client: WWF United States

The purpose of this report is to propose NAFO reforms that will make Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) operational, and ensure bycatch of species such as cod is minimized. It will demonstrate how the changes would ...[read more]

WWF-Tuna

Client: WWF International