25 



The data series referenced in Tables 1 through 8 are accessible. A 

 problem is likely to exist, however, in terms of the ease of accessibility 

 and the utility to Regional Councils, as opposed to researchers, of the 

 information in its current format. The information should be assembled in 

 a useful format and on a timely basis. An excellent medium for this would 

 be the Basic Economic Indicators series referenced in Section IIA of this 

 report. This series should be extended and maintained in an up-to-date 

 status. 



A limited number of costs and earnings studies exists. These studies 

 have generally been based on special purpose or "one-shot" surveys or are 

 not representative. For example, vessels constructed under the Federal 

 Vessel Construction subsidy program are required to supply such data to 

 NMFS. Such data cannot be presumed representative of whole fleets of 

 rather heterogeneous vessels. 



An additional dimension of the economic data base which must be 

 thought through is the conditions of access which should be applied. 

 Section 303 (d) of the Act specifically directs the Secretary of Commerce 

 to prescribe regulations to preserve confidentiality. As long as the data 

 made available are in such a form that individuals cannot be identified 

 there is no problem. If NMFS or the Councils contract with a non-federal 

 agency, such sis a university, for research involving disaggregated data, the 

 data could be made available but the contractor would be responsible for the 

 data in much the same way as federal employees are under various federal 

 statutes. It is the understanding of this writer that language to this end 

 can be incorporated as part of the contract. 



Other research may involve second or third parties. Suppose, for 

 example, that a Sea Grant funded research project is proposed or a research 



