35 



data as "the most recent data available." Not only is the need for such 

 studies obvious but there are few studies of this type in existence and 

 none is part of a continuing, comprehensive program. 



The depreciation component of costs and earnings poses some problems. 

 Basically, there is no non-arbitrary method of calculation. For example, 

 does one use book value, market value or current replacement cost as the 

 basis of asset valuation? The choice depends on the use to which the data 

 is to be put. Ideally the data base would include all three bases. It is 

 desirable, however, that the methods chosen be standardized. 



The details of stratification frequency, etc., for cost and earnings 

 surveys should be developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service on a 

 regional basis but with some guiding principles to facilitate standardiza- 

 tion of methods, procedures and results. It is possible, for example, that 

 certain operating costs {^e.g. , fuel, ice) may eventually be collected and 

 expressed in terms of physical units per trip as well as in dollar units. 



To support the collection of annual cost and returns data on major 

 components of the fishing fleet on a continuing basis is properly a function 

 of government, and governments in a large number of countries have done so 

 for a long time. The methods of collection, sampling analysis, etc., vary 

 from country to country; however, to secure vessel owners' cooperation in 

 supplying the information required they are generally given an incentive. 

 In Canada, submission of cost and earnings records in the Maritime Provinces 

 were required for all vessel owners receiving construction subsidies. Now, 

 it is understood that cost and earnings records in Canada have to be sub- 

 mitted to receive the government fish price subsidy. 



In Iceland submission of the data is required by law and since most of 

 the fuel cost, insurance cost and food on board are paid by transfer funds 



