viii 



must be reduced drastically. Estimates of yields should be on the low 

 side; if incorrect, the major consequences are that stocks will recover 

 more rapidly while some economic opportunity is delayed. 



During this restoration period, develop an harmonious time-series of 

 data through accurate catch and effort figures gained via the use of ob- 

 servers on foreign fishing vessels. Develop a strict enforcement system. 

 In addition, develop automatic plankton sorting and fish aging techniques, 

 continue with design and development of hydroacoustics, and expand survey 

 cruises to at least four times a year for several v/ell -known stocks, not 

 through the purchase of new research vessels, but rather through chartering 



commercial fishino vessels. 



Stabilize technological changes in the fishing fleet such that the 



data generated is constant. 



Assess the accuracy of existing assessrient riethods linder this orogram 



and determine its degree of utility for management decisions. 



2. While assessing existing methodology, establish research priorities 

 for the future . 



During the restoration period, establish the level of accuracy required 



for assessments under different management goals. For each chosen goal (for 



example, "last ton," "resource revitalization," "maximum yield for today." 



"maximum yield for the future," etc.), outline the key indicators that will 



be required to achieve the determined level of precision. Then, for each 



level of precision and those indicators that achieve that precision: 



• Determine the probable cost 



• Determine the time necessary to provide useful results 



• Determine the relationship of each variable to assessment accuracy 

 under the existing system (which is being validated through the above 

 program). 



