56 



their accuracy refers to a measurement made at a specific spot at a 

 specific time . Efforts to compare measurements from different surveys 

 are dependent upon assumptions concerning the conditions that may affect 

 results. For much of the information gained, it is assumed that differing 

 conditions of weather, currents, or temperatures will be reflected and 

 understood over time, although it is clear that the more measurements, the 

 better. Presently, sampling surveys are carried out on Georges Bank 

 twice a year, in the spring and fall. Efforts are made to control biases 

 as much as possible, to return to the same sampling station at the same date 

 and the same time as on an earlier cruise. However, results from analysis 

 must reflect the likelihood of errors, or "control" of biases. Twice- 

 yearly cruises are clearly not as accurate as cruises taken four times a 

 year. Unfortunately, the budget for assessments has not been sufficient 

 to generate more complete data. 



The actual procedures used on a research vessel, then, while well- 

 developed and well -understood, particularly during the inventory portion 

 of assessments, require precise and accurate data. There are essentially 

 four needs that deserve special attention; 



• Provision of funding to undertake surveys more often than 

 twice a year ; 



• Use of this funding to charter domestic fishing vessels . 



• Uevelopment of automatic plankton iiortinq techniques (which can be 



• used on such vessels). 



• Development of automatic fish aging techniques (',1r!ch c;ir! Ic u:cd 

 on such vessels ; . 



