100 



Scientific VMrk to cstahlish the 

 hiological basis for sustainable yield 

 estimates needs to he eoupled with 

 exploratory fisheries research, like 

 that being undertaken by the Bureau 

 of Commercial Fisheries neiv 

 R/V Oregon II. In the top photo- 

 ijraph, bluefish are measured and 

 tagged off the New Jersey eoast. 



stock, its susceptibility to environmental 

 changes, and its relationship to other species 

 must be determined in order to establish its 

 maximum sustainable yield. 



Sound fishery policy decisions also i-equire 

 improved tisheries statistics. There is an ur- 

 gent need for standardization of statistical 

 materials and compilations. Additionally, the 

 Federal Government should initiate pro- 

 grams to till the gaps in State data collection, 

 either by financial assistance to the States or 

 direct participation of BCF personnel. 



The Commission recommends that the 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agen- 

 cy (BCF): 



• Develop means for rapid assessment of 

 fish stocks 



• Conduct surveys and exploratory fish- 

 ing programs to identify and establish 

 the dimensions of latent fisheries off the 

 U.S. coast 



• Continue to support basic studies relat- 

 ing to fish habitats, population dynam- 

 ics, and the effects of environmental 



