the functions undertaken in efforts to aid fishing 
interests include: 
e@ assessments and exploratory fishing for species 
now underused, but existing in harvestable quan- 
tities in domestically controlled waters; 
e@ development of vessel and gear technologies. and 
harvesting techniques; 
e techniques of product handling, processing, and 
storing; 
e assistance in distribution and marketing; 
® consumer education, product and quality safety 
standards, and inspection service; and 
e financial assistance to the industry. 
Assessments and Exploratory Fishing of Underused Species 
M i sible for the resource surveys 
that serve as the basis of decisi by esjional 
Fishery Management Councils. Although the _pri- 
mary function of this activity concerns the commer- 
cially important species, limited information is also 
collected on now underused species such as ocean 
pelagic stocks. 
Development of Vessel and Gear Technology and Harvesting Techniques 
A major policy issue is the extent to which the 
government should assist a commercial endeavor 
such as the fishing industry. Some, including the 
Office of Management and Budget, feel that if the 
domestic industry is to be competitive with foreign 
industries it should do most of its own research and 
development and not rely on government initiative 
and money. Others point out that the stated objec- 
tives of the Federal Government in fisheries cannot 
be achieved without assistance to industry. 
NMES, for instance, works on development of 
gear and techniques that will cut down on the inci- 
dental catch of marine mammals and unwanted and 
diminished fish stocks. These developments, often 
required by law, help the ae industry when 
adopted by commercial users. 
While developments from many research proj- 
ects can be applied to the fishing industry, the Sea 
Grant program in NOAA is a major contributor. 
Recent programs include: 
® development of a rake for harvesting the under- 
used blue mussel off Maine’s coast. 
e multiuse vessel demonstration—In cooperation 
with the Pacific Tuna Development Foundation, 
Sea Grant plans to redesign and subsequently 
construct a 40-foot modern vessel with a refriger- 
ated hold and limited electronic gear to demon- 
strate the economic feasibility of its use in devel- 
oping local fisheries similar to the way that for- 
eign fleets do. 
Techniques of Product Handling, Processing, and Storing 
The supply of fishery products to consumers 
should be adequate, safe, wholesome, and of high 
quality. To this end, the need for improved and in- 
creased inspection of fishery products is supported by 
both consumers and industry. 
The Department of Agriculture has the principal 
responsibility for the development and promulgation 
of standards for product handling, processing, and 
storing of food; however, the Office of Sea Grant’s 
Seafood Science and Technology Program focuses 
on these activities that pertain to fish and fishery 
products. The projects sponsored by Sea Grant in 
this area are primarily applied research, looking 
for answers to specific needs, such as the design and 
development of a squid processing machine, and the 
development and evaluation of an automatic shrimp 
deheading system. 
The Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative 
Extension Service applies funds to State agencies 
which have close, yet informal, association with Sea 
Grant’s extension agents. Funds have been given 
for such studies as: Application of Engineering 
Principles to Shellfish Processing (University of 
Maryland) and Impact of Production, Harvesting, 
and Procurement on Market Stucture of the North- 
east Fishing Industry (University of Maryland). 
Assistance in Distribution and Marketing 
Various government agencies have programs that 
provide a range of marketing services and support. 
These activities are designed to stimulate consump- 
tion of fishery resources. 
There are major disagreements concerning the 
proper role of government in market stimulation. 
The special problems of the industry calling for 
_ financial support and incentives were noted in a 
General Accounting Office report:'® 
* U.S. Comptroller General. U.S. Fishing Industry Can Be 
Strengthened by Developing Underutilized Fish Resource, Wash- 
ington, D.C., Government Printing Office, May 1975, pp. ii. 
III-16 
