On March 20-30, 2010 the Ad Hoc Data Collection Advisory Panel of Gulf Council will meet to discuss the development of general criteria for electronic reporting systems to improve accuracy and timeliness of data collected in Gulf of Mexico fisheries. In its press release the Council states that on the opening day the Panel will review electronic reporting systems, potential management benefits, consider challenges to implementation, and other requirements for the development of electronic reporting systems.
It is informed that the Panel will also debate over the quality standards for self-reported data with a review of existing Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program and Marine Recreational Information Program data standards. On day two the Panel will overview the existing and pilot electronic reporting systems. And finally, the Panel will discuss issues related to data management and acquisition, including: what data are needed to improve management; frequency of reported data; integration with existing data systems; and mechanisms for electronic reporting.
The Panel may also consider other non-emergency issues which were not on the agenda but in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting.
