Mandatory Economic Data Collection (EDC)
Contact Info:
Erin Steiner
Economic Data Collection Program (FRAM Division)
Northwest Fisheries Science Center
2725 Montlake Boulevard East
Seattle, Washington 98112
(866) 791-3726 or NWFSC.EDC@noaa.gov
EDC Forms for fiscal year 2012 are due September 1, 2013:
- Catcher Vessel Form
- Catcher Processor Form
- Mothership Form
- First Receiver and Shorebased Processor Form
Overview
In January 2011, the West Coast groundfish trawl fishery transitioned to a new, innovative management approach known as a Catch Share Program. The Catch Share Program consists of an individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the shorebased trawl fleet and cooperative programs for the at-sea mothership and catcher/processor trawl fleets.
As part of this new program, participants in the rationalized fishery are required to provide economic data. The regulations detailing the Economic Data Collection program (50 CFR 660.114) are available online at:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there an economic data collection program?
The economic benefits of the West Coast groundfish trawl fishery and their distribution will likely change under trawl rationalization. To monitor these changes, the rationalization program includes a mandatory economic data collection program. Using data collected from industry members, the EDC program will monitor whether the goals of the Catch Share Program have been met. The EDC program will also help meet the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act for catch share evaluation.
What types of data are collected?
In addition to contact information, the EDC program will collect vessel/plant characteristics, capitalized investments, annual expenses, annual earnings, crew/labor payments, and quota and permit expenses that will provide a strong foundation for managers to evaluate the Catch Share Program.
What important dates should I be aware of?
May 2013: Fiscal year 2012 EDC forms are mailed to participants.
September 1, 2013: Fiscal year 2012 EDC forms are due.
Who is required to submit EDC forms?
| Fishery Participant | Who is required to submit EDC forms? |
|---|---|
| Limited Entry Trawl Catcher Vessels | All owners, lessees, and charterers of a catcher vessel registered to a limited entry trawl endorsed permit at any time in 2012 and beyond. |
| Motherships | All owners, lessees, and charterers of a mothership vessel registered to a mothership permit at any time in 2012 and beyond. |
| Catcher/Processors | All owners, lessees, and charterers of a catcher processor vessel registered to a catcher/processor-endorsed limited entry trawl permit at any time in 2012 and beyond. |
| First Receivers | All owners of a first receiver site license in 2012 and beyond. |
| Shorebased Processors | All owners and lessees of a shorebased processor that received round or headedand- gutted IFQ groundfish species or whiting from a first receiver in 2012 and beyond. |
What happens to the data once submitted?
Data are used by Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) economists to evaluate the Catch Share Program. Aggregated data and analyses are compiled into a report and presented to the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Future reports will be available online at: www.nwr.noaa.gov
Who has access to this data? Is it confidential?
The data are studied by NWFSC economists or their contractors. Everyone who works with this data is required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Responses to the EDC forms are confidential under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and NOAA Administrative Order 216-100.
What happens if I don’t submit the economic data collection form?
Economic data collection is mandatory under the Catch Share Program, and thus participation in the EDC program is mandatory under the regulation 50 CFR 660.114. If you do not submit the required EDC form, it may delay the completion of administrative actions such as permit renewal, vessel registration, license issuance, and quota transfers.
Where can I get an economic data collection form?
- Catcher Vessel Form
- Catcher Processor Form
- Mothership Form
- First Receiver and Shorebased Processor Form
For form accessibility questions, please contact Erin Steiner.
Under the EDC program, NOAA Fisheries mails EDC forms in May of each year to individuals who, according to available records, are required to complete an EDC form. If you do not receive a form by mail, it is still your responsibility to complete and return it by the deadline.
Where can I find help on questions 15 and 17 of the West Coast Groundfish First Receiver and Shorebased Processor form?
Click here for the definition of groundfish.
Where can I learn more about the West Coast Catch Share Program?
NOAA Fisheries Northwest Region’s Catch Share website: www.nwr.noaa.gov/Groundfish-Halibut/Groundfish-Fishery-Management/Trawl-Program/index.cfm