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BASIC FISHERY DATA REQUIREMENTS

On this issue, a question was raised on whether scientific data and catch data should be handled separately. There appeared to be consensus on moving Items 6 and 7 (length, weight and sex composition, and other biological parameters) under this heading to a separate section to be titled "Scientific Data Exchange." It was also suggested that Item 7 be expanded to include oceanographic and ecological data. Another issue was whether the measures prescribed indicate the minimum amount of data that States should provide or only the path along which they should proceed.

After a brief discussion, it was agreed to use the FAO formula for nominal weight to determine the weight of fish catches. Other questions raised included: should States simply make their best efforts to describe data; should data facilitate effective stock assessment; how essential to conservation and management is the detailed provision of data; and what data should be provided on discard statistics: estimates on weight and number, or more specific information.