Proposals for fisheries and related benthic habitats research using HURL's assets in the Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are sought for the coming field season of June 1998 to October 1998. HURL's assets include the manned submersible Pisces V, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) RCV-150, and other equipment deployed from R/V Ka'imikai-o-Kanaloa. The submersible is operated during daylight hours only; the ROV will operate at night. Proponents should consider carefully which vehicle best serves their research objectives. Proposals may request use of either vehicle, or use of both at different times. Proposals to use RCV-150 will be particularly welcomed.
Research themes are outlined below. Scientists and engineers at any university or research institution are encouraged to apply. Preliminary inquiries are encouraged and should be directed to HURL's Science Director, Keith Crook, [phone (808) 956-9429; fax (808) 956-9772] to ensure that appropriate guidelines are addressed, and to permit operations staff to evaluate feasibility. Final proposals should reach HURL by March 31, 1998.
General support of at-sea operations, including vessel, submersible, and ROV time; food; and lodging is provided at no cost to participating investigators and their associates. Participants should expect to meet other costs associated with their projects. Associated research funding should be solicited from granting agencies through the usual channels.
Following peer review of the proposals, and recommendations from a Review Panel, research projects will be ranked and selected according to scientific merit, vehicle suitability, programmatic goals, and logistical considerations. All requests of scientific or technical merit that address one or more of the research themes will be carefully considered.
The following fishery and related benthic habitats research themes are based upon 1) the Hawaii and American Flag Pacific Islands Coastal Zone and Fisheries Managers Workshop that was held June 9-10, 1997, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and 2) the NOAA Fisheries Strategic Plan. The latter can be found at the NOAA web site under the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The areas of interest have been limited to the Hawaiian EEZ because of funding limitations.
Rebuilding and maintaining fisheries will promote the economic and biological sustainability of U.S. fishing resources and assist the commercial fishing industry in becoming more competitive internationally. NOAA's vision for the next decade is to increase greatly the Nation's wealth and quality of life through sustainable fisheries that support fishing industry jobs, safe and wholesome seafood, and recreational opportunities. It is also NOAA's vision to conserve marine species and to recover those in danger of extinction. Fisheries management issues arise in three broad areas: fisheries assessment, fisheries protection, and fisheries recovery. In addition, recovery of protected species and control of interactions between fisheries and protected species are important management issues.
1. Fisheries Assessment
Assessment relates to evaluating the extent and status of exploited resources and to the discovery of new resources. This includes life history science focused on fishery related species that will provide essential information to fishery monitoring and management activities. It includes studies to validate assumptions in fishery assessment models or to provide descriptive information important to emerging management issues such as fishery bycatch. Projects could focus on:
2. Protection of Fish Stocks
Information relevant to stock protection includes knowledge of the characteristics of essential habitat, understanding of the forage base of the species, and evaluation of human impacts. The habitats of most target species and their juvenile stages have yet to be characterized. Information concerning the effectiveness of refugia and the competition between introduced and native species are important management needs. Direct impacts to fish stocks include bycatch issues, damage to habitat by fishing operations, and impacts of marine debris. Projects relevant to these issues include:
3. Recovery of Depleted Fisheries
Strategies to recover fisheries may include habitat improvement, stock enhancement techniques, and open ocean aquaculture technology. Implementation of these enhancement approaches and their technologies will require assessment as to their effectiveness and any possible impacts. Potential research needs relate to:
4. Recovery of Protected Species
Marine related protected species include marine mammals and sea turtles. Basic life history, biological, and ecological information are required to effectively protect these species and the habitats essential for them. Equally important are understanding and mitigating the impacts resulting from interactions between human activities and protected species. Possible research areas could include such topics as:
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