Fisheries Stock Assessment CRSP
Summarizes an external evaluation and a management review (XD-AAZ-903-A and XD-AAZ-903-B) of a project to develop and document improved methodologies for determining the level of fish stocks in multispecies tropical systems. External evaluation covered the period through 7/88. The project has experienced four budget reductions since acceptance of the proposal, and the research scientists' enthusiasm has been weakened by cuts in support for co-workers, students, and travel. Nevertheless, the director has done an outstanding job of overcoming the shortage of funds and in maintaining program cohesiveness. Appropriate research is being conducted in the proper way, and the project is basically on schedule, although the scope of work has been changed somewhat. While the original plan was to develop a simple manual for fishery stock management, several years of research have led to the conclusion that the best approach would be a series of manuals, with a "keystone manual" to guide the user to appropriate additional manuals. The project has produced and distributed a series of computer models that are state of the art and desired by the scientific community. The Missions in both cooperating countries - Costa Rica and the Philippines - have expressed willingness to seek additional support for the project, e.g., P.L. 480 funds Key recommendations are to: (1) extend the project for 3 years beyond the initial 5 and give highest priority to substantial funding increases; and (2) include training as a project goal.