Enhancing Communication Strategies and Data Utilization within the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 2025

Abstract

Effective fisheries management relies on transparent, and accessible scientific data. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Multispecies Bottom Trawl Survey (BTS) has served as a primary source of fishery-independent data in the Northwest Atlantic since the early 1960’s by supporting stock assessments, ecosystem monitoring, and management decisions. Over time, however, concerns related to survey methodology, gear performance, vessel calibration, and data interpretation have created challenges in stakeholder confidence and communication. Events such as the 2001 “Trawlgate” controversy highlighted the need for improved transparency and stronger collaboration between scientists and the fishing industry. In response to these ongoing concerns, the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP) was established to strengthen communication and provide structured stakeholder input into survey design and implementation. This thesis examines how enhanced communication strategies and improved educational resources can increase the effectiveness of NTAP and foster a clearer understanding of fisheries survey science. Through archival research, document analysis, and historical synthesis, this study documents the development of the BTS and the circumstances that shaped NTAP’s formation. Building on this foundation, the research develops a structured orientation curriculum, a comprehensive frequently asked questions resource, and supplemental educational materials designed to clarify survey methodology and stock assessment processes. A focused single-species case study further illustrates the pathway from trawl data collection to quota determination, translating complex biological and statistical processes into an accessible format. The effectiveness of these resources is evaluated through stakeholder feedback, including surveys and qualitative assessments. Findings suggest that structured communication tools grounded in historical context and methodological clarity can strengthen collaboration, improve transparency, and support the long-term credibility of fishery-independent survey programs.