The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) is soliciting applications from fishermen interested in joining the Black Sea Bass Research Fleet. We are looking to bring onboard three vessels from Rhode Island and the New Jersey fish pot fishery. Monthly Research Fleet responsibilities include sampling 150 black sea bass (size/sex) at sea using the On Deck Data application and collecting 50 black sea bass (from Rhode Island state water only) for diet and age/growth analysis at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM).
To apply, fill out an application (available HERE) and submit it to CFRF either via email, fax, or mail. There is no deadline to apply however the CFRF will fill the three slots in the Research Fleet as qualified applications are received so get applications in as soon as possible!
The CFRF and RI DEM launched the Black Sea Bass Research Fleet in December 2016. The Black Sea Bass Research Fleet currently employs fourteen Rhode Island commercial fishermen, from a variety of gear types, to collect biological and fishery data on black sea bass throughout the year. Fishermen collect data during routine fishing practices using a specialized tablet application. Data includes fishing effort metrics and size and sex of individual black sea bass. The data is used to create catch and discard characterizations of the black sea bass fishery to help reduce uncertainty within the stock assessment. For more information about the project visit the project webpage (HERE) or to learn about Research Fleet responsibilities download the project briefing document (HERE).
If you have questions please contact Thomas Heimann at theimann@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4892.