Abstract

The Fisheries Research Laboratory (FRL) of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) monitors the commer­cial landings of fish and shellfish in Puerto Rico. The Commercial Fisheries Statis­tics Program (CFSP) was implemented in 1967 under the Commercial Fisheries Research and Develop­ment Act of 1964 (PL 88-309) to collect data on the commercial fishery. Currently, this project is funded by the NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) through the State/Federal Cooperative Fisheries Program, Interjuris­dictional Fisheries Programs and the DNER. The CFSP includes the following objectives: commercial fisheries landings reports, collection of biostatistics data, enter the collected data in computer format and estimate catch per unit effort (CPUE). The CFSP reached all the objectives during 2004 - 2006. A total of 1.86 millions pounds were reported in 2004, 1.57 millions pounds in reported in 2005, and 1.34 millions reported pounds were reported in 2006. The CFSP determined a correction factor to estimate the non reported landings. Using the correction factor of 61% for 2004 has been estimated that a total of 3.06 millions of pounds were landed in Puerto Rico. In 2005, the correction factor was 50%, a total of 3.1 millions pounds landed. In 2006, a correction factor was 52%, a total of 2.6 millions pounds were landed. Biostatistics data of fish and lobster were collected. Biostatistics data were obtained from a total of 54,685 organisms during 2004 - 2006. All data were entered in computers and sent to NOAA/Southeast Fisheries Science Center, at Miami, FL. The CPUE for landings and biostatistics data were estimated and are presented in this report. Also the paper shows data from landings by species, by coast and by municipality. Comments about the implementation of the new Fishing Regulation to conserve fishery resources and the impact in commercial fishers and their behavior are also presented in this paper

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