doi:10.7289/V5/TM-SEFSC-715

"This report primarily tracks the changes in the USVI fishery and fisher demographics during the 13-year period starting with the 2003-04 fishing year, when the first of the more recent censuses was conducted (Kojis, 2004). Most questions in this census were identical to questions asked in 2004 and 2011, although there were a few additional questions and minor modifications to questions. The three 21st century surveys facilitate a better understanding of a traditional island livelihood and help to conserve fish stocks so that they can provide livelihoods for current and future generations of fishers, while sustaining a rich, diverse and productive tropical marine environment. The information is important in assessing changes over time. Coupled with data on catch and effort from the commercial fisher catch reports, bio statistical data collected by port samplers, independent fishery surveys (e.g. Olsen, 1988; Mateo and Tobias, 2001; Mateo and Tobias, 2004; Whiteman, 2005), and local biological data on fish and shellfish resources (e.g., Nemeth, 2005; Kojis and Quinn, 2011b), fisheries management measures can be structured to better work towards sustaining fisheries and fishing livelihoods in the territory"--Introduction.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

United States Virgin Islands