Bringing in the experts: application of industry knowledge to advance catch rate standardization for northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus)

Abstract

Sources of fisheries information outside of fishery-independent surveys (e.g. fishery-dependent data) are especially valuable for species that support productive fisheries and lack reliable biological information, such as the northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus). Fishery-dependent data streams are available for most species, however collaboration with industry members is critical to ensure that these fishery-dependent data are collected, applied, and interpreted correctly. Despite the need for collaboration and the frequency that fishery data are used in scientific research, there is limited literature on the structure of interactions and knowledge sharing that inform the analysis and application of fishery data. Between 2019 and 2022, a group of researchers collaborated with members of the northern shortfin squid fishing industry to bring together research data sets and knowledge from harvesters and processors to better describe the fishery dynamics, distribution, life history, and oceanographic drivers of the species. The collaboration focused on developing custom standardized fishery catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices to provide indicators of population trends that accounted for the impacts of technical and economic aspects of harvesting, processing and marketing on fishing effort, selectivity and landings of northern shortfin squid. We describe the methods used to inform and interpret the CPUE analyses, focusing on novel structure of interactions we had with industry members, and suggest best practices for integrating industry knowledge into CPUE standardization. The information shared and research products produced through this science-industry research collaboration advanced understanding of northern shortfin squid population and fishery dynamics, and contributed directly to the 2022 stock assessment and management process. Given the complex and stochastic nature of the northern shortfin squid population and fishery, we found it critical to maintain open communication and trust with processors and harvesters, who have unique insight into the factors that may be driving changes in catch, landings, and productivity of the valuable resource species.