Corrected catch histories and logbook accuracy for billfishes (Istiophoridae) in the Hawaii-based longline fishery

"This paper presents corrected catch histories, standardized catch rates, and evaluations of the accuracy of federally mandated commercial logbooks for billfishes (Istiophoridae: blue marlin, Makaira nigricans; striped marlin, Tetrapturus audax; shortbill spearfish, T. angustirostris; black marlin, M. indica; and sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus) taken as incidental catch by the Hawaii-based longline fishery. The study (March 1994-February 2004) was conducted because billfish misidentifications in logbooks caused by similarities in body size, shape, and coloration have long represented a major challenge in monitoring this fishery. The objective was to improve understanding of the composition and magnitude of incidental billfish catches." William A. Walsh, Keith A. Bigelow and Russell Y. Ito. "December 2007." System requirements: Internet browser; Adobe Acrobat Reader. Mode of access: World Wide Web. Includes bibliographical references (p. 16-18). 2007 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) PIFSC (Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center) Library Public Domain 1864