Stock-Specific Allocation of Biological Samples for the Biological Port Sampling Program

The Northeast Port Biological Sampling Program (NEPBSP) collects biological samples (i.e., length and age structures) from commercial landings. The program was overseen by the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), with samples collected by contractors. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s (NEFSC) Population Dynamics Branch (PDB) develops a sample request list for the NEPBSP on an annual basis. The sample requests specify the number of fish to be measured for length, by species, stock, market category, gear, grade, and quarter. For some species, age structures are collected from a subsample of the fish measured for length. Sample sizes for both lengths and age structures vary by species and market category. Prior to FY0F0F 1 2020, there were no restrictions on the number of lengths that stock assessment leads could request for their assigned stocks.