Description: The American Samoa BMUS complex was initially assessed as a complex (i.e., all species combined) in 2007 using an informal index-based assessment method. The most recent assessment was completed in 2019, and concluded the BMUS complex was both undergoing overfishing and in an overfished state. The next benchmark stock assessment for the American Samoa BMUS is expected to be completed and undergo an independent review process in February 2023, following the WPSAR timeline. One key improvement for this new benchmark will be to consider single-species assessment models following the WPSAR panel recommendations associated with the 2016 assessment. This assessment has influential scientific information because the assessment contains the stock status determination and harvest levels affecting the management of the American Samoa bottomfish fishery. Depending on the results of the assessment, this can potentially change the Council's harvest policies.
ID: ID446 Info. Type:
Start date of Peer Review: 2/20/2023
Estimated Initial Dissemination Date: 6/30/2023
Actual Dissemination Date of peer review report and final work product:
Contact Person: Carl Rhodes Get contact information
Review Type: Panel Review
Expected Number of Peer Reviewers: 3
Peer Reviewers will be selected by: WPSAR and CIE
Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers? No
Will there be opportunities for the public to comment on the work product to be peer reviewed? Yes. Oral and written comments will be accepted during designated comment periods during the review workshop
Will the agency provide significant and relevant public comments to the peer reviewers before they conduct their review? Yes
Primary disciplines or expertise needed in the review: Fisheries stock assessment, fisheries biology, and population dynamics
Comments on Peer Review:
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Peer review report and final work product: