The CFRF is currently soliciting applications from fishermen interested in joining the Black Sea Bass Research Fleet for one open position. Priority will be given to vessels which interact with black sea bass, targeted or as bycatch, through the winter months. Offshore lobster and crab vessels are particularly encouraged to apply. Monthly Research Fleet responsibilities include sampling 150 black sea bass (size/sex) at sea using the On Deck Data app and collecting 50 black sea bass for diet and age/growth analysis at RI DEM
To apply, fill out an application (available HERE) and submit it to CFRF either via email, fax, or mail. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2019.
The CFRF and RI DEM launched the Black Sea Bass Research Fleet in December 2016 and have been collecting data ever since. Currently the Research Fleet employs 12 commercial fishermen from a variety of gear types collecting biological and fishery data on black sea bass they interact with during routine commercial fishing. All data is collected at-sea by the fishermen and will ultimately feed back into the stock assessment by creating catch and discard characterizations for each fishing Fleet to help reduce uncertainties.
For more information on the Research Fleet, the project webpage can be found HERE or read the project briefing document available HERE.
For further information about the project or the application process, please contact Thomas Heimann at 401-515-4892 or theimann@cfrfoundation.org