The Fishery Checklist program was initiated in 2007. A number of changes have been made as the program has developed. In particular, the stocks included in the Checklist program have changed and questions have been revised. A standard list of stocks and checklist questions are now established. Year-to-year comparisons are not yet possible, but 2012 results will be comparable to 2011.
The Fishery Checklist is completed with the best available information. Given the challenges and expense of monitoring mobile fish in a large volume, comprehensive information is not always readily available.
The Fishery Checklist summarizes information across a wide variety of species, management regimes, types of fisheries, geographic regions, and socio-economic contexts. Results should be interpreted with this in mind.
Corrective actions that limit fish harvest are not included in this indicator. In particular, quota reconciliation provides that any overharvest of a stock in one year is deducted from the harvest limit established for the following year.
