PacFIN Brief for 2002

[Complete 2002 PSMFC Annual Report (2.1 MB pdf)]

During 2002, development efforts in the PacFIN office focused upon: modifying software to accommodate changes in the CDFG sampling regime, the data tables FT, FTL, and SC were transformed into partitioned tables, the report 'C' programs were enhanced, the data processing system was upgraded from single user to multiple user capability, and a new summary table was created for the NMFS/ST1 office. Other work completed in 2002 includes the availability of the extract_sc program via the PSMFC Pacfin website. Additionally, work on the W-O-C permit system was resumed and there was a considerable amount of enhancement to the QSM system in preparation for the 2003 season.

Much correspondence regarding confidentiality of fisheries data was conducted during this period. Many academic clients, who had previously entered into non-disclosure agreements with PacFIN and had received confidential fisheries data, were no longer allowed access as a result of the revised PSMFC/PCFDC/PacFIN access to confidential data policy. This situation generated additional work in terms of correspondence and software development in order to produce non-confidential summations for clients who would have otherwise received confidential data under the standard PacFIN non-disclosure agreement.

The PacFIN Office processed 187 data feeds from seven data sources and responded to 149 requests-for-information. There were 116,627 visits to PSMFC's PacFIN website for an average of 9,719 visits per month. This compares to 8,939 per month in 2001 and 8,145 per month in 2000.

The CDFG could not submit some of their species composition proportions because rockfish composition samples are now being recorded with an additional dimension of sample-condition (i.e. live/dead). The scm_update, ftl_summarize, and le_summarize modules along with the scm database table were upgraded to accommodate this change in the CDFG rockfish sampling regime.

The FT, FTL, and SC tables were transformed into three Oracle partitioned tables. This new implementation has resulted in improved performance for some programs. The main PacFIN input data processing system was upgraded from a single user to a multi-user capability. This improvement allows two or more data feeds to be processed simultaneously and has improved data feed processing and the availability of data in the central database.

The port_rpt and gear_rpt 'C' programs that produce published standard reports were enhanced. After the migration from individual annual SC Oracle tables to a single partitioned Oracle table these two programs were modified.

A number of routines were developed using Trawl Logbook data for an ad hoc request for data from the pacific whiting (PWHT) fishery. These programs produce non-confidential summations from both the shored-based and at-sea fisheries, and fish-ticket data.

A new validation was added to the ftl_update program. If a fish-ticket line (ftl) record is received containing species equal to a shrimp species and gear-type equal to a troll gear then a warning message is produced.

Software to compute weekly summations and weekly percentage catch for the dungeness crab fishery was developed. These non-confidential summations for 1981-2001 were generated and transferred to the client. Reports containing code lists for landing condition, disposition, and grade/size where created. These reports were added to the selection of reports that are posted to the PSMFC PacFIN website.

The PacFIN office received a letter-of-authorization (LoA) from each W-O-C data source. As a result, the necessary routines were developed and the data files were generated and forwarded to clients awaiting information dependent upon the LoA's.

The AKFIN staff provided new data feeds for ADFG data (1995 through 2001). In conjunction with AKFIN staff, it was decided that this re-worked data represented the "best available data" for ADFG for 1995-2001. These monthly summations were incorporated into the central database.

A new version of the annual and monthly vessel summaries was developed at the request of the PFMC Economist. It encompasses all W-O-C fisheries regardless of catch area. It also includes rockfish distribution using catch-by-area and species-composition proportions, LE/OA fleets, and treaty-Indian determination if applicable.

Development work resumed on the W-O-C Permit project. Three Oracle tables were designed and created, corresponding PL/SQL load programs were developed, test data was generated, and testing of this subsystem was performed. The first W-O-C Permit data feed was received from CDFG and was successfully processed.

A method for accessing the summarized data contained in the summary-catch (SC) data table, via the website, was completed. This web-access program allows qualified PacFIN clients to access summary catch data through the PSMFC/PacFIN website. This system makes use of the extract_sc 'C' program that has been available though the AFSC/OFIS ofis450a server for about three years. The website front-end interface to the extract_sc program provides for: pull-down menus; the delivery of the selected data via e-mail; and optionally, viewing the selected data.

A request to enhance the Quota Species monitoring (QSM) subsystem for the 2003 season was received. This was the most extensive and comprehensive QSM change request received from the PFMC GMT in many years. The request consisted of four parts: 1.) Adding catch for petrale sole, remaining flatfish, cabezon, kelp greenling, and California scorpionfish to the report; 2.) splitting the Southern near-shore minor rockfish subgroup into shallow and deep; 3.) Splitting the non-trawl sablefish catch into primary and daily trip limit (DTL) fisheries; and 4.) reporting WDFW tribal/non-tribal catches separately. The enhancements for 1 and 2 were accomplished and included modifications to both QSM Oracle data tables as well as the QSM 'C' program. Enhancements 3 and 4 were to be completed before February 2003.

After meeting with NWFSC and PSMFC WOC groundfish observer staff, a specification for incorporating into the central database fish-ticket identifiers that correspond to observed fishing trips was completed. Development work proceeded and Oracle tables were created, a PL/SQL load program was developed, test data was generated, and the program was tested.

Various requests for support with retrievals from the BDS tables were received from stock assessment authors. A number of improved retrieval routines resulted from this effort including routine slct_bds_slct_csv, which has become the "standard" retrieval routine for this subsystem.

Website reports 307, 308, and 316 were enhanced with new features including additional subtotals. A code list report that contains definitions for each county code was also developed and posted on the PSMFC PacFIN website.

The ST1 office of the NMFS requested specific data for a national economic and demographic survey of fisheries employment. A retrieval routine was developed and the resulting non-confidential data set was provided. The NMFS/ST1 also requested the data necessary to develop a fleet capacity reduction/buyback proposal for the W-O-C groundfish fleet. After refining their request based on the initial data received from PacFIN, the final data set for this effort was also delivered. A new summary table was developed for NMFS/ST1. This table is used by NMFS/ST1 for their annual Fisheries of the U.S. exercise. All foreign registered vessels, including Canadian vessels, are excluded.

The PSMFC office in Gladstone initiated a pilot project to develop a GIS capability within PSMFC. In support of this effort, PacFIN staff performed various tasks including: sent/received confidentiality non-disclosure forms; forwarded descriptions of data elements within FT, FTL, and LBK tables; forwarded examples of FT, FTL, and LBK data; and granted the confidentiality-qualified PSMFC GIS staff on-line access to all tables in the PacFIN central database.