Research Set-Aside Program Review Panel
The New England Fishery Management Council uses research set-aside (RSA) programs in three fisheries: Atlantic Sea Scallops, Monkfish, and Atlantic Herring. The programs use a set-aside of fishery resources (quota or days-at-sea) to generate revenue that is used to conduct needed research. While the programs are generally viewed as successful, the Council was interested in examining the programs in order to identify potential improvements.
The RSA Program Review, now completed, was conducted by a panel of six members: two each from the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The panel worked under the direction of the Executive Committee and addressed questions identified by the Executive Committee or the panel itself. The panel prepared an overall performance report for the Council that reviewed and provided possible recommendations related to RSA program administration, structure, and results. As part of this review, the Council conducted an online survey to collect input from stakeholders.