Cost Earnings Data 2001 - American Samoa Longline

In 2001, 25 vessels > 50 feet in overall length joined the American Samoa longline fleet, which previously had consisted of local, small catamaran-style vessels (called alias) targeting albacore (Thunnus alalunga). The entrance of these modern longliners drew considerable attention due to social, economic, and fishery sustainability concerns. Economic information on 18 vessels were gathered by personal interviews with vessel operators, owners, or managers. Revenue information was estimated based on NMFS logbook data (landing and effort) and fish price data mainly provided by the 2001 Forum Fishing Agency. Operational and vessel costs were collected through in-person interviews with vessel owners, captains, and crew. This was the first cost-earnings study on this fleet. J. M. O'Malley and S.G. Pooley conducted this project.