Guam Commercial Fisheries BioSampling (CFBS)

The Guam Commercial Fisheries Biosampling program, which collects length and weight frequency data for whole commercial catches, and samples 4-8 species for in-depth life history studies as well as DNA (finclips) and voucher specimens for the Fish Barcode of life, began in August, 2009. Guam has had very little market-based commercial size sampling over the years. However, the new bio-sampling program has been quite successful and robust, due to the cooperation and participation of the Guam Fishermen's Cooperative Association. Census sampling of a high percentage of the non-pelagic fishing trips has been conducted since late 2009. As with the other CFBS programs, catch, effort, and fishing location are recorded for a majority of the fishing trips and every fish or invertebrate harvested is identified, measured and weighed for each fishing method encountered with the exception of trolling. Life history samples are also collected and processed for a number of reef fish species. These data are considered confidential. Continuation is subject to availability of funds.