News
AFRF Survey Coastal Charter
From: Western Fishboat Owners Association
Mon, 12 May 2008
The AFRF [American Fishermen’s Research Foundation] board approved one (1) vessel albacore measuring and other data collection charter from Cape Mendocino to Cape Flattery. The consideration is to pay fuel costs for one vessel to spend 20 days along the coast giving daily reports of catch, weather, conditions, etc. A few other data projects will be included.
Given that its going to be very difficult to get boats out early with high fuel costs this maybe a way to benefit the fleet as far as information gathering is concerned. The vessel will be needed for one charter beginning on or around June 10, 2008 for 20 days The AFRF selection committee will choose the vessel on or by June 1, 2008. Deadline for applying is May 28th.
Requirements: (Some of these may change slightly)
An Inmarsat, Sat phone or comparable way of communicating to AFRF is required.
Vessels will be required to do length measuring and/or any other reasonable research or data collection recommended by SWFSC or scientific advisors.
Charter will be for 20 days, from port to return. $500/day. Total $10,000 if all requirements are met.
Vessels will retain any fish caught, except for up to 5 fish per day set aside for lipid, stomach content, and/or other research at OSU seafood lab or other. These fish shall be tagged with colored electric ties and weight, length, and area caught will be recorded.
Time frame will be between June 10 - June 30th or as SST's and ocean condition's dictate.
Range of charter will be offshore between Cape Mendocino, CA and Cape Flattery, WA
Vessels will have to report every day on fish catch, size, weather, SST's, via SSB to designated person onshore or at sea, and to AFRF via Inmarsat or Sat Phone.
Payment will be made when charter is complete and requirements are satisfied.
Please request an application from AFRF by calling 530-229-1097 or e-mail wfoa@charter.net.