The Science Process Behind the Management: The SouthEast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Process in the Southeast
Julie Neer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
23 Oct 2009
SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) is a cooperative Fishery Management Council process initiated in 2002 to improve the quality and reliability of fishery stock assessments in the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and US Caribbean. SEDAR seeks improvements in the scientific quality of stock assessments and the relevance of information available to address fishery management issues. SEDAR emphasizes constituent and stakeholder participation in assessment development, transparency in the assessment process, and a rigorous and independent scientific review of completed stock assessments.
SEDAR is managed by the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic Regional Fishery Management Councils in coordination with NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions. The process is organized around three workshops (Data, Assessment, and Independent Review) which are public meetings organized by SEDAR staff and the lead Council. Workshop participants are drawn from state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, Council members, Council advisors, and the fishing industry with a goal of including a broad range of disciplines and perspectives. The completed assessment, including the reports of all 3 workshops and all supporting documentation, is provided to the Council SSC for certification as ‘appropriate for management’ and development of specific management recommendations.This presentation will discuss the current SEDAR process, along with the changes to be implemented in 2010.