Fishery statistics required for the stock assessment of fisheries resources in South China Sea area

Abstract

Existing national marine fishery statistics and proposals for the improvement are reviewed under the following headings; (1) Definition of Catch (2) Measurement of Gross Tonnage (3) Standardization of National Statistical classifications i. Tonnage classification ii. Species classification iii. Fishing Gear Classification (4) Establishment of Fishing Area Classification in South China Sea Area (5) Types of Statistical Tables Required for International Comparison. In designing any statistical survey the first thing to do is (I) to establish clear definitions or concepts for survey items and classifications to be used in the survey and (2) to work out statistical tables which might well meet the requirements of users. These kinds of works are particularly important when international comparison of fishery statistics is required. Therefore, reviews and proposals hereunder are made along the above line with respect to some pertinent points.