Our Story
In October 1997, the Commission took a significant step by passing a resolution to develop a cooperative fisheries independent data collection program in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This initiative led to the establishment of NEAMAP (Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program).
At NEAMAP, our mission is to create an integrated and cooperative state/federal program that facilitates the collection and dissemination of fishery-independent information. This valuable data serves government agencies, the fishing industry—both commercial and recreational—researchers, and other stakeholders seeking insights for informed decision-making. To support effective fishery management and stock assessment, NEAMAP provides a robust framework for data collection and utilization. Our efforts include coordinating existing programs, developing new initiatives as needed, and sharing the collected data. We work diligently to ensure seamless collaboration in fisheries independent data collection and management across the northeastern region, connecting with other regional programs such as SEAMAP and ACCSP.Â
To learn more about what constitutes a NEAMAP survey, click here.
The Operations Committee
The NEAMAP Operations Committee serves as the governing board for our organization, playing a crucial role in designing surveys and ensuring their long-term success. This committee is responsible for facilitating communication between state agencies and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) policy board. Meeting annually, the Operations Committee has recently focused on creating a strategic plan for the next five years, developing a joint repository of information across agencies, and navigating survey interruptions due to offshore development. The current committee membership can be found here.
The Survey Technical Committee
The Survey Technical Committee (STC) manages the technical aspects of our survey operations. Their primary responsibilities include fostering communication among survey chiefs to address challenges related to vessel and gear changes, as well as maintenance. The STC also identifies the scientific and logistical needs shared across surveys and works to create effective solutions through workshops. Recent initiatives have included organizing both in-person and online workshops focused on vessel and gear maintenance and a maturity staging workshop. The current committee membership can be found here.
