MP F14AF01279 INTERIM PERFORMANCE REPORT FISHERIES RESEARCH Submitted by THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RICHARD B. SEMAN, DLNR SECRETARY PERIOD COVERED: OCTOBER 1ST, 2014–SEPTEMBER 30ST, 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Fisheries Research Program Annual Report COMMENTS ................................................................................................. 4 RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................. 5 COST ESTIMATION AND RATIONALE ........................................................................ 6 Table 1 ................................................................................................. 7 INTERIM PERFORMANCE REPORT ............................................................................ 8 PROJECT 1 Administration .......................................................................... 8 PROJECT 2 Checklist of CNMI Fishes....................................................... 11 PROJECT 3 Monitoring and Assessment of Marine Sanctuaries .............. 15 PROJECT 4 Select Species Tagging Studies ............................................ 18 PROJECT 5 Evaluation of Management Measures ................................... 27 PROJECT 6 Comprehensive Inshore Creel Survey ................................... 30 PROJECT 7 Fish Life History Evaluation .................................................. 35 PROJECT 8 Technical Guidance .............................................................. 40 APPENDIX A PUBLICATIONS AND IN-HOUSE REPORTS .................................... 47 CNMI Fish Fact Sheet ........................................................... 48 Checklist of CNMI Fishes....................................................... 56 3 COMMENTS 1. During FY 2015 the Fisheries Research Section was tasked with performing ESA species presences surveys in project sites. These activities required substantial time and follow-up, including report writing that were required for Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) grant programs. Although progress was made to address these issues, they also took considerable time and effort and pulled from a limited operational budget. We are eagerly awaiting the results of the section 7 consultation as the FRS programs success is dependent on its authorization. 2. Significant events occurred during the fiscal year which hindered not only program activities but all activities in the CNMI. The 2015 fiscal year was a challenging year for the CNMI as a whole given that numerous typhoons passed relatively close to the islands. These storm events resulted in damages to the islands only fiber optic cable, which hindered communication with anyone outside the CNMI. The most recent storm, Typhoon Soudelor, devastated the island of Saipan leaving majority of the residents without power and water for 2-3 months. Typhoon Champi occurred one month after Typhoon Soudelor and slowed recovery efforts. 3. The FRS has been overwhelmed with vessel problems which have also prevented progress with certain in water activities. The 27’ fisheries vessel’s engines frequently break down. Repairs were made towards the beginning of the fiscal year, but other electrical and mechanical issues arose after the initial test run. In addition to the engine problems, there is a need to repair or entirely replace both the 27’ and 15’ vessel trailers. Continued delays in obtaining these trailers may result in catastrophic damage to the trailer and vessel. 4. During the first and third quarters of the year we lost key Inshore Creel staff, which hampered creel activities. The Division has been actively recruiting for these positions with the intention of having new technicians by the second quarter of FY16. 5. FRS Staff participation in the NOAA PIFSC research expedition to conduct Soft- bottom and Midwater Ecosystem Surveys throughout the CNMI was not possible due to program restrictions. Survey results will be obtained through communications with the principle investigator. 6. Significant progress has been made in the expenditure and tracking of DJ FRS grants. Changes in purchase request protocols have streamlined interoffice routing of documents. The administrative staff have been working diligently to process and route purchase orders and contracts. However, recent changes in project accounting requirements have increased paper work for the administrative section as well as FRS. Having multiple accounts to manage makes it more difficult to procure items that would generally be used for FRS program as a whole. 4 7. Several amendments to the SFR Proposal were needed in order for the FRS to address changes in equipment and building needs. Towards the end of fiscal year 2015, a request was made to extend and increase costs in the grant. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. At the end of the 2015 fiscal year, the Fisheries Supervisor position was vacated. The fisheries supervisor position needs to be more competitive within the region. The Division should look into avenues to improve recruitment of personnel for this position. A comparison of similar positions should be made, and adjustment should be made accordingly. Salary may need to be increased to interest qualified applicants to the position. 2. The Fisheries Research Section should be provided with basic work environment training. Although some training opportunities were made available for professional and technical staff enhancement, little focus was made on workplace trainings. Workshops on substance abuse and prevention, corruption, sexual harassment, and workplace sensitivity will significantly improve staff understanding and etiquette in the office. 3. Fisheries staff education should be a priority. Professional and technical staff should be supported when working toward improving their education. Funding opportunities are available to pay for their tuition, and current programs are flexible for taking courses off-campus, such as over the internet. Overall the educational advancement of FRS staff strengthens our Division and provides high-quality research results that fulfill our obligations to Sport Fish Restoration. 4. The section 7 review process has significantly hampered progress in FRS projects. The Division should explore avenues to improve this review process so as to minimize delays in program activities. 5. The FRS is well-staffed, but it lacks some basic equipment. There is a need for repairs and replacement of current equipment and the building in order for the FRS to be a more effective section. This will help provide a safer work environment. Equipment and upkeep in need includes purchasing basic instruments to measure water quality and to assess benthic habitat structure and quality, upgrade of computer systems (biological staff are currently using Windows XP), replacement of trailers for the large and small whalers, repair of termite damage to the warehouse flooring (2nd floor), rewiring of the warehouse electrical system, and increase warehouse security by replacing several doors. 5 COST ESTIMATION AND RATIONALE SALARIES 1. The numbers of employees funded under the Dingell-Johnson Sportfish Restoration Act Grant were determined per Notifications of Personnel Action (NOPA). 2. The number of hours each DJ-funded employee allocated to each DJ-funded ‘job’ over the course of the fiscal year was tallied from the employees’ Daily Activity Records (DAR). The DAR is an unofficial record employees must fill out at the end of a pay- period in order to receive their salary. It includes any and all activities an employee participated in over the pay-period, including any sick leave, annual leave, holiday leave, etc. 3. The DFW Administrative Section provided personnel cost per Job breakdowns. COSTS Operations, Capital Items and Contracts Object Code costs were obtained from the Department of Finance. These costs were then assigned to a specific Job based upon the identification of the JOB to be charged during the initial purchase request process. Travel All travel costs were obtained from the Department of Finance. Travel costs were attributed directly to the project/job they were accomplished under. 6 Table 1. Estimated Actual costs of the DFW FRS per project versus the costs “Expected” for each DFW Sportfish Restoration Act Grant funded ‘Job’ for Fiscal-Year 2015. Expected Costs Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Project 4 Project 5 Wages/Salaries $2,258 $14,791.30 $20,664.86 $50,068.19 $17,455.64 Fringe Benefits $26,953.45 $3,121.78 $4,894.48 $11,696.12 $5,192.25 Travel $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Operating Costs $38,762.13 $500.00 $1,500.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 Capital Equipment $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Indirect Costs (3%) $2,039.22 $552.39 $811.78 $1,912.93 $709.44 Job Total $70,013.20 $18,965.47 $27,871.12 $65,677.24 $24,357.33 Project 6 Project 7 Project 8 Totals Wages/Salaries $89,096.92 $51,509.88 $31,930.58 $277,775.77 Fringe Benefits $24,348.05 $10,441.74 $9,757.13 $96,405.00 Travel $2,500.00 $ - $1.00 $2,501.00 Operating Costs $15,000.00 $3,500.00 $500.00 $62,762.13 Capital Equipment $ - $ - $ - $0.00 Indirect Costs (3%) $3,928.35 $1,963.55 $1,265.66 $13,183.32 Job Total $134,873.32 $67,415.17 $43,454.37 $452,627.22 Actual Costs Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Project 4 Project 5 Wages/Salaries $4,198.27 $14,869.42 $21,019.32 $49,406.88 $16,539.25 Fringe Benefits $28,990.43 $3,478.28 $4,451.34 $8,206.82 $3,623.80 Travel $4,106.19 $ - $ - $ - $ - Operating Costs $16,290.32 $227.65 $894.08 $971.05 $0.00 Capital Equipment