(1) ADF&G information sources were necessary because the NMFS-RAM Registered Buyers file lacks precise characterization of buying operations, especially catcher/sellers and catcher/processors. For example, registered buyers are allowed to indicate several processor types on their permit form, but the corresponding electronic data entry form contains space for only one processor type; therefore, data entry personnel must make a choice on which processor type is entered. Consequently, there were numerous operations which were labeled as catcher/sellers (catchers who sell unprocessed fish) on the NMFS-RAM system, but which were classified as catcher/processors on the ADF&G system. Since the ADF&G system has a more strict methodology of assigning processor type, and since several of the entities classified as "catcher sellers" by NMFS-RAM had harvests exceeding 300,000 pounds, it was deemed prudent to use the ADF&G data to identify catcher/processors. State processor codes from fish ticket data were also used to augment the NMFS-RAM Registered Buyers file. Most processors on the NMFS-RAM Registered Buyers file have been assigned state processor codes; however, individuals sometimes do not list their state processor codes when they fill out their Registered Buyers permit forms. When state processor codes were missing from the NMFS-RAM Registered Buyers file, it was possible to find state processor codes for some of the registered buyers by linking specific fish tickets with NMFS-RAM IFQ harvest data by pre-printed fish ticket number. The final step in this procedure was to hand review the names and addresses and harvest amounts of each processor within each category.

(2) There is no requirement under the sablefish IFQ program for a person with freezer vessel QS to freeze (process) the person's sablefish harvest. In some cases, freezer vessel catch was landed unfrozen to a floating processor or shore-based processor using freezer vessel IFQ. In Table 16-1, this catch if often counted as catcher vessel catch if the vessel was not otherwise identified as a catcher processor. In Table 16-2 the catch was assigned to freezer-processor vessels based upon the type of QS/IFQ used. Thus the catcher vessel catch in Table 16-2 is slightly different than that reported in Table 16-1.