This dataset includes qualitative interview data aggregated and entered into an excel csv file. We conducted 28 semi-structured interviews with Hawai‘i-based fishing captains, vessel owner-operators, and owners between September 5th and December 12th, 2015 in order to assess the industry perspectives of the 2015 WCPFC closure. Fishers were interviewed in their primary languages (English, Vietnamese, and Korean) and translated into english. We used purposive sampling to capture a cross-section of the industry. Purposive sampling was used since the goal was to gather data from certain cross sections, subpopulations or groups that meet specific criteria (Maxwell, 1998). In this case, our cross-section included dual permitted vessels – those operated with both Hawai‘i-based and American Samoa longline permits – that were able to fish in the WCPFC Area during the closure (5 interviews with individuals in charge of a total 17 vessels), vessels under 24 meters actively fishing in the IATTC Area (11 interviews with individuals in charge of 17 vessels), fishers that chose not fish in the IATTC Area (3 interviews, 3 vessels total), captains or owners of vessels larger than 24 meters that were too large to fish in the IATTC Area when it was closed to them by quota and regulations (7 individuals in charge of a total of 8 vessels), and knowledgeable crew members (2). Fishers were asked about their key concerns related to the regulatory closure, how the closure had impacted them, and what their outlook was for the rest of the year. Interview notes were iteratively coded and categorized noting patterns or themes in the data (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Interview quotes were first coded based upon very specific themes or ideas (N=264), then later organized into larger categories (N=10), and finally, into the general categories: issues, impacts, and solutions (N=3).

Between March 2001 and January 2002, available Hawaii pelagic longline vessel owners and/or operators were interviewed at Kewalo Basin and Honolulu Harbor to obtain cost and revenue information to support a cost-earnings analysis of this fleet. Any permitted Hawaii longline vessel that fished in 2000 and was in port during the interview period was approached. Survey questions focused on variable costs (costs incurred when the vessel actively fished) and fixed costs (costs incurred regardless of the number of trips the vessel took) as well as vessel characteristics, demographics, fishermen's comments, and the economic effects of recent management changes because of protected species issues. Operational and vessel costs were collected by personal interview with vessel owners, captains and crew. Revenue information was obtained from the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources commercial catch reports. In additon, commercial fishing industry members were also interviewed and provided pertinent ancillary information on the longline fleet. J. M. O'Malley and S.G. Pooley conducted this data collection.

Between March 2001 and January 2002, available Hawaii pelagic longline vessel owners and/or operators were interviewed at Kewalo Basin and Honolulu Harbor to obtain cost and revenue information to support a cost-earnings analysis of this fleet. Any permitted Hawaii longline vessel that fished in 2000 and was in port during the interview period was approached. Survey questions focused on variable costs (costs incurred when the vessel actively fished) and fixed costs (costs incurred regardless of the number of trips the vessel took) as well as vessel characteristics, demographics, fishermen's comments, and the economic effects of recent management changes because of protected species issues. Operational and vessel costs were collected by personal interview with vessel owners, captains and crew. Revenue information was obtained from the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources commercial catch reports. In additon, commercial fishing industry members were also interviewed and provided pertinent ancillary information on the longline fleet. J. M. O'Malley and S.G. Pooley conducted this data collection.

The data collection project assessed the economic performance of Hawaii-based longline vessels that made trips in 2005. Operational and vessel costs were collected by personal interviews with vessel owners, captains, and crew. Revenue information was generated from the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources dealer reports and NMFS logbooks (landings and fishing efforts). The project estimated the cost-earnings for each individual longline vessels. Cost-earnings data were also available for different vessel groups defined by species targeted (tuna-targeting only and tuna/swordfish-targeting). The project received a high response rate, obtaining data for 98 of the 125 active vessels in the fishery. Minling Pan was the Principle Investigator of this project.

This is a time-series dataset of trip expenditure data for the Hawaii-based longline fleet for the period August 2004 to present. The data collection includes 10 variable cost items commonly associated with Hawaii longline trips (not including labor costs). These cost items are: unit price, quantity used, and total cost estimates of diesel fuel, engine oil, bait, ice, swordfish certificates (shallow-set only), and lightsticks (shallow-set only); and total cost estimates for gear, provisions, and communications. Additional information about the operator and crew are also included. These data are collected on a routine basis through a collaboration between the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Economics Program and the Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) Observer Program. The economic data collection program intends to collect data from all observed trips. Currently, observer coverage rates in Hawaii based pelagic longline vessels are 100% of shallow sets that target swordfish and 20% of deep sets that target tuna. Since the economic data collection project was implemented in August 2004, economic data have been collected for over 1,900 longline fishing trips. Minling Pan is the lead for this project.

This data set contains the logbook data of U.S. longline vessels based in Hawaii from 1990 to the present that fish in the central Pacific (120 deg W - 170 deg E and 50 deg N - 20 deg S). Tunas (Thunnus spp.) are the dominant species of the longline catch. Swordfish and blue shark were also numerous in the longline catch prior to April 2001. In addition, there are approximately 10 to 15 other Pelagic Management Unit Species (PMUS). Since April 2001, there have been numerous regulation changes that affect the catch and effort and fishing area of the fleet; the point of contact should be contacted for more information.

The data collection project assessed the economic performance of Hawaii-based longline vessels that made trips in 2012. Operational and vessel costs were collected by personal interviews with vessel owners, captains, and crew. Revenue information was generated from the Hawaii Department of Aquatic Resources dealer reports and NMFS logbooks (landings and fishing efforts). The project estimated the cost-earnings for each individual longline vessels. Cost-earnings data were also available for different vessel groups defined by species targeted (tuna-targeting only and tuna/swordfish-targeting).

These data represent a cost-earnings study of the Hawaii small boat fishery in 1995-1996. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics.

These data represent a cost-earnings study of the Hawaii small boat fishery in 2007-2008. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics.

The data collection project assessed the economic performance of American Samoa-based longline vessels that made trips in 2009. Operational and vessel costs were collected by personal interviews with vessel owners, captains, and crew. The project estimated the cost-earnings for each individual longline vessel.