oceanographic (physical, chemical, and geological) information, and biological data (planktonic and benthic) are identified as data needed to support management decisions. In addition, for both recreational and commercial fishing, effort by gear type over time and space are necessary for both target fisheries and bycatch. The change in fishing effort due to fisheries closures also can be mapped and provide information on the effect of this effort near boundaries. These mapscan identify before and after fishing efforts related to closures and provide managers with some of the information needed for effectively meeting the Magnuson-Stevens Act.