Beyond the Data

Recreational fishing statistics are part of a much larger science and management system.  Estimates of recreational catch and effort are combined with catch data we collect from commercial fisheries, fisheries-independent data collected by scientists, and information about what’s going on in other parts of the world.  All these sources are all taken into account when fisheries scientists assess stocks and set catch limits and fisheries managers create regulations. These data allow us to constantly evaluate, and respond to, the ongoing health and sustainability of our fisheries.This is our general approach to surveying anglers for the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii and Puerto Rico fisheries.

 

How We Help
 MRIP’s role is to help reduce the two kinds of uncertainties fisheries managers must consider:  those inherent in the process of survey sampling and those that result from the time required to develop estimates.

  • Better methods we’ve implemented will make our estimates more accurate right out of the gate, improving the decision-making process.
  • Gathering more data by increasing the number of catch and effort samples will enhance the precision of our estimates.
  • As MRIP evolves, it may be possible to shorten the time it takes to make estimates, reducing the lag time between fishing activities and management decisions.

 

 

How Data are Used

 



  • Collecting Data

    By improving the way we gather information about how often you fish and what you're catching, we can produce better data to feed into the process.
    Recreational Reporting
    Commercial Reporting
    Scientific Observations
    Biological Factors

  • Assessing Status of Stocks

    Better angler-reported data – coupled with the other scientific research we conduct – helps produce more reliable information about the health of fisheries

  • Setting Catch Targets

    End goal: Fisheries remain sustainable and overfishing is prevented.

     

  • Making Regulations

    Better assessments based on better data yield regulations that are grounded in sound science and angler input.
    Councils and Commissions
    State and Federal Agencies
    Fishery Stakeholders