What's new with MRIP?

The Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP, is an ongoing data collection and reporting effort that replaces the MRFSS program that began in the 1970s. MRIP was initiated in 2007 by NOAA Fisheries and a broad collection of scientists, managers, fishermen and others with a stake in sustainable, abundant ocean resources.

Toward More Trusted Information

Simply put, MRIP is about generating better estimates of anglers’ catch and effort. Better data allows for more informed decision-making which in turn will help us preserve and enhance our country’s strong tradition of recreational saltwater fishing.

Our Approach

Our approach is measured and deliberate, with each improvement we recommend built on exhaustive testing and independent peer review that reflects our strong culture of science. At the same time, MRIP has remained committed to a transparent, cooperative and collaborative approach reflecting the desire and expectation of partners, customers and stakeholders to be included in every part of the process.

The efforts of the MRIP teams are outlined in each year’s Implementation Plan. They focus on reducing potential bias and increasing the accuracy, timeliness and spatial and temporal resolution of recreational catch and effort estimates. These priorities are a reflection both of the diverse makeup of the MRIP team and of the pressing scientific needs of our time.

We are also building greater confidence in the estimates by involving fishermen and others in every step of the process. Scientists, managers, and fishermen are working hand-in-hand on everything from designing pilot studies to evaluating results to implementing new methods in the field.

MRIP provides in-depth, open access to both our process and data so scientists and non-scientists alike can see for themselves what we’re doing, why we’re doing in, and help guide our course.

Looking Forward

Our work is ongoing. The MRIP teams have achieved a series of significant milestones that have both corrected shortcomings of previous recreational data programs and laid the foundation for further enhancements to come. We continue looking for ways to improve our surveys and service to you.

 

MRIP is challenging the way we've done things in the past through rigorous scientific testing and evaluation of our methods.

WHAT WE’RE TESTING

WHAT WE’VE DONE IN THE PAST

WHAT WE’RE EVALUATING FOR THE FUTURE

How phone surveys are conducted.

Phone surveys were conducted using random-digit dialing of coastal households only. Lots of calls were made to non-anglers, and we never called anglers who don’t live on the coast.

We're testing how to best use contact information from sources like state saltwater fishing licenses and registrations, the National Saltwater Angler Registry, and Post Office databases to reach anglers more effectively. We're also evaluating alternatives to phone surveys to reach fishermen.

Timeliness of data.

All data has been delivered to managers every two months.

We are developing survey designs that could be modified to provide more frequent updates in response to management needs.

How we measure catch per trip.

We assumed that catch sampled during peak times could accurately estimate catch across an entire 24-hour period.

We will sample sites during four specified six-hour blocks. Sampling during both peak and non-peak times will enable us to more accurately estimate catch across a whole day.

How samplers gather information.

Samplers had some discretion in which sites to go to and in what order.

Samplers will conduct interviews at a specific cluster of sites in a specific randomized order, ensuring more structured sampling and less sampler discretion.

Where samplers interview.

Samplers were directed to maximize the number of angler interviews, potentially creating a bias toward peak times and popular areas.

Samplers will now be directed to maximize the number of sites visited – including continuing to visit sites where there is no or low fishing activity – to ensure a more representative look at fishing activity across a geographic area.

When samplers conduct interviews.

Little or no sampling was done late at night.

Samplers will now work during all day parts, including at night, because the number of people fishing and what they’re catching can vary greatly during different times of the day.