MRIP Access Point Angler Inntercept Survey

Marine Recreational Information Program

MRIP Angler Catch Surveys
Information for Law Enforcement
What We Do

The Marine Recreational
Information Program
(MRIP) is the new way
NOAA Fisheries is counting
recreational catch.
MRIP is about:
• Getting better numbers
through better science and
statistics.
• Building greater confidence
by involving anglers and
others in every step of the
process.
• Providing in-depth, open
access so people can see
for themselves what we’re
doing, why we’re doing it,
and help guide our course.

MRIP gathers catch information from anglers by conducting angler catch
surveys at recreational fishing sites. Our samplers are assigned to a specific site
during a specific time of day. Their job is to count and interview all anglers
at each site and measure and weigh all catch. Because it is important that we
survey ALL potential fishing sites, there may be times when a sampler is onsite observing “zero activity.” This is an important part of the job.

Why We Conduct Dockside Surveys

Our voluntary surveys are conducted to gather accurate information about
what anglers are catching, which is vital for producing scientifically sound
recreational fishing estimates. These data, when combined with other fisheries
information, form the basis for the fishing regulations you enforce.

Who Conducts Dockside Surveys

A team of trained field samplers conduct the anger catch surveys. States either
manage their own survey programs, which puts them in charge of hiring and
overseeing their field samplers, or work with our federal contractor on behalf
of NOAA Fisheries.

Do Samplers Report Fishing Regulation Violations?

No. A sampler’s ONLY job is to count and interview all anglers during
their specific assignment period, and to weigh and measure all the fish they
observe. We do not collect any personal information from the angler being
sampled, nor check for licenses, registrations or permits. This is to maximize
compliance with our voluntary survey to ensure we’re collecting the most
accurate information possible.

How We Can Work Together
Questions or concerns? Please
contact Forbes Darby at
(301) 427-8528 or
forbes.darby@noaa.gov.

While we understand that our role as data collectors and your role as law
enforcement are very different, they can often appear similar to anglers at
fishing sites. In an effort to avoid confusion, we have encouraged our samplers
to explain they are not members of law enforcement when asked by anglers.
We have also asked our field samplers to let you know when sampling is going
to take place at a given site, so that our samplers can work with you to decide
how to best work alongside one another.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service