MRIP Access Point Angler Inntercept Survey

Marine Recreational Information Program

MRIP Angler Catch Surveys
Information for Marinas and For-Hire Operators
Why are my customers getting interviewed on the dock?

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.

Questions or concerns?
Please contact Forbes Darby
at (301) 427-8528 or
forbes.darby@noaa.gov.
www.countmyfish.gov

MRIP gathers catch information from anglers by conducting angler catch
surveys at recreational fishing sites. These 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 fisheries
management decisions.

Who conducts the surveys and what do they do?

A team of trained field samplers conduct the angler 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. Samplers are aassigned 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 on-site observing “zero activity.” This is an important
part of the job.

Why do they look at different fish on different days?

We conduct different surveys to gather catch data on different types of
fish. So it may be that one day your customers are asked about common
recreational species, and on another the sampler is only interested in large
pelagics. This is part of a systemic program to ensure that we’re gathering the
right information for the right purpose.

Do interviewers 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.

Am I or my customers required to cooperate?

No. However, we strongly encourage you to do so, and ask that you urge
your customers to participate as well. Getting accurate information from
these surveys is key to ensuring that fishing regulations are fair, effective, and
capable of safeguarding the sustainability of recreational fishing – now, and
for generations to come.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service