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?

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. This information, when combined
with other fisheries data, is critical in making fisheries management decisions.

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.noaa.gov

Who conducts the surveys and what do they do?

A team of trained field samplers conduct the angler catch surveys. Some states hire
and oversee their own field staff to conduct the MRIP angler catch survey; other
states work with our federal contractor to conduct the survey. 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
on-site observing “zero activity.” This is an important part of the job. Samplers
may also have to leave a site before all the fishing activity is completed to travel to
another site as part of that day’s assignment.

Why is there more than one sampler at the same site?

We conduct different surveys to gather catch data on different types of fish. In
addition to the angler catch survey that interviews recreational anglers, we conduct a
mandatory Large Pelagics Survey in the Northeast Region. This survey is mandatory
for captains with an LPS permit. There may be times when field samplers conduct
both surveys at the same fishing site. The surveys are part of a systematic 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 the specific
assignment period, and to weigh and measure all the fish observed. We do not
require any personal information, 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. Anglers may volunteer their name and a
phone number to verify that the field staff was conducting the survey in the proper
place and time, and following the appropriate procedures.

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