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?

On the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts from Maine to Louisiana, NOAA Fisheries works
in partnership with state agencies to gather recreational catch information through
the Access Point Angler Intercept Survey, or APAIS. The information we gather
through APAIS is combined with other data, such as commercial catch and biological
research, to enable scientists and managers to assess and maintain sustainable U.S.
fish stocks.

The Marine Recreational
Information Program, or
MRIP, is the state-regionalfederal partnership responsible
for developing, improving,
and implementing surveys
that measure how many trips
saltwater anglers take, and how
many fish they catch. This vital
information – combined with
other data, such as commercial
catch and biological research –
enables scientists and managers
to assess and maintain
sustainable U.S. fish stocks.

Who conducts the surveys and what do they do?

A team of trained field samplers conducts the angler catch surveys. States hire and
oversee their own field staff to conduct the survey. Samplers are assigned to specific
publicly accessible fishing sites during specific times of day. Their job is to interview
and count each angler coming in from a fishing trip, regardless of whether the
angler caught any fish. During an interview, samplers measure and weigh all landed
fish, and ask for the number and species of fish that were released. 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 interviews with recreational anglers, we conduct
a mandatory Large Pelagics Survey, or LPS, on the Atlantic Coast. This survey is
required 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?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Program:
Gordon Colvin (Contractor)
gordon.colvin@noaa.gov
(240) 357-4524
Outreach:
Dave Bard (Contractor)
david.bard@noaa.gov
(301) 427-8197

www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov

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 or check for licenses, registrations, or permits.
This maximizes 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 conducted the survey in the proper place and
time, and followed 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