MRIP Access Point Angler Inntercept Survey

Sampler Guide to Answering
Questions about MRIP
Succinctly answer the “what” and “who” questions

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.

Without samplers, this
program does not work.
YOU collect the information
fueling the science required to
effectively manage fisheries.
When the opportunity presents
itself, you can help set the tone
for angler trust and engagement.
Please use this handout as a
guide for helping recreational
anglers bettter understand MRIP.

What are you doing?
I’m surveying fishermen for MRIP to help make sure we have an
accurate accounting of recreational fishing activity.
What is MRIP?
MRIP is a program that collects information about recreational
fishing activity for NOAA … the agency responsible for making sure
fishing is sustainable.
Who do you work for?
I work for (state agency), but we’re all part of a larger, national effort
called MRIP, the program for accurately counting recreational catch.

Refer anglers to handouts for “why” or “how” questions
Your job will remain focused on data collection, not outreach.
There are other people who can give complete, in-depth answers to
questions like:
• Why do you do surveys instead of talk to everyone?
• How, specifically, is this information used?
• Why haven’t I ever been sampled before?
You can answer:
That’s a great question and it’s important that you get a straight
answer. But I’m not the best person to do that. I’d love to give you this
card that has a bit more information that helps explain all this, and
a website, www.countmyfish.noaa.gov, where you can get lots more
information and hear directly from the people who run the program.

U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service