PRIORITY PROJECTS

In January 2008, NOAA Fisheries provided funding to support 16 projects that enhance the nationwide saltwater recreational fishing data collection and analysis program. Over the next several years, these projects will be led by expert work groups tasked with improving various aspects of the program, which relies on angler catch and effort surveys as a main source of data.

Providing direction to the groups is the 2006 National Research Council independent scientific report entitled “Review of Recreational Fisheries Survey Methods” that identified more than 200 possible improvements to existing angler surveys. Those recommendations were carefully evaluated by the groups to determine priority focus areas. Projects will improve the surveys by expanding the sampling pool and reducing potential bias; improving and expanding counting methods for released fish, certain types of fishing, and non-licensed anglers; developing standards across states and regions to make data more comparable; and creating new counting methods related to highly migratory fisheries of special concern.