Organization
Groups of experts from both inside and outside of government have been convened to deal with distinct aspects of the Marine Recreational Information Program initiative. Groups are tasked in these focus areas: Data Management and Standards, Design and Analysis, For-Hire Fisheries, Highly Migratory Species, National Saltwater Angler Registry, and Communications and Education. This approach promotes a survey redesign process that is inclusive and transparent.
Click here for an organizational chart.
EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE
The Executive Steering Committee is made up of the chairs of the interstate fisheries commissions, prominent members of the fishery management councils, and representatives of NOAA Fisheries. This state-federal group is the initiative’s decision-making body.
OPERATIONS TEAM
The Operations Team oversees the day-to-day work of the expert work groups and reports directly to the Executive Steering Committee.
NATIONAL SALTWATER ANGLER REGISTRY TEAM
The Angler Registry team is in charge of creating a national “phonebook” of anglers to ensure that saltwater anglers are accurately accounted for.
COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION TEAM
The Communications and Education team carries out strategic communications to ensure partners and constituents are engaged in the redesign process and kept well informed and apprised of the initiative’s progress.
DATA MANAGEMENT AND STANDARDS WORK GROUP
The Data Management and Standards group is charged with developing a common set of minimum data elements, setting national and regional standards for coding systems, and improving coordination between federal, state, and regional survey programs.
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS WORK GROUP
The Design and Analysis group is taking the lead to develop and test new data collection methodologies. This includes testing assumptions, determining appropriate methodological changes to reduce bias in the estimates, and assessing sample sizes and survey approaches needed to provide the levels of resolution required by managers and scientists.
FOR-HIRE WORK GROUP
The For-Hire group is responsible for enhancing the accuracy, timeliness, and accountability of data and statistics obtained from the for-hire sector.
HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES WORK GROUP
The Highly Migratory Species group is charged with refining and enhancing data collections programs that targeting HMS anglers.