From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fisheries Service:

More than 80 representatives from government and the recreational fishing sector recently took an important step toward responding to past criticisms about how best to answer the key questions of who’s fishing, where they’re going, and what they’re catching. For the first time, this inter-disciplinary group met to work on the initial phase of designing an improved saltwater recreational fishing data collection program to eventually replace the existing Marine Recreational Fishing Statistics Surveys (MRFSS).

The director of corporate planning for fishing tackle manufacturer Shimano delivered the keynote address. His rousing remarks focused on his experience leading organizational change and the importance of good data in making informed management decisions.

The workshop’s real centerpiece was the interaction within and among five work groups. Experts from across the country applied their expertise and on-the-water experience to survey design, data analysis, data management and standards, for-hire, and highly migratory species. Each work group identified several priority projects aimed at addressing such issues as how best to count saltwater anglers, account for private access fishing, and provide more timely data while improving accuracy.

Information about the initiative to improve recreational fishing information is continually updated online at http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/mrii/index.html.

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