NOAA Fisheries is pleased to share our 2024 priorities for saltwater recreational fishing data collection. These priorities support unique regional needs as well as stock assessments and sustainable fisheries management nationwide. This implementation plan guides the collaborative work of the state-regional-federal partnership that develops, improves, and implements a national network of recreational fishing surveys.
Regional teams composed of regional fisheries information networks, regional fishery management councils, interstate marine fisheries commissions, state partners, and NOAA Fisheries regional offices and science centers each developed their own regional data collection priorities, which are included in the implementation plan.
This plan underscores our continuous commitment to re-evaluate and update our large-scale surveys that produce recreational fishing catch and effort estimates, including conducting a comprehensive study to improve fishing trip estimates produced from the Fishing Effort Survey. In August 2023, we shared significant news based on a pilot study that our Fishing Effort Survey could be overestimating effort. Throughout 2024, are conducting a large-scale follow-up study on our Fishing Effort Survey to inform potential design modifications to improve respondent reporting accuracy and resulting effort estimates. In addition, we are completing an analysis of a Large Pelagics Survey redesign and draft guidance for partners regarding how to mitigate impacts to fisheries management caused by implementing improved surveys and updating the resulting historical catch and effort estimates.
With this plan as our guide, we will:
● Continue to prioritize support to our partners to assist them in meeting their unique recreational fishing regional data needs, including providing technical support and guidance, as well as funding for state-led surveys and other program initiatives
● Continue our efforts to certify state surveys on the West Coast; certified surveys are prioritized to receive program funding
● Collaborate with the Atlantic and Gulf Marine Fisheries Commissions to conduct trial survey implementation and estimate review workshops to strengthen the recreational fishing catch and effort estimate review process and improve coordination
● Continue conversations with key partners to obtain feedback on a renewed vision for the recreational fishing data collection partnership
We look forward to a productive 2024 with all of our partners.
