Recreational Fishing Data

NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program works with state and regional partners to implement a national network of recreational fishing surveys. We use data collected from anglers and for-hire operators to estimate the number of fish anglers catch and the number of trips they take. These recreational catch and effort estimates help scientists and managers assess and maintain sustainable fish stocks.

How We Collect Data

From in-person interviews to electronic reporting, different methods of data collection help us gather information from anglers and for-hire operators.

Learn how we sample the recreational fishing community 

Our Network of Recreational Fishing Surveys

Unique regions have unique fisheries, fishing communities, and preferred methods of collecting recreational fishing data. For this reason, our methods of data collection are regionally specific. We administer general surveys, which provide annual catch estimates for all species encountered, and specialized surveys, which collect data for select fisheries or during select fishing seasons. Pairing general surveys—such as the Access Point Angler Intercept Survey, Fishing Effort Survey, and For-Hire Survey—with specialized surveys—such as the Large Pelagics Survey—allows us to develop more comprehensive recreational catch estimates.

Learn about our recreational fishing surveys

NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program provides open access to the information needed to understand the recreational fishing data that inform science and management decisions and the way these data were produced.

Survey Statistics

The exact number and species of finfish caught by marine recreational anglers is impossible to determine, because one complete marine recreational fishing census is impossible to administer or verify. But we can be confident in our recreational catch estimates because they are derived from sound survey methods that have been developed, tested, and independently reviewed by experts in statistical survey design. Sampling populations, weighting sampled units, and accounting for errors, outliers, and uncertainty are important steps in our work to estimate recreational catch.

Learn the fundamentals of survey statistics 

Estimation Methods

At its core, estimating total recreational catch involves multiplying catch rate, or the average number of fish caught per angler trip, by effort, or the total number of fishing trips taken. But each step of our estimation process also involves statistical weighting, which ensures important aspects of our sample design—like the fact that some fishing sites are more likely to be selected as a sample location or some anglers are more likely to participate in a fishing survey—are correctly reflected in our final estimates.

Learn the fundamentals of weighted estimation

Calibration

Stock assessors and fisheries managers base their work on continuous, uninterrupted time series of fisheries statistics. The implementation of new recreational fishing surveys or the modification of existing survey designs can disrupt this time series, producing new estimates that aren't directly comparable to legacy estimates. Calibration is a statistical process that accounts for the sources of variation that can drive the differences between two data sets. While there is no "one size fits all" calibration method, the purpose of calibration is always the same: to allow estimates from one survey design to be expressed in the units, or "currency," of another.

Learn how NOAA Fisheries has used calibration to transition to new survey designs

NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program provides open access to the data collected by its recreational fishing surveys and the calculated statistical values produced from this information.

Data Queries, Downloads, and Updates

There are several ways to access our recreational fishing data. You can use the MRIP Query Tool to filter data by time series, geographic area, species, mode, and other characteristics, or download public-use datasets and perform your own custom analyses.

Query the data

Download the data

Learn about data availability, data review, and data use considerations

Our Data’s Role in Fisheries Management

Our recreational catch estimates are combined with commercial catch data, biological research, and information gathered from direct observations of fisheries to help scientists assess fish stocks. Stock assessments produce reports that help fisheries managers set rules and regulations to protect the sustainability of stocks now and for generations to come.

Learn about fisheries management and MRIP

NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program is committed to using the best available science to produce its recreational fisheries statistics.

Survey Design Certification

To ensure our fisheries statistics are derived from scientifically sound methods, we’ve established a comprehensive and collaborative survey design certification process. To earn certification, survey designs and estimation methods must meet a shared set of standards and undergo peer review. For new surveys to inform stock assessments, survey sponsors must work with the MRIP Transition Team to describe how historical estimates will be placed into the “currency” of new or improved certified survey designs.

Learn about our certification and transition policies and procedures

Survey and Data Standards

To promote data quality, consistency, and comparability across our recreational fishing surveys, we’ve established seven Survey and Data Standards. These standards reflect best practices currently in place at the National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and other federal agencies, as well as statistical survey standards and guidelines published by the Office of Management and Budget. Ultimately, the standards will further ensure the integrity of our data collection efforts, the quality of our recreational fisheries statistics, and the strength of science-based management decisions.

Learn about our survey and data standards

Ongoing Research

Funding and conducting research to review and improve recreational fishing data collection allows us to keep pace with emerging science and information needs while producing the high-quality data that support science and management.

Learn about our research