IMPROVING MARINERECREATIONAL FISHING

INFORMATION

Gordon ColvinMAFACJuly 2008

Update

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Build a new program to improve the collection, analysis, and

use of recreational data

WHAT’S THE ISSUE? Ever greater demands for more timely and accurate angler data.

THE INITIATIVE

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Partnership of public and

private organizations

Designing new angler survey program that will be phased in over the next several years

MARINE RECREATIONAL INFORMATION PROGRAM

Organizational structure, work groups, and decision-making process created

Scientific recommendations and Congressional mandates issued

Research needs and priorities identified

Research and pilot projects begin

Progress report submitted to Congress

Draft implementation strategy released for public comment and review

Implement results from research projects… phasing in new Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP)

2006 2007 20092008

INITIATIVE TIMELINE

Current Angler Survey

Program

Improved Angler Survey

Program

Proposed Rule on angler registry released

National Saltwater Angler Registry goes into effect

2010

Second round of research and pilot projects begin

2011

NOAA can start charging fee for angler registry

Proposed Rule public comment period ends

Final Rule on angler registry issued

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ONGOING PROGRESS

Research and Pilot ProjectsAddressing the technical recommendations

related to survey design and data collection

Leading to survey improvements

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Data Management and Standards

• Developed Metadata Tool– Document objectives, survey design,

coverage, data collection protocols, database elements and formats, etc.

– Information for all “accepted” data collection programs will be entered by July 1, 2008

• Develop Minimum Data Elements and Standards– Will submit report recommending minimum

data elements and data standards Fall, 2008

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Design and Analysis Work Group

• Secured Statistical Consultant Support for all Projects• Sampling and Estimation

– Conducted project team meeting with consultants June 2-3 to assess current sampling and estimation procedures

– Received report from consultants describing resolutions to mismatches between sampling and estimation procedures

– Will provide report recommending changes to sampling and/or estimation designs to OT December, 2008

• Discarded Catch– Conducted conference calls with statistical consultant to

discuss alternative data collection methodologies

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Design and Analysis Work Group

• Survey Coverage (Private Access and Night Fishing)– Completed preliminary analyses describing extent of private-

access and night fishing– Conducted project team meeting with statistical consultants June

2-3 to review analyses and discuss alternative data collection methods

– Follow-up meeting scheduled for early July to further develop alternative methodology and start planning pilot studies

• Angler License-Frame Surveys– Assembled documentation for current programs that use license

databases as sampling frames– Conducted project team meeting with consultants June 24-25 to

assess current methodologies– Will provide report recommending improvements to OT Fall,

2008

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Consultant Support• DAWG

– License Surveys• Michael Brick – Westat• Lynn Stokes – Southern Methodist University (NRC Panel)

– Discarded Catch• Ken Pollock – North Carolina State University (NRC Panel)

– Sampling and Estimation• Jay Breidt – Colorado State University (NRC Panel)• Jean Opsomer – Colorado State University

– Survey Coverage• Virginia Lesser – Oregon State University• John Skalski – University of Washington

• FHWG– Review of For-Hire Data Collection Methods

• Steve Holland – University of Florida• Jim Chromy – RTI International• Ray Webster – International Pacific Halibut Commission

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For-Hire Work Group

• Assembling Documentation for Existing For-Hire Data Collection Programs

• Secured Consultant Support to Conduct Review of For-Hire Data Collection Methodologies

• Meeting with Consultants August, 2008 to Present Methodologies and Begin Review Process

• Will Submit Report Recommending Preferred Regional Approaches for For-Hire Data Collection Methods Fall, 2008

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HMS Work Group

• Developed and Initiated Pilot For-Hire and Private Boat HMS Data Collection Methodologies in Florida

• Conducted Project Team Meeting to Begin Planning for HMS Data Collection in Caribbean

• Procured Contractor Support to Conduct HMS Characterization Study in South Atlantic – Data Collection to Begin in August/September, 2008

• Developed and Initiated Study to Collect Catch and Effort Data from HMS Tournament Organizers

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National Saltwater Angler Registry

A “phonebook” of saltwater anglers that improves survey efficiency and

reduces bias

ONGOING PROGRESS

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• State license updates

• Proposed Rule– Guidance to states released June 11th – Comment period open until August 11th

– Final Rule issued November 1st

• Registry goes into effect January 2009

ANGLER REGISTRY

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Getting the Word Out

Raising awareness about our efforts to improve recreational fishing data and the

upcoming angler registry

ONGOING PROGRESS

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GETTING THE WORD OUT

• Face-to-face Meetings with Partners• Monthly Newscast E-newsletter• MRIP in the News

– New York Times, Boston Globe, Honolulu Advertiser, and more

• New Website– www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov

• Contractor Support

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Program Implementation Strategy

Document progress and update implementation next steps

ONGOING PROGRESS

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

Document Outline • Background: current programs; NRC review; MSA requirements; Denver workshop• MRIP: governance; Development Plan • Program Strategy: regional approach; process for identifying and implementing improvements; phase-in and timeline• Project Updates• Future Project Recommendations

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FUNDING

$8.0 MillionCurrent Recreational Data Collection

Program budget

$1.7 Million – FY07 MRIP funding (new)

$3.5 Million – FY08 MRIP funding (new)

$3.0 Million – FY09 President’s Request

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Please Stay Connected

Visit us on the web at:

www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov