1. IMPROVING MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHING INFORMATION Gordon Colvin MAFAC July 2008 Update

2. 2 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

3. 3 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

4. 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) 2006200720092008 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

5. 5 ONGOING PROGRESS Research and Pilot Projects Addressing the technical recommendations related to survey design and data collection Leading to survey improvements

6. 6 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

7. 7 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

8. 8 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

9. 9 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

10. 10 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

11. 11 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

12. 12 National Saltwater Angler Registry A “phonebook” of saltwater anglers that improves survey efficiency and reduces bias ONGOING PROGRESS

13. 13 State license updates Proposed Rule –Guidance to states released June 11 th –Comment period open until August 11 th –Final Rule issued November 1 st Registry goes into effect January 2009 ANGLER REGISTRY

14. 14 Getting the Word Out Raising awareness about our efforts to improve recreational fishing data and the upcoming angler registry ONGOING PROGRESS

15. 15 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

16. 16 Program Implementation Strategy Document progress and update implementation next steps ONGOING PROGRESS

17. 17 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

18. 18 FUNDING $8.0 Million Current 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

19. 19 Please Stay Connected Visit us on the web at: www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov