Saltwater Recreational Fishing Survey

OMB#: 0648-####
Exp. Date: ##/##/####

Saltwater Recreational Fishing Survey

Photo: Chesapeake Bay Program

Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Dave Bard

NOAA Fisheries is conducting this voluntary survey about saltwater
recreational fishing, recreational fisheries management, and fisheries
data collection. When answering these questions, please only focus
on saltwater recreational fishing and saltwater recreational fisheries
management and data collection. Saltwater refers to open ocean or any
portion of a bay, sound, or river that is saltwater or slightly salty, as is the
mixture of river water and seawater in estuaries.
This survey will help us better understand opinions and attitudes on
fisheries management and data collection, and how anglers gather
information on saltwater fishing issues.
Responses to this survey will be used to improve:
1. Our understanding of saltwater recreational anglers’ knowledge,
opinions, and beliefs on fisheries management and data collection.
2. How we communicate with saltwater recreational anglers.

Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission

The questions in this
survey are about
you and your
saltwater recreational
fishing activities,
knowledge, and opinions.

SECTION 1. Saltwater Recreational Fishing Habits

In this section, we ask about your saltwater recreational fishing habits and reasons for fishing.
1. During the past 12 months, how many days have you spent saltwater recreational fishing? (Please provide your best guess.)
Number of days (count partial days as full.)
2. Where do you go saltwater recreational fishing? (Check all that apply):
State waters
Federal waters
I am unsure whether I fish in state or federal waters.
3. When you go saltwater recreational fishing, how often do you fish from … (Select one choice for each fishing type.)
Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Always

the shore?
(The shore includes docks, bridges, causeways, beaches, banks,
or any other shore-based place where you saltwater fish.)
a for-hire boat?
(For-hire boats include charter and party/head boats.)
a private boat?
(A boat belonging to an individual or a boat that is rented
or leased by the operator.)
4. There are many different reasons people choose to go saltwater recreational fishing. How important are each of the following
reasons to you? (Select one choice for each statement.)
Neither
Not at all
Somewhat important nor Somewhat Extremely
I fish …
important unimportant unimportant important
important
to catch fish to eat.
to catch a record or trophy fish.
for the fun of catching fish.
for relaxation.
to get away.
for adventure and excitement.
to spend time with my family and/or friends.
to be with others who enjoy the same things I do.
to be close to nature.
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SECTION 2. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management and Data Collection

In this section, we ask about your understanding and opinions on saltwater recreational fisheries management and data collection. Fisheries
managers include representatives of NOAA Fisheries, state resource and fisheries agencies, and regional fishery management councils who
establish fishing regulations to adhere to scientifically established catch limits — Fisheries managers are NOT law enforcement agents.
5. How would you describe your knowledge of the saltwater recreational fishing regulations that apply to how you fish?
(Select one choice.)
Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

6. During the past three years, have you attended a state or federal fisheries management public meeting or contacted a
fisheries management or fisheries data collection agency to discuss fisheries issues?
Yes

No

7. Listed below are two statements regarding your knowledge and understanding of saltwater recreational fisheries
management, data collection, and data use. Please indicate your level of agreement with each statement.
(Select one choice for each statement.)
Neither
Strongly
Somewhat agree nor Somewhat
Strongly
disagree
disagree
disagree
agree
agree
I understand how fishery managers collect data on
saltwater recreational fishing catch and effort.
I understand how fishery managers use saltwater
recreational fishing catch and effort data to set fishing
rules and regulations.
Questions continue on the following page.

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8. Listed below is a series of statements regarding the effectiveness of fisheries management rules. Please indicate your level
of agreement with each statement. (Select one choice for each statement.)
Current saltwater recreational fisheries
management rules ...

Strongly
disagree

Somewhat
disagree

Neither
agree nor
disagree

Somewhat
agree

Strongly
agree

provide good opportunities to catch fish and protect fish
populations.
make certain that there will be good fishing opportunities
for future generations.
protect marine environments and biodiversity.
are easy to understand and follow.
are well enforced.
9. Listed below is a series of statements regarding the values, opinions, and goals of fisheries managers. Please indicate
your level of agreement with each statement. (Select one choice for each statement.)
With respect to saltwater recreational fisheries
management, I feel that fisheries managers …
share similar values to me.
share similar opinions to me.
think in a similar way as me.
take similar actions as I would.
share similar goals to me.
listen to angler concerns.
respond to angler concerns.
Questions continue on the following page.

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Strongly
disagree

Somewhat
disagree

Neither
agree nor
disagree

Somewhat
agree

Strongly
agree

10. Listed below is a series of statements regarding your trust in saltwater recreational fisheries managers. Please indicate
your level of agreement with each statement. (Select one choice for each statement.)
Strongly
disagree

I trust fisheries managers to …

Somewhat
disagree

Neither
agree nor
disagree

Somewhat
agree

Strongly
agree

collect accurate data on landings and fishing effort.
accurately estimate total landings and fishing effort.
accurately measure the size of fish stocks.
use the best available data and science when proposing and
implementing fisheries management rules and regulations.
manage fisheries in a way that ensures healthy fish
populations.
manage fisheries in a way that maximizes recreational
fishing opportunities.
11. Which focus area for saltwater recreational fisheries management is more important to you? (Select one for each choice.)

Current recreational fishing opportunities

OR

Future recreational fishing opportunities

Future recreational fishing opportunities

OR

Protecting marine ecosystems and fish populations

Protecting marine ecosystems and fish populations

OR

Current recreational fishing opportunities

Questions continue on the following page.

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SECTION 3. Your Sources for Saltwater Recreational Fishing Information

In this section, we ask about the sources you use to get information on saltwater recreational fishing issues.
12. How frequently do you use the following sources to gather information on saltwater recreational fishing (e.g., fishing
regulations, fishing techniques, fishing hot spots, fishing stories)? (Select one choice for each source.)
Never
Family members
Friends
Newspapers and fishing magazines
Federal agency fishing websites and regulation guides
State agency fishing websites and regulation guides
Fishing websites/blogs
Online fishing message boards
Fishing television and/or radio shows
Bait and tackle shops/stands
Recreational fishing organizations (newsletters/emails/meetings)
Environmental advocacy groups
Fishing guides/captains
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
Fishing social media (Fishbrain, Fishidy, GoFree Hooked, etc.)
Fishing rule apps (e.g., Fish Rules)
Questions continue on the following page.

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Rarely

Sometimes

Frequently

13. How much do you trust information about saltwater fishing regulations and data collection issues when it comes from the
following sources? Examples of issues include, but are not limited to:
• the health of fish populations that are important to you;
• the motivation and goals of fishery managers; and
• the accuracy of stock assessments and fisheries data collection efforts.
(Please circle your level of trust for each type of information source; 1 indicates no trust and 5 indicates complete trust. If you do
not use or are not familiar with an information source, please mark “Do not use.”)
No
trust

Complete
trust

Family members

1

2

3

4

5

Friends

1

2

3

4

5

Newspapers and fishing magazines

1

2

3

4

5

Federal agency fishing websites or meetings

1

2

3

4

5

State agency fishing websites or meetings

1

2

3

4

5

Fishing websites/blogs

1

2

3

4

5

Online fishing message boards

1

2

3

4

5

Fishing television and/or radio shows

1

2

3

4

5

Bait and tackle shops/stands

1

2

3

4

5

Recreational fishing organizations (newsletters/emails/meetings)

1

2

3

4

5

Environmental advocacy groups

1

2

3

4

5

Fishing guides /captains

1

2

3

4

5

Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)

1

2

3

4

5

Fishing social media (Fishbrain, Fishidy, GoFree Hooked, etc.)

1

2

3

4

5

Fishing rule apps (e.g., Fish Rules)

1

2

3

4

5

Do not
use

14. About how many other anglers (including family members, friends, members of fishing groups you belong to, etc.) do
you discuss saltwater recreational fishing (e.g., fishing techniques, fishing locations, fishing regulations, fisheries data
collection) with?
None

1-5

6-10

11-15

More than 15

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SECTION 4. About You

In this section, we ask questions about you to help us know more about saltwater recreational anglers. The information you provide will
remain strictly confidential and will not be associated with your personal identity.
15. Are you licensed to saltwater fish in more than one state?
Yes

No

12th grade or less

High school graduate or GED

16. What is your gender?
Male

20. What is the highest level of education you have
completed? (Please check one.)

Female

Associate or technical school degree
Bachelor’s degree

17. How old are you?

Advanced, professional, or doctoral
degree or coursework

Age in years

21. Which of the following categories best describes your
household’s total annual income before taxes in 2018?
(Please check one.)

18. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin?
(Please check one.)
Yes, of Hispanic origin

Less than $20,000

No, not of Hispanic origin

$20,000 - $39,999
$40,000 - $59,999

19. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.)
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White

$60,000 - $79,999
$80,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000 - $199,999
$200,000 or more

Other
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to Adam Rettig, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring,
Maryland 20910. This survey is voluntary. Information submitted will be treated as confidential in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply
with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number. NOAA Fisheries requires this information to enhance its communications and outreach activities. These data will be used to help
NOAA Fisheries more effectively engage with its audiences by identifying key influencers and information pathways, and identifying the areas of greatest
need and greatest opportunity for relationship-building.
######

Thank You

for completing this survey! We appreciate
your participation in this survey.
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Please mail back the completed survey in the postage paid
envelope that was provided with the survey to:
NOAA Fisheries, c/o ECS
2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 600, Fairfax, Virginia 22031