MRIP Access Point Angler Inntercept Survey

Better

Data,
Better

Fishing

You make it possible
What is MRIP?

The Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP,
is the state-regional-federal partnership responsible for
estimating how many trips saltwater anglers take, and how
many fish they catch.

How do the catch surveys work?
• Interviewers are stationed at docks and shoreline
fishing areas to collect information about your catch.
• The data you provide to shoreside samplers helps
shape science and management decisions that directly
impact you.

Who conducts the surveys?
Specially trained samplers working for the state marine
fisheries agency where you’ve been fishing conduct the
surveys. Using state-based samplers helps us all work more
effectively toward our shared goals of ensuring sustainable
fisheries and quality recreational fishing opportunities.

What happens with my information?
• All information gathered is strictly confidential.
• No information will be used for law enforcement.
• Information provided will help ensure the future of fish
we all care about.

How does recreational fishing add up?
Over 10.4 million U.S. saltwater recreational
anglers take nearly 68 million fishing trips each
year. More than half of them happen on the
Atlantic Coast.

Atlantic Coast
Proportion of U.S.
Trips and Catch

57%
of trips

55%
of catch

Source: NOAA Fisheries. 2014 data.
Includes East Coast of Florida.

Learn More. Go Fish.

CountMyFish.NOAA.gov

Sustainable Fishing
Starts with YOU!
Information you share helps ensure sustainable
fisheries today­—and for generations to come.

Here’s how:
Your fishing activity is counted through
surveys conducted among thousands of
recreational anglers.

This is combined with
other data, such as
commercial catch,
biological factors like
age and growth rates,
and direct observation.

The process continues
as we constantly
assess, and respond
to, the ongoing health
and sustainability of
our fisheries.

Scientists consider
all these factors
to determine
the health of our
fisheries.

Managers work with
fishermen and other
involved citizens to
set rules that keep
stocks sustainable.

They send their evaluations to the Councils and
Commissions that manage our fisheries.

Learn more. Get involved.
CountMyFish.NOAA.gov