Recreational Fishing Data Recreational Fishing Data

NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program is the state-regional-federal partnership that develops, improves, and implements a national network of surveys to measure how many fish anglers catch and how many trips they take. The data we collect help scientists and managers assess and maintain sustainable fish stocks.

The Marine Recreational Information Program operates as a partnership. NOAA Fisheries maintains a central role in developing survey and estimation methods, administering recreational fishing surveys, and producing estimates of recreational catch. Regional and state partners identify information needs, coordinate survey operations and on-site data collection, and participate in quality assurance and quality control procedures.

Scientific Integrity

NOAA Fisheries is committed to using the best available science to produce its recreational catch estimates. Our survey and data standards help ensure the integrity of our data collection efforts and the quality of our recreational fisheries statistics. Ongoing research improves data collection across the United States. And quality assurance and quality control procedures minimize the potential for errors in the information we publish.

Recreational Fisheries Statistics

NOAA Fisheries provides open access to its recreational fishing data. Use the MRIP Query Tool to filter data by time series, geographic area, species, mode, and other characteristics, or visit the Recreational Fishing Data Downloads page to access our public-use datasets and statistical analysis programs. Subscribe to our email service to be notified of data updates.

Modern Fish Act Reports

The Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018 requires NOAA Fisheries to report on certain aspects of the Marine Recreational Information Program’s work. As of January 2021, the agency has submitted a report on its incorporation of recreational fishing data from state agencies and non-governmental sources. Reports on our plans to enhance existing state data collection partnerships and continue our progress toward the recommendations of a 2017 National Academies of Sciences review are under development. 

Featured News The recreational fishing community is our primary source of recreational fishing data. Credit: Amanda Nalley/FL FWC Feature Story Ask MRIP: Answering Your Questions About Estimating Recreational Catch National Feature Story National Academies Completes Consensus Study Report on Recreational Fishing Data and Strategies to Support In-season Management National Credit: NOAA Fisheries Feature Story Ask MRIP: Answering Your Questions About Recreational Fishing Data Collection National Feature Story Saltwater Anglers from Maine to Mississippi: Help Us Improve Communications About Recreational Fishing New England/Mid-Atlantic Southeast View More News More Information About MRIP Data Queries Data User Handbook Survey Design and Statistical Methods Manual Outreach Materials Research Projects National Saltwater Angler Registry Public Access Fishing Site Register Notices Rules Framework Adjustment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan New England/Mid-Atlantic New England/Mid-Atlantic Amendment 42: Modifications to Sea Turtle Release Gear and Framework Procedure for the Snapper Grouper Fishery Southeast Southeast Framework Amendment 6: Atlantic King Mackerel Commercial Trip Limits Southeast Southeast South Atlantic Modifications to Charter Vessel and Headboat Reporting Requirements Southeast Southeast Gulf of Mexico Modifications to Charter Vessel and Headboat Reporting Requirements Southeast Southeast More Notices Rules Bulletins NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for Gulf of Mexico Federal For-Hire Permit Holders as Part of The Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program Southeast Southeast Reopening of the 2021 Federal Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Season Southeast Southeast Commercial and Recreational Harvest of Lane Snapper in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico Will Close on October 18, 2021 Southeast Southeast NOAA Offers Online Webinars for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish and Coastal Migratory Pelagic For-Hire Permit Holders Southeast Southeast NOAA Announces the 2021 Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recreational For-Hire Season Southeast Southeast More Bulletins Upcoming Events MRIP Data User Seminar: Statistical Methods and Nov 30, 2021

National MRIP Data User Seminar: MRIP Query Tool Jan 25, 2022

National MRIP Data User Seminar: Custom Domain Analyses Feb 22, 2022 - Mar 31, 2022

National More Events Open Funding Opportunities

There are currently no open funding opportunities.

More Opportunities FACT 185 million fishing trips

In 2018, anglers in Hawaii and along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts took almost 185 million saltwater fishing trips. Two-thirds of those trips took place from shore.

FACT 3,000+ active survey sites

Our partners interview anglers at thousands of marinas, boat ramps, beaches, and other publicly accessible fishing sites across 16 coastal states.

FACT 3 general fishing surveys

The Access Point Angler Intercept Survey, Fishing Effort Survey, and For-Hire Survey collect data on all of the species anglers catch.

FACT 4 certified state surveys

In Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, alternative general and specialized surveys help us produce more precise estimates of recreational catch.

Show me another fact How We Collect Data

In-person interviews, telephone and mail surveys, and electronic reporting are methods we use to collect information from private anglers and for-hire operators. While we could never collect data from all saltwater anglers, surveying a representative sample allows us to estimate catch and effort for the entire marine recreational fishing population.

Learn how we sample anglers

How We Estimate Recreational Catch

The calculations we use to produce catch estimates can be understood as expanding catch rate, or the estimated number of fish caught per angler trip, by effort, or the estimated number of fishing trips taken in a two-month period.

Learn how we produce catch estimates

Explore Our Data

Our searchable database of catch, effort, and fishing participation statistics allows users to filter our data by time series, geographic area, species, mode, and other characteristics.

Learn about our data and statistics query tool

Find a Fishing Site

Our searchable database of marinas, boat ramps, beaches, and other publicly accessible fishing sites on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts includes information about site usage and amenities, and helps us determine where we should conduct in-person angler interviews.

Learn about our fishing site register

Insight Marine Recreational Information Program

The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) is a state-regional-federal partnership that collects data about how often anglers fish and what they catch. Read More Multimedia NOAA Fisheries Video Gallery Credit: Wendy Paquette. Infographic Infographic Illustrates the Role of For-Hire Data in Science and Management New England/Mid-Atlantic Southeast Infographic Infographic Illustrates Role of Fishing Access Site Register New England/Mid-Atlantic Southeast Collecting 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

More About This Topic 64 resources match your filter criteria. Florida Atlantic University Exempted Fishing Permit Application The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for an EFP from Florida Atlantic University. Southeast Frequent Questions: National Saltwater Angler Registry These frequently asked questions cover who should register with NSAR, how much registration costs, and how to convey your registration status to law enforcement. National National Saltwater Angler Registry NOAA Fisheries uses this “address book” of recreational anglers to distribute its mail Fishing Effort Survey. Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR. National Frequently Asked Questions: Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program Frequently asked questions about electronic reporting by federal for-hire vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Southeast 2021 and 2020-2021 South Atlantic Recreational Landings The Southeast Fisheries Science Center has provided the following preliminary landings estimates for species in the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s area of jurisdiction subject to annual catch limits (ACLs). Southeast More Information Recreational Fishing Survey Design and Statistical Methods Manual Recreational Electronic Reporting At-a-Glance Producing Estimates

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

Florida Atlantic University Exempted Fishing Permit Application The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for an EFP from Florida Atlantic University. Southeast Frequent Questions: National Saltwater Angler Registry These frequently asked questions cover who should register with NSAR, how much registration costs, and how to convey your registration status to law enforcement. National National Saltwater Angler Registry NOAA Fisheries uses this “address book” of recreational anglers to distribute its mail Fishing Effort Survey. Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR. National Frequently Asked Questions: Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program Frequently asked questions about electronic reporting by federal for-hire vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Southeast 2021 and 2020-2021 South Atlantic Recreational Landings The Southeast Fisheries Science Center has provided the following preliminary landings estimates for species in the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s area of jurisdiction subject to annual catch limits (ACLs). Southeast More Information Recreational Fishing Survey Design and Statistical Methods Manual An Introduction to Marine Recreational Information Program Data Using the Data

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

Florida Atlantic University Exempted Fishing Permit Application The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for an EFP from Florida Atlantic University. Southeast Frequent Questions: National Saltwater Angler Registry These frequently asked questions cover who should register with NSAR, how much registration costs, and how to convey your registration status to law enforcement. National National Saltwater Angler Registry NOAA Fisheries uses this “address book” of recreational anglers to distribute its mail Fishing Effort Survey. Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR. National Frequently Asked Questions: Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program Frequently asked questions about electronic reporting by federal for-hire vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Southeast 2021 and 2020-2021 South Atlantic Recreational Landings The Southeast Fisheries Science Center has provided the following preliminary landings estimates for species in the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s area of jurisdiction subject to annual catch limits (ACLs). Southeast More Information Data Queries Data Downloads Data Glossary Timeline of Data Additions and Updates Metadata (InPort) Ensuring Sound Science

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

Florida Atlantic University Exempted Fishing Permit Application The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for an EFP from Florida Atlantic University. Southeast Frequent Questions: National Saltwater Angler Registry These frequently asked questions cover who should register with NSAR, how much registration costs, and how to convey your registration status to law enforcement. National National Saltwater Angler Registry NOAA Fisheries uses this “address book” of recreational anglers to distribute its mail Fishing Effort Survey. Most anglers do not need to register with NSAR. National Frequently Asked Questions: Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program Frequently asked questions about electronic reporting by federal for-hire vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Southeast 2021 and 2020-2021 South Atlantic Recreational Landings The Southeast Fisheries Science Center has provided the following preliminary landings estimates for species in the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s area of jurisdiction subject to annual catch limits (ACLs). Southeast More Information MRIP Projects Database Recreational Fishing Survey Design and Statistical Methods Manual Documents Document Fisheries Economics of the United States Report, 2018

Fisheries Economics of the United States (FEUS) is an annual report that provides economic…

National Document MRIP Plan for State Partnerships

This document explains how NOAA Fisheries will establish the state-federal recreational data…

National Document MRIP Data User Handbook

This handbook contains detailed information about downloading, exporting, querying, and analyzing…

National Document Fisheries of the United States, 2019

The annual Fisheries of the United States report is a yearbook of fisheries statistics for the…

National More Documents Data Maps Map Alaska Recreational Fishing Communities Interactive Map Alaska More Data and Maps Research Florida Atlantic University Exempted Fishing Permit Application

The National Marine Fisheries Service received an application for an EFP from Florida Atlantic University.

Southeast More Research Outreach Education Educational Materials For-Hire Data Collection in the Greater Atlantic

This rack card explains how NOAA Fisheries collects recreational fishing data from for-hire vessels…

New England/Mid-Atlantic Educational Materials For-Hire Data Collection in the Southeast

This rack card explains how NOAA Fisheries collects recreational fishing data from for-hire vessels…

Southeast Educational Materials Fishing Effort Survey At-a-Glance Fact Sheet

This fact sheet answers common questions about the Marine Recreational Information Programs mail…

New England/Mid-Atlantic Pacific Islands Southeast Educational Materials Transitioning to a New Survey of Fishing Effort

This fact sheet explains the differences between new and legacy estimates of recreational saltwater…

New England/Mid-Atlantic More Outreach and Education Materials