The data used for the survey is collected by two independent, but complementary, surveys:
Numerous NMFS methodological studies indicated that the survey should be structured around this data collection approach. These studies showed that a telephone survey could be used to collect reliable data on recreational fishing effort. Data on fishing trips became less reliable beyond a 2-month period due to recall problems. Information on the actual catch such as species identity, number, and both weights and lengths of fish caught could not be reliably collected by telephone. Catch data are obtained from anglers intercepted by trained interviewers stationed at fishing access sites. Data from the two independent surveys are combined to produce estimates of total participation, effort and catch. Using the complemented surveys approach, marine recreational fishing estimates (not including shellfishing) are calculated for six two-month periods (waves) in each year.
Intercept Survey Telephone Household Survey Number, weights and lengths of fish Presence of marine recreational caught by species anglers in the household State and county of residence Number of anglers per household Avidity level - trips per year Fishing trips in 2-month period Mode of fishing Mode of each trip Primary area of fishing Primary location of each trip