NOAA Fisheries Teams Up with States to Fix Fishing Data Problems

NOAA Fisheries has launched a better system for reviewing recreational fishing catch data, working closely with state and regional partners to improve the accuracy of information that drives fishing regulations.

The improved review process, developed over the past year, uses local data from Atlantic and Gulf state partners, with Hawaii joining the effort this summer. This partnership approach aims to spot fishing numbers that don’t match normal angler behavior or past patterns.

“This is an evolving process that has benefitted greatly from our regional and state partners’ local fisheries expertise and knowledge in identifying estimates that appear inconsistent with expected fishing behavior patterns or past trends,” said Dr. Katherine Papacostas, program manager for NOAA Fisheries Marine Recreational Information Program.

NOAA Fisheries – How the Review Process Works

State and interstate marine fisheries commission partners get notifications when NOAA posts early catch numbers to their online data tool. Partners then review and flag numbers that need more investigation based on several scenarios, including:

• Surprisingly high or low numbers for popular species compared to seasonal patterns or past data
• Numbers that unexpectedly go over annual catch limits
• Data that’s way off from seasonal predictions
• Unusual catch numbers for species with short recreational seasons
• Catches for banned species or out-of-season fish

Once flagged, NOAA investigates these numbers, documents what they find, and shares results with partners, including any updated numbers. The team approach is already producing real results. Dawn Franco, a marine biologist with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, highlighted a case where a single angler reported catching way too many dolphinfish (mahi-mahi).

“After identifying this estimate outlier, NOAA Fisheries reduced the estimate by 26 percent, using standard statistical weighting procedures, so the estimate is more representative of angling behavior for the fishery,” Franco explained.

Many flagged numbers in Georgia have come from dockside survey interviews with unusual catch data that doesn’t match typical angler behavior patterns.

State partners have embraced the new process with enthusiasm. Alex DiJohnson, Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program recreational team lead, noted that states feel a renewed sense of ownership in the review process. “The states seem excited. They’re ready to get their hands dirty,” he said.

Franco agreed, appreciating “the open dialogue and the renewed emphasis on estimate review over the past year. The process has become more streamlined along the way.”

Looking Ahead

NOAA is developing a new online data review tracking tool to further streamline the process and improve transparency. The complete tracking system, which will serve as a clear record of reviews and outcomes, is expected to launch by the end of 2025.

This improved collaboration represents a big step forward in ensuring recreational fishing data accurately reflects actual angling patterns, helping make better fishing rules and regulations.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outdoor journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: keithlusherjr@gmail.com