NOAA Seeks Renewal of Angler Effort Survey
Published Date: 7/20/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for approval to keep running and improve its Marine Recreational Information Program Fishing Effort Survey, which asks anglers about their fishing trips. This survey helps manage fish populations and supports fishing rules from Maine to Hawaii. About 112,500 people will spend just 5 minutes each, with no big cost changes, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Shift to Monthly Fishing Survey
NOAA will change the Marine Recreational Information Program Fishing Effort Survey from bi-monthly (two-month waves) to monthly administration. The revised monthly design covers coastal states from Maine through Florida and Hawaii and is stated to produce more timely and accurate estimates of recreational fishing activity.
Pilot of Online Reporting
The information collection request includes a pilot web-push study that will encourage online reporting before offering a mail response option. NOAA will evaluate the pilot for data quality, timeliness of reporting, and cost.
Respondent Time Burden
About 112,500 individuals or households will be asked to respond to the Fishing Effort Survey, with an average response time of 5 minutes each and total annual burden of 9,374 hours. Participation is voluntary.
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Key Dates
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