The Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) and NOAA Fisheries have released a plan to improve recreational fisheries data collection on the Atlantic Coast. The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Regional Implementation Plan for the Atlantic Coast (PDF) identifies data needs and funding priorities for the next 5 years. The plan aims to provide better data for stock assessment and management, and to support fishing opportunities for generations to come. The ACCSP, which collects, manages, and disseminates Atlantic commercial and recreational fisheries data, coordinates the plan with the help of its partners. The plan includes improvements to the precision and presentation of estimates, comprehensive for-hire data collection, improved recreational fishery discard and release data, expanded biological sampling, and improved in-season monitoring. These improvements will help provide better data for stock assessment and management, which is essential for maintaining sustainable fishing practices and supporting fishing opportunities for generations to come.
NOAA Fisheries will use the plan to guide its allocation of resources and to address the data needs of regional fishery stock assessors and managers. For more information on the plan, visit NOAA’s website.
