For many managed species on the Atlantic Coast, MRIP estimates are reasonably precise at the annual and regional scale; however, regional estimates for some species are not precise enough to meet fisheries assessment and management needs. ACCSP recommends that resources continue to focus on targeted sampling design changes, alternative estimation approaches, and methods to optimize sampling effort to reduce PSEs for managed species.

The higher an estimate’s Percent Standard Error, or PSE, the larger the margin of error around the estimate, which means there is more uncertainty in the estimate. MRIP publishes a PSE alongside its catch estimates. MRIP cautions use of the estimate in fisheries management when the PSE is over 30, and does not support use of the estimate when the PSE exceeds 50.

For-hire catch and effort estimates combine survey and logbook data collection methodologies. This provides adequate coverage for commonly encountered species on an annual basis; however, opportunities exist to more fully utilize the For-hire logbook data. ACCSP recommends the continued development of a Comprehensive For-hire Data Collection Program via MRIP certification to maximize data use among federal and state programs while minimizing reporting burden for fishery participants.

In response to fish stock size changes, fishery managers have taken regulatory steps to reduce harvest. This has translated into a growing portion of recreational catch that is released at sea and unavailable for direct observation. ACCSP supports improvements to the current headboat at-sea sampling program and exploration for alternate methods and sources of recreational discard information.

There are two aspects of timing to consider regarding recreational catch and harvest estimates: the unit of estimation (i.e., month, two-month wave, cumulative, annual) and how quickly estimates are generated after an estimation period has ended. Currently, two-month wave estimates are available 45 days after the completion of the wave and annual estimates of catch and harvest are available in April of the following year. ACCSP acknowledges that a balance is required between desired estimate precision, sampling requirements to support different levels of resolution, and the impact of increased sampling on survey costs. As much as practicable, ACCSP supports moving to monthly generation of estimates.

Fishery-dependent monitoring programs that collect vital statistics on catch and effort from the recreational fishery may not provide some of the critical length, weight and age data inputs needed for age-based stock assessments. ACCSP recommends expansion of both MRIP dockside sampling and supplemental data collection efforts to collect lengths, weights, age structures, and sex ratios for manage species.

For some species, fisheries management requires precise estimates of landings and discards over short time periods. The MRIP is designed as a general survey at annual scales and is therefore not intended for the purposes of in-season management of recreational fisheries with ACLs. The 2021 National Academy of Science review of the MRIP suggested several options to address in-season catch monitoring, including: using raw data streams of MRIP data, mode-based projecting and/or forecasting, further implementation of new technologies to better collect data, and using supplemental and ancillary data. ACCSP and its partners continue to define the regional needs related to in-season monitoring.