The MRFSS is a vital element for protecting and enhancing marine recreational fisheries. Information gathered through the survey provides managers with sound scientific information on catch, effort, and participation needed to prudently conserve and manage marine recreational fisheries for current users and for future generations. Marine recreational fisheries of the United States are an important source of fun and food, as well as an important component of the economic well-being of many coastal communities. In 1995, from California to Washington, over 2.6 million people made over 8.4 million sport fishing trips, and harvested over 28 million finfish weighing a total of 10 million pounds. Numerous species occupying a variety of habitats are targeted, ranging from salmon, tunas and rockfishes to halibut, baraccudas and surfsmelt. Over 200 different species of finfish are harvested through a variety of fishing methods, on shore and from boats. The marine recreational fishery supports a diverse fishing industry which provides goods and services, including bait, tackle, boats and motors, party/charterboat services, and hotels and restaurants for tourist anglers. Marine recreational fisheries contribute significantly to the quality of American life.
The catch portion of this Survey is administered on the Pacific coast by PSMFC with participation by the three state fishery agencies of California, Oregon and Washington and NMFS. The effort portion of this Survey is administered by NMFS by means of a private contractor. The survey collects catch data on number and weight of fish by species, number of fishing days, various angler demographic and social data, and economic information.The survey has collected data since July, 1979 with the exception of 1990-92.
1. Intercept Survey - Interviews of anglers at fishing sites for catch information (about 38,000) for finfish catch, weight and length by species, state and county of residence, mode of fishing (pier or boat ctc.) and area of fishing (ocean, bay or sound etc.).
1997 Intercept Questions and 
item by item instructions
1997 Intercept Form pictures: front and back.
2. Telelphone Survey - Interviews of fishers and non fishers at home for trip information (about 56,000) for presence of marine recreational anglers in the household, number of anglers per household, mode of each trip (pier or boat ctc.) and county of each trip.
For questions or specific requests contact: Wade H. Van Buskirk <wade@psmfc.org>
