Saving Seafood

Facing accuracy challenges, NOAA looks to improve its fisheries data collection strategy

May 20, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries is holding an online workshop to “re-envision” the nation’s state, regional and federal recreational fisheries data collection program and partnership, known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP. The program has suffered significant data accuracy challenges over the years and NOAA Fisheries aims to improve it.

Commercial fishers record and report the fish they catch so commercial fishing data is accurate according to what is caught and where. Recreational fisheries do not record catch and effort, however, so NOAA Fisheries, through stock assessments and the MRIP program, estimate recreational catch and effort. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses the estimates to manage stocks and establish recreational harvest limits. Because the data are estimates, they are often inaccurate.

Read the full article at The Providence Journal 

New Free App Helps Fishermen Manage Catch Data

November 9, 2015 — The Catch App, launched by SuccorfishM2M, is a revolutionary new fisheries management app that is being seen as a real solution to a growing need for much improved data evidence within global commercial fisheries.

Designed by SuccorfishM2M and developed in conjunction with Blue Marine Foundation, it provides the industry with a complete, up-to-date, online digital diary that gives users access to their own fishing data as well as the ability to share it with whom they choose.

Catch App integrates seamlessly with the SuccorfishM2M SC2-iVMS system to provide a highly detailed, real time picture of vessel location and activities.

Taking less than two minutes to complete, it digitally stores and submits catch entries that are typically recorded on paper and allows fishermen to compare gear, bait and season performance as well as calculate catch per unit effort in a bid to encourage efficient practices and fisheries sustainability.

The app promotes total traceability by allowing instant catch reporting prior to landing. It can manage quotas through efficient, real-time reporting, allows fishermen to configure the system according to local parameters and fully supports the need for documented fisheries.

Read the full story at The Fish Site