Improved Estimation Methods for the Access Point Angler Intercept Survey in the United States

The Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS) conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service utilizes two complementary surveys: a Coastal Household Telephone Survey (CHTS) and an Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). The APAIS is a stratified, multi-stage sample that is used to collect data on catch by species and to estimate the mean catch per angler fishing day. In the traditional MRFSS, estimates from the APAIS relied on unweighted averages that did not reflect the complex sampling design. Estimates from MRFSS also used some data that were not obtained through a probability sample. This talk describes proposed changes to the estimation procedures for the APAIS. These changes will ensure that estimation methods being applied to the APAIS are statistically valid.