Evaluating the Value of the Internet for the Collection of Data from Anglers

Fishery managers have long recognized the need for and value of human dimensions information for managing the fisheries resources.  Collecting good scientific data representative of the angling population is very expensive and takes months to collect and analyze.  However, recent advances in computer technology and widespread use of the Internet by the public have generated considerable interest in using Internet-based survey methodology.  The main advantages of using the Internet are speed and cost savings.  However, two major factors that reduce the validity of Internet-based survey methodology are non-response bias and sample validity resulting from incomplete coverage of the target population. 

Internet surveys conducted by SDGFP have shown that coverage and non-response issues can be very large and significantly affect survey results. The SDGFP had e-mail addresses for about 52% of the South Dakota residents purchasing a fishing license in 2011.  An e-mail invitation to participate in an Internet based survey (SurveyMonkey) was sent to about 53,000 anglers and resulted in a 33% participation rate.  The main objective of this study is to identify the nature and extent of these two possible sources of bias and develop a relatively inexpensive process to correct biases associated with an Internet survey.