Using a Mobile Platform to Address Challenges in Fisheries-Related Data Collection Efforts

RTI Mobile Field Surveys is an increasingly popular mobile technology that allows for the collection, storage, and transmission of multiple data types in a variety of challenging environments, including coastal marine and freshwater settings. Powered by a robust open source survey engine, the platform can be fully integrated with existing survey management tools and systems.  RTI Mobile FS combines traditional survey data collection capabilities, including case management functionality, complex instrumentation, audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), and computer audio-recorded interviews (CARI); with technologies to enhance data quality, including passive GPS capture, geotagged photo capture of fish, activity, or environments, geofencing for sampled targets, real-time sample and subsample selection, language support, and range, validity, and consistency checking.  We have successfully used RTI Mobile FS on various studies, and have conducted field tests related to recreational fishing activity data collection.  We have also proposed a more comprehensive use of this technology to enhance data quality, minimize data processing and delivery time, and allow for the use of integrated features for quality control and study management purposes.  We discuss this technology and how its design and implementation can address and mitigate some of the most persistent challenges in field data collection management.