Trust but Verify: Use of Voluntary Reporting and Intercept Data for Estimation of Catch

Several Gulf States have initiated programs encouraging anglers to voluntarily report their catch using electronic devices. When coupled with a subsequent intercept operation using a probability sample for selection of time and area, statistically defensible estimates of catch can be developed using capture recapture methodology. This paper will discuss a model for such data and the assumptions required for it to produce consistent estimates of catch and number of trips.  The method is illustrated with an example estimating recreational red snapper catch in Alabama.