Optimizing Biosampling Opportunities: Lessons Learned from an Intensive Data Collection Program on Florida's Atlantic Coast

Biological sampling of recreationally harvested fish presents several challenges in terms of sample distribution, logistics and efficiency. In general, the numbers of access points and trips tend to be much greater and catch per trip much lower for the recreational sector. This translates into a lower probability of encounter for samplers.   The main source of recreational fisheries data for Florida, the Marine Recreational Information Program Access Point Angler Intercept Survey or APAIS is not used to collect age structures because of sample bias concerns.  However, the general nature of APAIS and the potential cost in terms of the reduction in the numbers of interviews, suggest that changing APAIS to allow biological sampling may not be the solution.  An integrated approach whereby biological sampling and angler interview information are combined has shown promise for the recreational red snapper fishery off Florida’s Atlantic coast.  This approach uses a subset of MRIP sites to define a sample frame based on red snapper fishing activity. Trip information collected differs from the APAIS in that catch is recorded for the boat rather than at the angler level, thereby reducing interview time at the expense of trip details.