Fish and Wilfelife Needs You in Order to Improve Recreational Fisheries' Data Collections
By Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission collects data in many ways, including mail surveys, dockside interviews and even a phone app. The information you provide helps scientists and managers monitor annual harvest levels, determine the health of a fishery and create critical fisheries stock assessments. With better, more precise data, we can keep Florida’s fisheries sustainable and productive now and for generations to come.
We encourage all anglers to participate in the following data collection programs, even if you haven’t made it out on the water this year.
Gulf Reef Fish Survey
Sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler for free via FWC’s licensing system or in person at any location that sells licenses. Once you are signed up, you may receive a survey in the mail through random selection. The information you provide helps estimate the total number of recreational fishing trips for reef fish off the west coast of Florida.
Dockside Interviews
FWC biologists conduct in-person interviews at randomly selected sites, such as boat ramps, marinas and docks, where recreational anglers may be returning from trips. Information gathered may include the numbers and types of fish harvested and released as well as other details about your recent trip.
Voluntary Phone App
If you want to provide more information about your recent fishing trip, you can download the iAngler smartphone app, which the Angler Action Foundation created. From red snapper to spotted seatrout, use the iAngler app to log your catches, increase your success on the water and help fisheries science.
Additional Ways to Participate
FWC biologists may also ride along with paying passengers on for hire fishing vessels, such as charter boats and headboats. Some of your released fish may be marked with special tags. If you catch a tagged fish, treat the fish as you normally would and then call FWC’s Tag Hotline at 800-367-4461 or email TagReturn@MyFWC.com to provide information.