North Carolina recreational anglers holding a current Coastal Recreational Fishing License may receive a survey conducted by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries in the coming months.
The survey is a follow-up to a previously conducted data collection in 2009. It seeks information on the economic characteristics of coastal recreational anglers’ fishing trips, as well as social and demographic characteristics. The information gathered will be used in fishery management plans and in developing economic impact models to help fisheries managers make informed decisions.
Anglers, who receive the survey through random selection, will be asked a variety of questions such as what species they commonly target, average fishing trip expenditures, demographic information such as education, age, and household income, and their opinions on fisheries management and user conflicts.
Individual responses to questions will be kept strictly confidential. Results from the study will be aggregated to present an overall view of the economic status of the recreational fishery and published in a report that will be made available to the public.
For the survey results to truly represent those who fish in North Carolina waters, it is very important that anglers participate and answer as many questions as possible. By completing the survey, anglers help ensure that fisheries managers receive the best possible information.
The survey is being funded by the Marine Resources Fund, which seeks to manage, enhance and protect the marine resources of North Carolina based on sound science and strategies.