Recreational Surveys

Marine Fisheries: Recreational Surveys

Be Counted...

You may see NJDEP Fish & Wildlife interviewers at marine public access fishing sites conducting the Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS). The survey targets marine recreational anglers to obtain information about their fishing effort and catch. The more data collected, the more successful the survey becomes for estimating overall catch, which is an integral factor for managing fisheries.

Marine Fisheries staff are eager to speak with fishing clubs/groups about the importance of the APAIS. We rely heavily on our valued anglers, creating a joint effort to preserve the state’s natural resources. Invite us to a group meeting or event. Contact Maryellen Gordon at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you!

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife staff continue to conduct the For-Hire Telephone Survey annually from March through December. Weekly calls are made to vessel operators regarding the previous week’s trips. This data is used to estimate fishing effort in the for-hire sector and is combined with APAIS data. 2,132 vessels were contacted averaging approximately 50 vessels per week with just over a 47% response rate during 2023.

If you’re not contacted directly while out fishing, you can submit an easy, online fishing report after each saltwater trip to the Recreational Saltwater Volunteer Angler Survey at dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/volunteer-angler-survey/. Your reports have a real impact on how our oceans are managed.