Knowable Unknowns of Fishing Catch Data

Knowable Unknowns of Fishing Catch Data

On January 10, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) released their Review of the Marine Recreational Information Program (known as MRIP). The report takes a comprehensive look at how well MRIP is doing in its goal of “modernizing the survey methods to reduce bias, increase efficiency, and build greater trust with the […]

Managing Fisheries Management Uncertainty

Managing Fisheries Management Uncertainty

Fisheries management is not an exact science. Although biologists are constantly refining their stock assessments and population models, there are still many sources of uncertainty. Some of them fall into the category of “scientific uncertainty.” Such scientific uncertainty applies to all of the important parameters, such as stock size and the number of young fish […]

National Academy of Sciences Praises Marine Recreational Information Program

National Academy of Sciences Praises Marine Recreational Information Program

Top photo courtesy John McMurray Whenever fishery managers propose regulations that restrict anglers’ landings, someone will always complain that such rules are not needed, and challenge the data on which they are based. While biological data, such as stock assessments, receive some criticism, most anglers’ rancor is reserved for the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) […]

The Straight Dope on Fluke

The Straight Dope on Fluke

Be careful what you wish for… you just might get it I hesitate to write about fluke again, but given the woefully inadequate press on the issue, and the current focus by politicians, who clearly aren’t getting the whole story, I think it’s important anglers understand the situation, and what’s at stake here. Let me […]

National Ocean Policy On The Chopping Block?

National Ocean Policy On The Chopping Block?

If you fish offshore, this should concern you greatly… Been hearing rumors for about a month now. But really, just found out that, well, unfortunately, it’s kinda true… The National Ocean Policy is currently #210 on House Freedom Caucus’ list of rules, regulations and policies to remove or revoke in the first 100 days. I […]