N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to Survey Anglers
OutdoorHub 04.16.12
If you’re one of more than 800,000 anglers in North Carolina who holds a current freshwater fishing license, you may have a chance to participate in a study designed to determine anglers’ views of and preferences for freshwater fisheries management in North Carolina.
From now until July, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is mailing a “2012 North Carolina Freshwater Angler Survey” to a random selection of 9,000 resident freshwater fishing license holders. The survey consists of 37 questions that assess the management expectations, fishing preferences, and levels of participation of freshwater anglers in North Carolina.
While the survey is voluntary, angler participation is critical. The more anglers who respond to the survey, the better information the agency will have about anglers’ views of freshwater fisheries management in North Carolina.
“The Commission strongly encourages anglers who receive the survey to fill it out and return it by July 31,” said Kerry Linehan, a human dimensions biologist for the Commission. “Studies like the 2012 Freshwater Angler Survey are part of the process of evaluating the state’s fisheries so that the Commission can make better management decisions and improve fishing experiences for all anglers.”
The Commission will use the data taken from the survey, in addition to biological data, data collected by surveying anglers on specific bodies of water, and other forms of public comment, to help it make fisheries management decisions and program modifications that, ultimately, will improve fishing opportunities for all anglers.
The final report will be available in January 2013.
