Florida fisheries official and states press for MRIP reform, back HR 5 6 9 9 to improve recreational data

Dr. C.J. Sweetman, federal fisheries section leader at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, told the subcommittee that federal recreational-fishing data produced by NOAA’s MRIP (Marine Recreational Information Program) have persistent accuracy problems that impede fisheries management and can lead to unnecessary closures.

Sweetman offered examples: a single greater amberjack caught in 2022 was extrapolated under MRIP to an estimated 300,000 pounds of harvest off the Mississippi coast, and NOAA itself acknowledged in 2023 that the fishing effort survey may overstate effort by 30–40 percent. “MRIP is so very far behind what is needed for recreational fisheries management,” he said, and recommended reforms such as using National Academy of Sciences review, allowing use of state-led programs where they are demonstrably better, and funding states to improve data collection.

Members asked whether HR 5 6 9 9 is meant to replace MRIP in regions where existing programs (for example, RecFin on the West Coast) already work; Sweetman said the bill’s intent is to improve error rates and provide opportunities for states to use better data, not to “get rid of MRIP altogether.” The exchange highlighted concerns from members about calibration and standardization across regions and the need for guardrails if more state control is authorized.

The subcommittee left the record open for written follow-ups; no vote was recorded.