App evaluation for SA rec fishing catch estimates
The project explored how smartphone apps can give recreational fishers a modern, real-time way to report their catch and fishing activity.
By participating in app-based reporting, fishers contribute valuable data that helps scientists and managers better understand fishing activity as it happens. This can potentially improve the information used for future fish stock assessments and management decisions.
Led by SARDI and the University of Tasmania, this research was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Government of South Australia. The app-based survey was reviewed and approved by the University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2021-025).
Objectives
App-based data was compared to the Survey of recreational fishing in South Australia 2021–22 ( ) to assess both the representativeness of participants and the accuracy of the data. The study addressed challenges like under-reporting of low or zero-catch trips.
By applying statistical adjustments and expansion techniques, the project aimed to fill in data gaps and provide more accurate estimates of total fishing activity.
The goal was to determine if app-based reporting could complement traditional surveys, by providing continuous updates for a more complete picture of fishing activity.
Key findings
Real-time data with broad participation
Over 2,000 fishing trips were reported via the app, mostly by frequent fishers. This was unlike the state-wide survey which included more occasional fishers, highlighting the need for adjustments to provide a balanced view.
Addressing under-reporting of low or zero-catch trips
Many app users didn’t report trips with little or no catch, leading to under-estimated fishing effort. Adjustments were made to ensure the data was more accurate, but it highlights the importance of reporting all trips, even when nothing is caught.
Catch estimates
After adjustments, the app’s catch estimates for most species – including Southern Calamary, Blue Crabs, Southern Garfish, Australian Salmon, and King George Whiting – were within 20% of the state-wide survey estimates.
Yellowfin Whiting catch was under-estimated, highlighting challenges with low levels of reporting and high variability in catch rates.
Effort estimates
Adjusted effort estimates (days fished) aligned with state-wide estimates for species like Southern Calamary, Yellowfin Whiting, Blue Crabs, and Southern Garfish.
However, estimates for species like King George Whiting, Australian Salmon, and Australian Herring were more difficult to calculate accurately due to factors like variability in fisher behaviour and potential misreporting. In particular, Australian Herring posed challenges due to low targeted catch rates.
Filling gaps with real-time data
The app’s real-time data collection fills gaps between traditional surveys, helping track recreational catch and effort consistently. This provides timely information to improve stock assessments and fishery management.
Recommendations
- Improve the accuracy of catch and effort estimates – focus on collecting more detailed data for specific species and use benchmarks to adjust app data. Refining how we handle missing data will make the data more accurate and reliable for stock assessments and fishery management.
- Make apps easier to use and improve reporting consistency – simplify app design so that the users can report all trips, even those with little or no catch. Adding reminders and user-friendly app features will encourage consistent reporting, as many fishers tend to forget or stop reporting after a few trips.
- Better understand fishing behaviour – explore how factors like skill level, fishing techniques, and experience affect catch rates. These details will help us adjust the data collection process, so it reflects what’s happening on the water.
- Keep more fishers involved in app reporting – engage fishers by offering better incentives and support. Improving communication and encouraging fisher participation will make sure the data is more representative and useful for stock assessment and fishery management
Summary
This project shows that smartphone apps can be a modern and efficient way to collect real-time fishing data, giving continuous insights that work alongside traditional surveys.
By filling in the gaps between larger surveys, apps can help make stock assessments that include recreational fishing data, so that fisheries management is more informed. It’s important to make sure the data represents a wide range of fishers and is accurate.
With ongoing improvements on how data is reported and shared, app-based data collection could become a valuable tool to better understand recreational fishing activity.