Creel Survey Database
Boat-based creel surveys allow the Division to gauge the type of fish people are catching and the amount of effort they spent trying to catch it. In collaboration with Enforcement Officers, staff from the Data program interview fishermen when they return to shore with their boat. Usually this occurs at the various boat ramps around Saipan such as Smiling Cove Marina, Outer Cover Marina, Sugar Dock, Tanapag Beach Ramp, Lower Base Beach Ramp, or Charlie Dock.
Staff inspect the fishermen's catch to determine the number of species caught, their size, weight, and other characteristics. They also interview the fishermen to determine where the person went fishing, the number of hours spent fishing, the type of lure, bait or gear used, and the method of fishing.
The information is collected on a Creel Survey Form for entry into the database. By collecting information of this nature over time, the Division can judge how much effort fishermen are expending to catch fish (i.e. one pound of fish per hour fishing). The term "Catch Per Unit Effort" or CPUE is used by scientists and managers to assess the quality and quantity of fish stocks.
Since the Division wants to ensure good fishing for everyone for a long period of time, the CPUE is a very helpful tool that helps us manage fisheries in a sustainable manner. Accordingly, sharing your catch information fully, accurately and precisely with Division personnel after a fishing trip benefits all fisherfolk of the CNMI.