The Bureau of Marine Fisheries conducts the Volunteer Angler Survey to collect information on certain recreationally important marine finfish species. Below are FAQs pertaining to the survey:

Q1. How can I report my catch and or harvest?
A. Anglers can use a survey platform optimized for mobile devices , a platform optimized for computers, or print a log sheet in grid format or log sheet using a tally format and then either mail or e-mail us (see footnote on log sheet for address and e-mail address). Our printable log form will be updated from time to time, so please check to make sure you are using the most recent version.

Q2. How do I complete a paper log form?
A. Information should be entered in all applicable fields. See the following examples:

• Example of a completed log sheet for individuals where no fish were caught
• Example of a completed grid format log sheet where catch is one or more
• Example of the completed tally format log sheet

Q3. Why do you have so many different forms for reporting catches?
A. Good question! Our various forms were developed in response to feedback we’ve heard from anglers. Some anglers have told us they prefer paper forms, while others have told us they enjoy the convenience of being able to report on their cell phones, while others like the original platform optimized for large screens. In 2025, we developed a new paper form designed to allow anglers to rapidly report fish lengths for summer flounder and black sea bass using a tally format.

Q4. Why is the tally format paper reporting form limited to summer flounder and black sea bass?
A. Another good question! Working with our Marine Fisheries Council, we are exploring the possibility of different recreational measures based on where or how you go fishing for one or both of those species. While we are interested in catch information from the for-hire sector for all species, in this inaugural year, we are focusing our efforts on summer flounder and black sea bass. Note however, that the form can easily be adapted for other species by simply crossing out the preprinted species names and writing in other species you would like to report. We may revise this form in the future. Your input is welcome!

Q5. Should I report Striped Bass bonus fish on this log?
A. No – please follow the SBBP instructions included with your permit. Bonus fish can be reported online here. In addition, please remember to record all striped bass fishing trips on the Fishing Log included with your permit or by using the Online Striped Bass Logbook until we combine all reporting into one form. For more information on the SBBP and for further instructions, please visit the SBBP webpage.

Q6. If I am fishing with one or more individuals, how can I be sure we won’t double report each other’s data?
A. Though we have data auditing procedures in place, please communicate with each other about your intentions to report data (whether your own, or for the group), to prevent duplicate reporting of data.

Q7. Why are you asking me about how many trips I made for a species in 2024? And how many years I have fished for a species?
A. We are trying to understand the demographics of anglers that provide data; 2024 is not a typo – oftentimes surveys will ask how many trips you made in the previous 12 months. To remove the ambiguity of this moving 12 month window, we simplified to just trips in 2024 (last year). But, if 2024 was an outlier in some way, we also want to know how long you have fished for the species.

For questions or assistance please e-mail marine_survey@njdepwptest.net.