Estimates of the age distribution of fish in the population and how the distribution has changed over time is critical information for the assessment of the population. To estimate the age distribution, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center has developed the Trip Interview Program (TIP). Like the other statistics gathering programs, this one is also a joint or cooperative effort with the state fishery agencies in the Southeast Region.

The Trip Interview Program was principally developed to provide two types of information - size frequency data and age at length data. In addition, this program also provides catch per unit effort data and information on the composition of the species being caught and landed.

The collection of data for this program is conducted by port agents located in coastal area in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. These field biologists visit docks and fish houses to interview the fishermen and take length and weight samples from their catch. For some trips, the port agents are at the location when the fish are being unloaded and can measure and weigh individual fish as they are being unloaded. At other times, the fish have already been unloaded and the port agent is given permission to measure and weigh a sample of the catch from the storage containers at the fish houses. In addition to the length and weight data, the port agents also attempt to interview the captain or a crew member to collect data on the fishing trip - i.e., fishing area, type and quantity of gear, fishing time, etc.

The port agents also take hard part and tissue samples for some of the fish they measure. These samples are sent to one of two Southeast Fisheries Science Center laboratories for biologists to analyze and determine the age of the fish. The age, along with the length of the fish, are used to determine the age-at-length for a sample of the fish population, which then is used to estimate the age distribution for the entire population or stock of the species.

Mission Statement

The Trip Interview Program (TIP) was developed by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) as a shore-based sampling program. The primary focus of the TIP is the collection of random size-frequency data and biological samples from commercial marine fisheries. Biological samples include age, reproductive, prey, and genetic data. In addition to collecting biological data, the TIP serves as a quality assurance on catch and effort data. It validates species composition of catch and type and quantity of gear through first hand, trained observation. Other important information, obtained through personal interviews with the fishermen and dealers, also serves the quality assurance purpose.

The TIP is a major component of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) in the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coastal region and the Commercial Fisheries Information Network (COMFIN) in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico coastal region. It also collects data from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

To obtain data entry forms, click on the 3 Data Entry Forms links below. Files are in Adobe Acrobat Reader .pdf format.