Comparing different survey methods to estimate European sea bass recreational catches in the Basque Country.

This is the first study that estimates sea bass recreational catches in the Basque Country including fishers from shore, boat, and spearfishing. Three different offsite survey methods were used (e-mail, phone, and post) and their performance was compared. Estimates were different depending on the survey method used. Total catch estimates for shore fishing were 129, 156, and 351 tonnes for e-mail, phone, and post surveys, respectively. For boat fishing, estimates varied from 5 tonnes (phone) to 13 tonnes (e-mail and post). For spearfishing, only e-mail surveys were performed and total catch was estimated in 13 tonnes. Potential representation and measurement bias of each survey method were analysed. It was concluded that post surveys assured a full coverage of the target population, but showed very low response rates. Telephone surveys presented the highest response rates, but lower coverage of the target population. E-mail surveys had a low coverage and a low response rate, but it was the cheapest method, and allowed the largest sample size. All surveys methods were affected by recall bias. Recommendations are made about how to improve the surveys (increasing coverage, reducing non-response, and recall bias) to set up a routine cost-effective monitoring programme for Basque recreational fisheries. Results show that estimated sea bass recreational catches are comparable to commercial catches, which emphasize the relevance of sampling recreational fishing on a routine basis and including this information into the stock assessment and management processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]