By JONATHAN VEACH
In July, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) celebrated five years of the State Reef Fish Survey, a milestone in Florida’s ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of its recreational reef fishery.
Thanks to participation from anglers, the survey has played a critical role in delivering timely, high-quality data that is essential for evaluating and managing reef fish stocks statewide. This data-based approach supports not only healthy fish populations but also the fishing opportunities that are a cornerstone of Florida’s outdoor heritage and coastal economy.
From Regional to Statewide Impact
Originally launched as the Gulf Reef Fish Survey, the program was created to improve the understanding of recreational fishing for reef species along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Developed through years of collaboration with regional and federal partners, the survey was carefully designed to collect reliable fisheries data.
In July 2020, the program expanded to include Monroe County and the Atlantic coast of Florida, earning a new name — State Reef Fish Survey — to reflect its broader geographic coverage and increased significance.
With each completed survey and dockside interview, the dataset grows, enabling FWC scientists to track trends in reef fish populations, assess the effectiveness of management measures, and plan for the future.
More recently, the survey has been used to help monitor and set the Gulf recreational red snapper season, providing longer seasons and more fishing opportunities for anglers. Additionally, the data was used in assessments for Gulf red grouper, mutton snapper, and yellowtail snapper, offering a more reliable and precise method compared to previous recreational sampling practices.
How the survey works
The survey uses a two-pronged approach to collect recreational fishing data: a mail survey and in-person dockside interviews.
- Mail Survey: Anglers who hold the State Reef Fish Angler designation — required for those who fish for or harvest certain reef species — may be randomly selected to receive a survey. These questionnaires gather details about the angler’s fishing activity over the previous month, including trip frequency and basic catch information.
- Dockside Interviews: FWC biologists interview anglers returning from fishing trips to collect detailed information about their catch, including species, number of fish harvested and released, and data on fish size, weight, and age.
In addition, FWC scientists sometimes join anglers on for-hire charter and headboat trips to gather data directly from anglers. This data helps researchers estimate post-release survival and project future stock availability.
Why Angler Participation Matters
Participation is free and essential. Signing up for the State Reef Fish Angler designation, responding to surveys, and participating in interviews provide critical insights that guide sustainable fishery management. These efforts help ensure reef fish species such as snapper, grouper, and amberjack remain abundant for future generations of Florida anglers.
As the survey marks its fifth year in 2025, continued angler engagement is more important than ever to make the survey maximally effective into the future. Recreational fishing is a valued pastime and an important driver for the state’s economy. Data collected through the State Reef Fish Survey will provide a clearer picture of the health of reef fish stocks throughout the state and help ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing in Florida.
Angler participation is crucial to the success of these efforts. The SRFS designation is not included in the Sportsman’s Gold License, so you will need to sign up through one of our other means.
How to Get Involved
Anglers should add the State Reef Fish Angler designation when purchasing or renewing their fishing license through GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and at any license agent. The designation can also now be set to auto-renew, making it easier than ever to stay engaged in sustainable reef fish management. Remember, you only need the designation if you’re targeting reef fish; if you’re fishing for inshore species like red drum or seatrout, you do not need the survey designation.
For more information about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.
Jonny Veach is a Public Information Specialist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
