Accuracy? I would call WDFW's ability to establish an encounter rate ' best available science,' or as close to science as it can get. In marine areas, test boats fish primarily to provide staff and advisors with current in-season estimates used to determine the impacts and effectiveness of a rec fishery. The mature/immature fish encounter rate does play a role in the decision making on how to proceed with the conservation and user group share of a fishery (most recently in area 9).
The monitoring estimates consisting of mature immature, hatchery vs. wild, etc combined with VTR's and creel are the best way to get a good picture of whats happening and make adjustments if necessary. Can you think of a better way to do it?


The department allocates a large percentage of its annual budget to monitoring recreational fisheries these days... disproportionately so versus other user groups. That needs to change.